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The Prescotts #5

Side Effects: The Prescotts, Book 5

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What’s a few orgasms between friends?

After a disastrous breakup, paramedic Madison Petrov isn’t looking for love—she just wants to put the pieces of her life back together. Easier said than done, given the hit her confidence has taken. And now with her sister’s wedding looming, all of the scars Madison thought had healed feel fresh and new.

Levi Prescott’s been through a lot in his life, including losing his father at a young age. But enduring that loss has taught him to go after what he wants, and what he wants is his partner, Madison. Smart, feisty, beautiful Madison who he’s wanted for a year now. Who he’ll do anything to have in his bed and in his life. Including agree to a potentially risky friends with benefits arrangement.

The more time she spends with Levi, the more Madison feels the cracks in her broken heart start to heal. After all, he’s gorgeous, confident, and amazing in bed. But no matter how much chemistry they have, she doesn’t know if she’s willing to risk her heart again.

Side Effects is a full length standalone contemporary romance within The Prescotts series.

Audible Audio

First published February 22, 2022

184 people are currently reading
429 people want to read

About the author

Tara Wyatt

52 books667 followers
Tara Wyatt is a Canadian contemporary romance author. Known for her humor and steamy love scenes, Tara's writing has won several awards, including the Golden Quill Award and the Booksellers' Best Award. In addition, she was a 2018 RITA® Finalist for her novella, Until the Sun Sets.

When she's not hanging out with your next book boyfriend, she can be found reading, bingeing Netflix, or playing way too much Among Us. Tara lives in Hamilton, Ontario with the world's cutest dog, her daughter, and a husband who makes all her of her heroes look like chumps.

Sign up for her newsletter to get a FREE story here: www.tara-wyatt.com/newsletter

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
Profile Image for QuinnReads.
3,735 reviews209 followers
February 22, 2022
Surrender to the Inferno

4.5 stars - It's a good thing that Levi's brother is a fireman because he and Madison may need someone to douse their flames a little. Holy moly are they 🔥HOT🔥!

The bedroom olympics are scorching, for certain, but the story is so much more than that. The heart. The acts of kindness and selflessness. The love, friendship, laughs, and support. And, yes, the leave-you-breathless sex. It is an emotional ride, with plenty of peaks and mostly gentle dips.

'In moments like this, Levi couldn’t shake the feeling that they needed each other. He was well aware that he wanted her, and he was starting to suspect that he needed her, too.'
-- Levi Prescott


These two really are a fantastic match. In so many ways!

I love that there are plenty of chuckles, like the reaction Maddy's dad has when Levi steps up for her or how she first meets Noah, Levi's brother. 😂❤😂 (And what's up with that connection to Lucien? Foreshadowing perhaps? It's more ironic funny.)

I'm a sucker for a wedding and this one brought plenty of feels so make sure to have those tissues handy!

Oh, I almost forgot. The bonus epilogue (which comes with other added content from earlier books in the series; go to page 77 of the PDF for this book) has a sweet question that's asked. I liked the build-up to the question.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for RateTheRomance.
1,027 reviews118 followers
March 8, 2022
SIDE EFFECTS is a sweet (and seriously steamy) friends-to-lovers workplace romance. I really liked that these two were EMT partners, which was a nice change of pace from tradition office romances.

Madison is a first generation American and has become an EMT instead of a doctor and that has seriously complicated her relationship with her mother. And after finding out her fiance was cheating she has thrown herself into her work, with no time for anything else. Levi is initially leery of Madison as a partner, but soon realizes she is damn good at her job and they become friends.

The chemistry between these two is insanely good and when they finally cross that line between friends and lovers it is freaking h-o-t. Prepare yourself.

The other characters in this book were far less likable and complex. The "bad guys" are very one dimensional and are just all bad. This is a pet peeve of mine in books. I always want complex characters, even the antagonists. So, while I really liked Madison (though she is a doormat for a lot of the book) and Levi, everyone else in this book fell a bit flat for me.

SIDE EFFECTS is still a good read and I think a lot of readers will really love it if they like a really bad bad-guy. There is tons of steam, lots of sweetness, a smart female lead, and a cinnamon roll hero who is seriously dirty in bed. Always a good combo....ammaright?

