Two childhood friends. One long-forgotten pact. And the almost kiss that changed everything.
I never planned on falling for Hunter Cassidy. He'd been my best friend forever—the steady, loyal guy who fixed everything that broke in my life. My bar. My car. My heart, even when I swore I’d never let anyone near it again.
After my divorce, love was the last thing on my list. I had kids to raise, a business to save, and a thousand pieces of myself to put back together. But then Hunter reminded me of the pact we had made in high school—the one where we promised that if we were still single at forty, we would marry each other—and suddenly nothing felt safe anymore.
Because the man I once called safe was now the one who made my pulse race. The one who waited for me outside my bar at closing time to make sure I was okay. The one who looked at me like I had already been his all along…
Losing him as a friend would break me. But risking my heart on him? That might finally make me whole.
Nora Everly is a lifelong bookworm. She started reading the good stuff once she was tall enough to sneak the romance novels off the top of her mother’s bookshelf and it has been non-stop ever since. Once upon a time she was a substitute teacher and an educational assistant. Now, she’s a writer and stay at home mom to two small humans and one fat cat. Nora lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and her overactive imagination.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ms. Everly has a wonderful prose style that just draws me in, and she uses it to tell an engaging story, with plenty of fun, snarky dialogue and emotional upheaval. Hunter and Paige have been in each other's lives since kindergarten. On the way home from their senior prom, they agreed to marry each other if they were both single when they turned 40. Life ensued, including a marriage, three children, and a divorce for Paige. With their fortieth birthdays approaching, Hunter and Paige are still great friends, though that pact is on their minds. Watching them cope with their changing feelings is delightful, and the slow burn of their chemistry is just right. Ms. Everly does an outstanding job with the secondary characters as well: Paige's teenage daughters are so realistic, and Hunter's conversations with his cat Ozzy and his family are really fun (and sometimes therapeutic). I loved every page of this story. I felt like I was in Honeybrook Hollow with all these lovely folks and got to see Hunter and Paige reach their HEA. A truly outstanding read! I was given an ARC and volunteered to write a review.
Two days after finishing By Your Side; the book coma has started to dissipate. Every time I started a new book I started thinking of Hunter and Paige. They took over my thoughts and the temptation for a reread grew. By Your Side grabbed me and didn't want to let go.
I will never turn down a visit to Honeybrook Hollow. The Cassidy family's Automotive had my heart revving. The banter between the brothers had me laughing so hard. The teasing that Hunter had to suffer was sibling gold. Best of all the way the family supports each other had me envious and devoted to them all at the same time.
The family dynamics of Paige's unique sibling connections had me pulling out a scorecard. The sisters never disappointed. When ever Paige started to stumble, her family was there to hold her up. I couldn't help but wonder where the girls be without their amazing grandparents?
The families were by their sides; as Hunter and Paige navigated to what the families have known for years, together they are perfection. They missed their chance in high school but second chance exist for a reason. Paige has been trashed by her now ex-husband for years. Even after divorce the kicks keep coming. He is realizing what the reader already knows, Paige is the bomb. He wants her life to implode.
Hunter won't let that happen. We all need a Hunter to stand with us. We all need a Hunter with a silver tongue that knows what to say to leave me swooning for days. Hunter gave me hours of hero worship. I could only hope that he would get the girl when all was said and done.
Stayed up way to late reading this a definitely don’t regret it
I absolutely adored Paige and Hunter especially when Hunter wanted to be there and present for Paige. Their chemistry was incredible. The banter between the brothers had me laughing. Hunter is the perfect MMC for Paige. He loved her for years. The angst between them as they got close I devoured it
I devoured this book. Paige and Hunter oh how i loved them and how Hunter was there for Paige, the chemistry between them was just so perfect!! Oh the brother’s banter had me laughing out loud and i must say Hunter was the must perfect MMC!!! Thank you Nora for letting me part of the ARC team.
I will just say that I stayed up way past my bedtime (think along the lines of 1-1.30 am) to read this book while I had an early rise for a very important deadline at work... and it was totally worth it!
I adored Paige and Hunter and the easy way in which Hunter wanted to take care and be present for Paige. Their chemistry was incredible, her bond with her children heartwarming, and her ex was of course a scumbag (thanks god for Ren being her lawyer). The cameos from the other characters from the series were delightful, and i honestly can't wait for the other Darlington sisters!
This is such a great series and I looked forward to book 3 ( can be read standalone).
This book is just magic. Such a warm story and it had my heart. Hunter is the perfect MMC - he has loved his best friend Paige for years and now divorced and raising her kids the question of whether he should let her know is there. Paige is a strong woman - running a business and raising the kids whilst dealing with her difficult ex. The angst and tension between them is so so good as they get closer. No spoilers but this is a great story and I loved the main characters. Gorgeous story - loved it.
This small town romance is a warm and cozy read that will make you wish you were snuggled under a quilt with a hot cup of tea.
Hunter is quiet, strong and steadfast in his feelings. After a lifelong friendship he realizes Paige has always been more to him. Now that they're both single he won't pass up the chance to prove to her how good they'd be together, and he wants it all.His warm presence and patience while Paige decides what she wants is endearing and sexy. However, being a respectful gentleman doesn't mean he's not ready to rock her world the moment she says she's his.
Paige is fierce and protective over what she has fought to establish for herself and her kids after an ugly divorce. She is juggling it all- her home, her business and her place in their town. She has had to be strong for so long on her own, she struggles to show vulnerability and accept help. She is not a damsel in distress, but would it be so bad to let someone take care of her for once?
Small town Friends to lovers Slow burn Sweet love scenes Loving, supportive family on both sides
Reading Paige and Hunter's story is like watching a favorite romance movie- knowing they'll end up together but still excited by the anticipation and satisfied with a happy ending 💜
By Your Side by Nora Everly was everything I love in a small-town friends-to-lovers romance. From the very first chapter, I felt completely connected to these characters—their shared history, their soft moments, and the way their relationship quietly deepened into something beautiful. Everly captures that rare kind of love that feels steady, safe, and deeply earned.
The emotional honesty in this story hit me in all the right ways. I adored the slow-build intimacy, the supportive friendship, and the comforting small-town backdrop that made Honeybrook Hollow feel like somewhere I could walk into. Even though it’s part of a series, it worked perfectly as a standalone.
This was a heartfelt, hopeful, and genuinely touching read—an easy 5 stars for me.
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.25 stars. Childhood best friends with the still single @ 40 pact. Third book of the series, but the first book for me. Enjoyed this small town romance and its characters. That Hunter is a keeper.
Best friends Paige and Hunter are such wonderful characters, I loved their journey. This small town story is full of sweetness and heart, family, friendships, charm and emotion, unbreakable bonds, witty banter, humour, romance and slow-burn spice. It was entertaining, realistic and a great addition to the series - I can’t wait for more.
Another great book by Nora 🙌🏼 I haven’t disliked a book by Nora and I have read all of the books from The Honeybrook Hollow Series, The Sweetbriar Mountain Series and also the Sweetbriar Holiday Stories. I love the small town vibes, how the MMC’s fall hard for the FMC’s, & I especially love the fact there have been no 3rd act breakups!! That unnecessary trope automatically loses a star ranking for me 🤣🤣 Loved the book 5⭐️’s & can’t wait for the next release ❤️
Paige and Hunter's romance took aim at my heart and scored a direct hit. This beautiful story easily wrapped me up in its warm embrace and had me all up in my feels and loving every second. Heart, cuteness, poignancy, emotion, sweetness, charm and heartstring tugging combine into an irresistible combination that was just lovely.
I absolutely adored the connection between the main characters—it felt natural, sweet, and full of heart. And getting to see some familiar faces from previous books was such a fun bonus! It’s like checking in on old friends.
Nora’s writing always has this perfect mix of heart, humor, and real emotion that keeps me turning the pages. By Your Side is one of those stories that leaves you smiling long after you’ve finished.
If you love small-town romance, a slow burn, and characters who feel like real people, you’ll fall head over heels for this one. Highly recommend! 💕
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the Honeybrook Hollow books and By Your Side was a good addition to the series. Paige has had a heck of a year but now that her divorce is behind her, she can focus on the good in her life. Her children are at the top of her list but her best friend Hunter is the only man that she has ever been able to count on besides her grandfather. Hunter has loved Paige since childhood but never wanted to take a risk and try for something more. Paige started dating his friend in high school so he has been living his life content to remain her friend. When Paige announces that her husband has been cheating on her that's when Hunter wonders if when the dust settles in Paige's life, could they be more than friends? This is a sweet second chance/friends to lovers story. All the characters are so much fun! I highly recommend reading the series in order so that you can get the most out of the side characters. By Your Side was told from dual POV and just because it is sweet doesn't mean that there isn't heat!
It was so fun getting back into Honeybrook Hollow, and I loved that this book was about Paige, who is the sister of the Piper, the main female character from book 2: Make You Mine. I loved the roles that both Piper and Ren played in this book to support to Paige. Paige and Hunter were best friends from childood. They made a pact on prom night that if they were both single at 40 they would get married. Hunter has been in love with Paige all this time so has never forgotten it. Paige has gone through a messy divorce, and as their 40th birthdays near, Ren reminds Paige of their pact. It was great to see Paige and Hunter's journey. Paige's kids added great realism into the story. Paige had a lot going on with her business, her children and her ex, and Hunter tried to always be there to help her. As is normal in life, things weren't always smooth sailing, but they never gave up on each other. Great feel good story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In their youth, Paige and Hunter made a pact that they would get married if they were both single when they turned 40.