RATING:⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
STEAM LEVEL: Rated NC-17 / 5+ sex scenes, harsh language. *MIGHT* include props/bondage.
TRIGGERS: past death of parent, cheating ex, death of medical patient, emotionally distant parent
FEELS-O-METER: 3/5 - So many feels you might tear up a little.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

👇🏻HANG OUT WITH ME HERE!👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
Profile Image for Angel Graham.
Author 1 book33 followers
February 7, 2024
It's an office romance, but their office is non-traditional... It's an ambulance!

Definitely hot and on fire, in more ways than one.

Her mother especially needs to learn that when your daughter says NO...back,all the way off.

Book needs one more editing pass...
Profile Image for Megan [At The Cottage].
1,050 reviews414 followers
February 17, 2022
MF Romance
Friends To Lovers Paramedic Romance
4 stars

I love this series and when I found out the 3 Prescott cousins were also getting books, I was so excited. While it’s not necessary to read the other books in the series to understand this one, it’s just a good series. The original Prescott men were all a bit broken having a harder time in life than their cousins so books 1-4 are a bit more angsty than this one was. The cousins have had their own tragedy but Levi was the most put together man I’ve met so far in this series. He was a pleasure to read about. Damn was he a class act.

Madison and Levi have been paramedic co-workers for over a year. For Levi, this was love at first sight and he hasn’t been with anyone since but Madison was in an engagement that ended badly recently. After responding to a kinky kind of call, these two decide to have a casual fling with Levi hoping Madison will see how good they are together and it will be more. Will it?

I loved Madison’s fiery Russian personality and how she took no shit from anyone. Levi was total boyfriend goals. Even though Madison was engaged for most of the time they knew each other, he wasn’t out sleeping with a ton of women like most men would. It was so nice to read about an honest, good man with a kinky side. The sex scenes were hot and a little bit filthy and I loved how these two were always on the same page because they knew each other so well. I’m excited to read Noah and Hudson’s books.

Also, I loved Lucian’s “suggestion” near the end 😂😂 Would have loved for him to do it too.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Becky.
3,431 reviews142 followers
December 18, 2024
Bring on the Prescott cousins!

Levi and Madison's story is one of my favorite tropes--friends to lovers! So. Much. Fun. Of course, in their case it's complicated by the fact that they're also partners at work, and unfortunately for them their place of work frowns on relationships between people who work closely together. But since they're just friends-with-benefitting things on the down low, that makes it OK, right? ;)

Especially since they're *never* going to catch real feelings, because of reasons. So they're cool not telling their boss...nothing bad could possibly happen here!

I mean, this is a romance; we all know what's going to happen. Feelings will be caught, they'll be outed to their place of work, and all will seem (fairly) bleak just before we get to an HEA. If you're a romance reader, you know this is how it's going to work--and there's no major surprises here, or in most well-written romances, really. The reason we read romance (besides needing that HEA and all the secondary feels we get from watching people fall in love) is for the journey--and OMG, does Tara Wyatt do the journey well!

Since Levi and Madison started their "new" relationship off as friends with benefits (as you do when you've been in a bit of a dry spell ;)) and they started out with some degree of attraction to each other, it's not a huge surprise that this book gets pretty hot, pretty fast. Zero complaints here, because who doesn't need a little extra heat in the dead of winter, amirite? Maybe not the best book to be reading in public, though, because people *might* want to know why you're fanning yourself...but you can always tell them to MYOB. Or send them a link to the book so they can see for themselves. Either works!

I liked that their story wasn't too heavy on the drama--both Levi and Madison had reasons for resisting a relationship that made sense for their characters, but they also both knew when to give up on those reasons without needing to be hit over the head first, which was refreshing. Their HEA was both satisfying and earned, and yes, we get a glimpse of his two brothers (Noah and Hudson) that has me more than ready to read their books as soon as they're available. Nope, I don't even need to read their blurbs first. Is anyone really surprised? ;)

Since this is the first Prescott cousin story, even though it's the 5th book in the series it's an OK place to start if you haven't yet read any of the others. The other Prescotts will be mentioned, and Lucian especially plays a small role here, but you don't have to have read their books to enjoy this one. Ms Wyatt does tend to give you just enough of a glimpse of the lives of past characters to tempt you to read their books, though--so spoiler alert, your TBR will most likely grow by a few (four) books if you start reading here. Totally worth it, though ;)

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,278 reviews207 followers
February 23, 2022
SIDE EFFECTS is the fifth instalment in Tara Wyatt’s contemporary, adult THE PRESCOTTS erotic, romance series focusing on the Prescott family. This is paramedics Levi Prescott, and Madison Petrov’s story line. SIDE EFFECTS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Madison and Levi) SIDE EFFECTS follows the forbidden romance and relationship between NYFD paramedics Levi Prescott and Madison Petrov. Madison and Levi had been partnered together on the same rig for close to one year but Madison Petrov has been in a committed relationship. Six months passed since the break up of her engagement and Madison was hoping to take her working relationship with Levi to the next level but a relationship between co-workers was against the rules, and Levi and Madison would be outed by the most unlikeliest of sources. As Madison and Levi’s ‘friends with benefits’ affair becomes something more, our heroine struggles with betrayal from the past, and the possibility of losing the man with whom she is falling in love.

Madison Petrov’s previous relationship ended badly, and her mother was hoping they would get back together. With the approach of her sister’s wedding, Madison asks Levi to be her plus-one, heading off any possible entanglements set into motion by her interfering mom. Levi Prescott wants something more with our story line heroine but Levi knows Madison has been burned in the past, and he is biding his time until Madison realizes she had fallen in love. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Levi’s older brother Noah and Hudson,and their cousins Max Prescott (Love Bug 3), Lucian Prescott (Bad Intentions 4); Madison’s sister Sydney, their parents Andrei and Yulia Petrov, as well as Madison’s ex Brock.

SIDE EFFECTS is a story of family and friendships, betrayal and acceptance, moving forward and love. The premise is captivating and consuming, quite a bit lighter than the previous instalment. The romance is seductive and steamy; the characters are energetic and dynamic.



www.thereadingcafe.com
542 reviews3 followers
February 21, 2022
Been looking forward to meeting the Prescott cousins since seeing them in the original brothers' books.

Levi is a paramedic who's sceptical about his new rig partner, until he meets Madison. I must admit, I didn't immediately take to him as his initial assessment of Madison was very judgemental but he very quickly grew on me. As their friendship develops, they both finally accept the underlying chemistry between them and decide on a friends-with-benefits situation which ends up turning into a fake-dating scenario. I really liked how Levi didn't try to push for more whilst knowing Madi was in a relationship. Instead he immediately backed off and didn't try to stir any trouble. Likewise, even afterwards, he was so attentive towards the fact that she needed space and wasn't necessarily ready for more.

One of the things i always enjoy about TW's books is that although they're light-hearted romances, they have a great level of steam and i always love the s*xting conversations that we get! Levi was the perfect fake boyfriend and i died every time he called Brock by the wrong name lmao.

"Nice meeting you, Brody."

Likewise, I love how Tara brought in the multicultural backgrounds without making it into a big deal. Madison has Russian parents in this, and I feel like a lot of books would then focus the plot around that and have it be the central issue. Whereas in this, the only real thing was Madi explaining the typical customs to Levi in order for him to not come across as rude. Although her mother is the cause of a lot of issues in this, it isn't down to the fact that she has a Russian background necessarily.

I would rate this 3.7*. I liked the plot and steam between these two, as well as the cameo's from most of the other Prescott's. However, the ending did move quite quickly and I wouldn't say it was my fave out of all the TW books that I've read, personally. I am looking forward to meeting the final two Prescott brothers though, especially Noah because i love me a fireman!

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

*SE is book 5 in The Prescott's series. Whilst it is an interconnected series, this can be read as a standalone.
Profile Image for CatherineAA.
719 reviews62 followers
April 14, 2022
I have all the preceding books in this series (which I'm yet to read) but one glance at the blurb for this book and I was hooked. Besides, Ms. Wyatt is an auto-buy and auto-read author for me and I can confirm that it was absolutely worth it.

Levi Prescott is everything anyone would want in a boyfriend and it's quite unfortunate that he only exists in the pages of a book (for now). He's thoughtful, kind, protective and very supportive in every way that counts. He definitely has his own demons but he shows up every time for those he loves and Madison Petrov has got all his attention. Madison is understandably gun-shy after the spectacular implosion of her previous relationship, and whew, her mother is a lot but she knows Levi is someone worth holding onto. It does not hurt that he comes with the type of loving and supportive family she's always longed for. Most of all? The chemistry between these two is so, so hot and as usual, the author does not hold back on the steamy sex scenes. 