By Your Side is the third book in the Honeybrook Hollow series but it can be read as a stand-alone. This small-town romance does contain open-door content.
Paige’s ex is THE WORST! Her story shows just how important it is to have supportive family and if not friends. There are no secrets in Honeybrook Hollow but it seems like the whole town was waiting for Paige and Hunter to finally get together. The MCs already have history so the progression from friends to more is shown in a realistic way.
Overall, this book has a very satisfying HEA. Everyone gets exactly what they deserve and I wouldn't have it any other way. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I really love Nora Everly’s books. I fell in love with Honeybrook Hollow and Sweetbriar Mountain. I enjoy how they are interwoven. I was so excited about this story between Hunter and Paige. We were introduced to them in the other books but learning more about their history and seeing the “sudden” tension was so good. Watching Paige continue to be a strong woman throughout everything was incredible. Then Hunter is just there to support her and show up for her no matter what. He does not push her for a different pace he just lets her work things out with the safety of him being there. I love the dysfunctional family dynamics between the sisters and how they all show up for each other despite the circumstances. It was a great story and I want more for sure!!!
Bring on Eliza. We haven’t seen her much so getting to learn more about her will be awesome.
Nora’s books are like a warm hug…filled amazing characters, the perfect amount of spice and heartwarming HEA’s.
So many amazing tropes - small town, friends to lovers, second chance.
Paige has been through some challenges, has an amazing support system with her sisters and her grandparents. She’s a hard working single mom who needs a break.
Hunter’s has had feelings for Paige for many years that he could let go. Now he has second chance to show her how he can be the one for her.
Hunters brothers are hilarious as the banter between them is fantastic!! There’s two families are so supportive, caring and amazing!
Filled with laughs, chemistry, love and family. As with all of Nora’s books you will never want the story to end.
Paige and Hunter made a pact on prom night to marry each other if they were 40 and both single. Now that the date is fast approaching Hunter decides to take a chance and remind Paige of their pact. But can they risk a lifelong friendship for the chance of more? I enjoyed reading this book so much, it is a sweet story with relatable main characters, a believable storyline and a lovely small-town setting. Even though it is part of a series it works perfectly well as a stand-alone but you might end up wanting to read the rest of the series ;-) Thank you Nora Everly for letting me read an ARC of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Once again, this author astounds me with her ability to write a character that, as a reader, I truly hate. Eli is the scum of an ex that we want to get what's coming to him. As for the main characters, they are beautifully flawed, but so relatable and endearing. Hunter is the tyoe of man every girl wants, someone to show up when needed and still secure enough to give his partner space and the opportunity to be her own person. I loved how these two came together. This series is fun, entertaining, and full of what a good romance should be... love. I can't wait for the next release in February.
Romantic second chance, friends to lovers tale in small town Oregon. Hunter and Paige are lifelong friends who made a pledge at 17, to marry if they were both single at 40. Well now that day is here. Hunter has remained single and Paige just got divorced. They both have big families who like to meddle, in a loving way. But Paige has an ex who is not so keen on seeing them together. This was a well written story about taking the long way round to the right destination.
I’m obsessed with the characters of Honeybrook Hollow. We’ve seen some in snippets in other books by Nora Everly and some having their own books but this story stole my heart. So Beautifully, pulled my heart strings written that I could not put it down. This story left me satisfied and at the same time wanting more. Can’t wait to see what’s next.
Couldn’t wait for this book and it definitely was worth the wait. Just love Hunter and the way he just shows up for Paige. Had some laugh out loud moments.
Another great book from Nora Everly!!! I have read several of her books now and I have devoured them all!!! This is the first I’ve read in this series but I will definitely be going back to read the first two.
Hunter & Paige are childhood best friends. Paige is a newly single mom, having just gone through a divorce after finding out her husband had been cheating on her. Now he’s making legal trouble for her all the while a strange string of coincidences keep happening at the bar Paige owns and runs in town. And who is for her through it all? Hunter of course? But will she be able to open her heart and allow him to be there for her?
Paige and Hunter’s story is a beautiful story of enduring love and having the patience to wait for your true love!!! There is, of course, childhood best friends to lovers, single-mom and both main characters are 40!!
I highly recommend this book & any book by Nora Everly honestly. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by her.
We go back to Honeybrook, OR for this small town second chance childhood friends to lovers romance. Slow burn, he falls first- hard for a while, divorced bar owner and happy mechanic. Paige is going throug a super messy divorce that wont end even though it’s finally, Hunter is single and waiting even if he doesn’t really know it- they made a pact back in HS to marry if they when they were 40 and single. They two have to work though friends to more, family, kids, evil ex husbands, and their past along with small town gossip rings. I enjoyed they were older and trying to make it all work. The side characters of their families. This was a cute read with some steam!
Can’t wait for more of this series and more of Nora’s future work!