Workplace romances can go sideways very quickly but I adored everything about Levi and Madison's. All of it, from their very first meeting to the their happy ending was so well-done and Levi's brothers and cousin are so adorable. My only gripe was that the bad guy and Madison's mother did not get their comeuppance, but I'm petty like that and would have loved to have that tied up in a nice bow for me :)

Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.
Profile Image for Paulalovesherbooks.
387 reviews5 followers
February 15, 2022
I must admit that while I loved the first Prescott brothers , Levi and his brothers are even more intriguing. 
Book five in the Prescotts series,  is the story of Levi, a first responder paramedic and his new partner Madison.
Levi was attracted to her from the first day they met, but not only was she his partner,  she was engaged too.  But a year after they met, things have changed. They formed a friendship, worked perfectly in sync with each other, Madison was single again, and it was harder by the day, to hide their ever growing attraction.
Until one day....I don't want to write about the rest of the plot,  only that I absolutly loved the way their story unfolded. The chemistry between them was so palpable,  and those bedroom moments really 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. I also really loved the family dynamics,  there were some funny moments,  others scorching hot and some very meaningful and touching conversations.
I received an ARC for an honest review .
Profile Image for Tracey Cramer-Kelly.
Author 49 books342 followers
February 13, 2024
I'm a great fan of paramedic characters and I was happy to find a couple scenes in this book of the characters actually doing their job. However, I would have enjoyed this story more if the s-e-x scenes hadn't been so numerous and overdone. Each one had to get a little more risque. We get it, they have chemistry; I would have preferred more fade to black so I could concentrate on the development of their emotions, relationship (between them and others) and backstory. I loved Levi's vulnerability (esp when he lost it over a patient death) and sweetness but I just couldn't square it with his behavior between the sheets, and she was a little too needy in that regard for my tastes. The ex boyfriend was cliche, but it was fun to see him get his comeuppance. There were also the issues with Madison and her mom that I wish had been developed on a bit deeper level. I did like Levi's brothers & cousins and the HEA.
933 reviews7 followers
February 13, 2022
I thought this was a fantastic story. It was emotional and heartwarming, had plenty of steam and overall really hit the spot. Levi Prescott is an actual hero. A daily first responder and when he falls for his partner Madison on the their first shift together, things get complicated as firstly, they have a strict so fraternisation rule and second, she is engaged to be married.

Throughout the course of the next year, life happens and they both end up single and find themselves in a friends with benefits type arrangement. From here, Levi wants more, but doesn't want to scare Madison off by asking for more. I loved their dynamic and his protective nature of wanting to be her everything. He was the total package. I definitely need to go back and learn more about all the Prescott Men! I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Terry.
1,504 reviews
February 14, 2022
5 Stars for this friends-to-lovers romance!

This is my favorite Prescotts story! I just loved Levi and Madison and the steam between them was just ... WOW! The banter between all the characters is very well written and realistic. I laughed, I cried, I swooned and everything in between. A fabulous addition to an already great series!

Levi and Madison are paramedics and partners in the "medical taxi". Levi has wanted Madison since the day they met, but she was engaged at the time. A year later she is no longer engaged and when she suggests they become friends with benefits ... Levi sees his chance. They can start out as friends with benefits and he will change her mind and take it further to a full-blown relationship.

I received an early copy courtesy of the author in exchange for a honest review.
1,600 reviews13 followers
February 15, 2022
Side Effects is the first book in the series about the Prescotts that I have read but I will definitely go back to read them all now. I am so impressed with this book! I loved Levi and Madison. Both are strong people doing a stressful and demanding job with dedication and compassion. Their chemistry, once they admit to it, is off the charts, leading to very hot and steamy scenes. But it is Levi's tenderness and protectiveness that really got to me. Not many books make me cry, but this one did! To add to the complexity of the story, there is an ex with a grudge, horrible family members on Madison's side and a non-fraternizing clause in their contracts. Side Effect is a heart-warming, fist-shaking page-turner who's won a place on my keeper shelf!
I am so fortunate that I've received an ARC of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Megan.
132 reviews
March 3, 2022
Side Effects is the fifth book in the Prescott Series, though each book can be read as a stand-alone. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the books in this series and Side Effects certainly didn’t disappoint. Whilst I’m not usually a huge fan of the friends to lovers trope, I enjoyed Tara’s take on this as it contained some great and honest communication between the main characters about their feelings early on, which isn’t usually the case with this trope. In addition, it featured two other really enjoyable tropes, workplace and forbidden romance, and there was an abundance of top notch spice! I also adored Madison’s feisty personality and no nonsense attitude, and everything about Levi was utterly delightful. A huge thanks to Tara for an eArc of Side Effects. It was so enjoyable being with the Prescotts again!
1,404 reviews7 followers
February 19, 2022
I enjoyed the story and the chemistry between Madison and Levi was off the charts. I had mixed feelings about the ending. On one hand, it felt kind of rushed; on the other I appreciated that the author didn't feel the need to draw it out by creating unnecessary drama. I felt the punishment was fair but really didn't like the nepotism that was involved-- would other excellent paramedics who had breached the code of conduct in the same way be fired? If so, it would only be right to fire Madison and Levi. It particularly left a bad taste in my mouth when Madison tells her new partner how Levi's brother pulled some strings. At least be discreet about it!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lisa D.
1,082 reviews4 followers
February 20, 2022
Tara Wyatt never disappoints with her books. She captures you from the beginning and keeps going, writing a story that makes you squirm and relate to the characters. Levi and Madison are fantastic! I loved how they were friends before they were lovers and Levi's protectiveness of her was amazing. Madison's struggle to trust again hit very close to home for me and reading her thought process throughout the book was perfect. One of the things that I love most about Tara as an author is she doesn't go for the easy climactic fix for her conflicts. She writes a realistic situation and response and it's a better book because of it. Another incredible book from a talented author.

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
4,145 reviews25 followers
February 20, 2022
Good simple romance
The story is a good romance. I hooked a little less with the characters of this author compared to her other stories, but the story retains notes of humor, moving, while being torrid between two paramedics. Madison is recovering badly from her breakup with her fiancé and Levi, who had been refraining from flirting with her for months, finally gets closer when he discovers that she has been single for several months. However, the past and their professional relationship weigh on both of them to the point of approaching each other with caution.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Profile Image for Marlene.
856 reviews8 followers
February 25, 2022
I really enjoy the books set within the Prescott family world. This is standalone however there are a few pop-ins by characters from other books and the family dinner tradition is a nice touch. This is the story of Levi and Madison. They have been EMT partners for a year. When they first met Madison was engaged. A year later her engagement is off and Levi, who knew from the start, that he was destined to be with her starts a very interesting wooing process. Levy is the kind of character that can root for, he is thoughtful, caring, patient and so hot. Madison is a little broken, trying to put some pieces back together, and learns to trust again.
Profile Image for Rae T.
109 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2022
OMG!! This book is awesome. My emotions were all over the place. Levi and Madison work together but cannot fraternize. She's engaged, so Levi knows she's hands off. Circumstances change for Madison, but she still knows the employee policy. She also wants to protect her heart.
I couldn't stop reading this book. The dialogue is very well written. I was thinking someone needed to speak to Madison's mother, next thing you know, Levi has a great conversation with her. I loved it! Please read this book. You'll be happy you did.
Profile Image for Teresa Reitnauer.
955 reviews5 followers
February 16, 2022
OMG. This book is fantastic. Levi Prescott knows how to treat a lady. Madison Petrov wants to make it on her own after her disastrous breakup. They work together. There are rules about hooking up with your partner. Friends with benefits never sounded so good to either one of them. Do they dare to cross that line? If you want to read steamy, sexy, graphic sex scenes, this book is for you. I loved it. The plot is amazing. The characters are wonderfully suited for each other. Grab this book. You won't be disappointed.
307 reviews
February 21, 2022
No one will be surprised that I loved this, but I really did. I was so close to binge read it yesterday, but I stopped myself since I did not want it to be over. Already after page three I was in love with the characters and how they were together. Levi was so understanding with Maddi and was so okay with just being friends. The sexual tension was trough the roof and surprisingly kinky. One of the many things I love about Tara Wyatt is that there are not often miscommunication as the third act breakup, but if it occurs it’s over in a page and not dragged out
Profile Image for Suzanne Normandeau Legault.
377 reviews6 followers
February 24, 2022
Beautiful and heartwarming! This is my first reading with this author and her writing is captivating and enthralling! This romance story is very hot and sizzling in all aspects, raw in emotions, a real page turner! The emotions felt in reading this book are off the charts. The kind of story you’ll want to read over and over; Madison’s and Levi’s love for each other is the forever kind, real and pure! A definite read and it won’t be my last from this author.
Profile Image for Jennifer Cooley.
277 reviews6 followers
February 13, 2022
Omg! What can I say? This book is so hot from beginning to end! I could not put this book down and would have finished in one day had life not gotten in the way. These two were so hot that it made up for the jerks in the book. In this book you get updates on the siblings and cousins which is nice. I don't want to give anything away, but this is probably my favorite Prescott book so far and I loved them all!
Profile Image for Patricia Passaglia.
16 reviews
February 15, 2022
Tara Wyatt does it again. I absolutely loved Levi and Madison. Friends to lovers, coworkers, lust at first sight. This book has it all. The chemistry between these two is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. Levi is all about showing Madison that she is strong, beautiful and amazing while dealing with her annoying ex and her mother. We also get a few cameos from Lucien and his brothers. If I could give more than 5 stars, it would be a 10!!!!
Profile Image for anna grace.
616 reviews15 followers
April 1, 2022
thank you net galley for an e arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!

okay i loved the concept of this book but for me it kinda fell flat. i dont like insta love. i need some angst, some conflict, perhaps some plot??? there was nothing going on in this book. both of the characters were perfect, hot, had no flaws = boring. an easy, brainless, feeling less read! i skimmed the last 50%.
Profile Image for Sandra.
451 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2022
This was the first book I've read from Tara and I'm a fan already. The story of Levi and Madison was interesting at first and stunning in the end. Levi is what every girl dreams of! I guess I have to read about the other Prescotts 😉

I received an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,892 reviews25 followers
February 21, 2022
I really enjoyed Levi and Madison's story. Madison is a character that I feel is super relatable. Her feelings, her family, everything draw me in. Their story is super hot, which I really like. I love the little peeks into the characters from previous books as well.
5 reviews
February 13, 2022
Omg! Loved this book. It was my very first by Tara Wyatt and I'm hooked! I can not wait to read more about the Prescott boys!
Profile Image for Dini - dinipandareads.
1,210 reviews125 followers
March 4, 2022
3.5 stars
This was my first Tara Wyatt book and I enjoyed it enough to want to check out the others in this series. This was a low-angst friends-to-lovers romance between two characters who were surprisingly mature and drama-free and I really liked their friendship plus their sexual chemistry was incendiary!

I love romances where the hero is totally gone for the heroine first and so I was pretty delighted with how Levi basically worshipped Madi and treated her like a queen. They're both paramedics and first meet when Madi is introduced as Levi's new partner, and through their shifts, they develop a strong work rapport and friendship. It's clear from the beginning that they have a great connection as they effortlessly work together as a team, so it felt natural when they tentatively work their way into the friends-with-benefits territory to the potential of something even greater.

Even though there was 'angst' in knowing that their relationship was forbidden because they work together, it was pretty low as Levi was pretty much all-in from the moment they start their friend with bennies situation, and while Madi was wrestling with trust issues from her ex-fiancé's betrayal, it was clear she had strong feelings for him too. I'm glad that there was little drama and that their 'denial of feelings' didn't go on for long—it helped that Levi was so upfront with what he wanted but I'm sure their intense sexual chemistry, that basically set my Kindle on fire, also helped! 😂 Phew, these two with their dirty mouths and slightly kinky play! 🥵

There was silly OM drama at the end, thanks to Madi's mother being a total boundary-crossing toxic hag and Madi's ex-fiancé being a right knob, but thankfully, our H/h were secure enough with each other that they didn't let it tear them apart. I do wish that we got to see them spending more time together outside of the bedroom though, especially at the start when their friendship developed as it would've made it easier to connect with them. Overall though, this was a fun, sexy and low-angst romance that I easily read in one sitting and I'm looking forward to reading more by this author in the future!
Profile Image for Reading to Escape.
1,103 reviews
February 23, 2022
Side Effects was a cute friends to friends with benefits to so much more romance. Levi finds himself dreading things a bit when his partner at work retires, but he ends up feeling like he hit the lottery when Madison becomes his new partner. They end up getting along well and Madison is as good at her job as an EMT as Levi is, and it doesn't hurt that he is very attracted to her. Unfortunately for him, Madison is fresh out of a relationship and a bit scarred from it, and it is against the rules for them to date anyway. When the chemistry and attraction becomes too much for both of them, they decide to test the waters of a friends with benefits arrangements in secret because of their work. Things don't always go according to plan though.

I really liked both Levi and Madison as the main characters. I think they were both likable and relatable characters and I think they had great chemistry. I found the story line to be engaging and interesting. This was my first book by this author and I would definitely recommend it and would be interested in reading other books by this author.
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