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The Side Road: A funny, tender story of love and triumph over past fears.
A standalone slow-burn romantic comedy set in the picturesque wine country. It’s perfect for readers seeking laughs and emotional depth.
When Oliver, a former MotoGP champion, returns to his hometown to raise his daughter, his hopes for peace are shattered by the lively party taking place in his living room. The neighbours have gathered to celebrate the passing of his daughter’s grandmother. Among the revellers, he finds Mia, a newcomer to the small town – and he likes what he sees.
Seeking a fresh start, Mia has moved from the city, bringing her rescue dog, Snood, along for the ride. As the owner of the local craft store, Mia hosts the Sit & Knit groups, where gossip flows as freely as the yarn. The last thing she needs in her quiet, organised life is a man. Especially a younger man wearing a leather jacket who talks openly about his feelings.
Soon, it becomes difficult to deflect Oliver’s advances, and as their relationship deepens, Mia must confront her past and decide whether love is worth the risk.
Readers will love this spicy, heart-tugging and hilarious tale of unexpected love, filled with small-town charm and a hint of mystery.
When Oliver, a former MotoGP champion, returns to his hometown to raise his daughter, his hopes for peace are shattered by the lively party taking place in his living room. The neighbours have gathered to celebrate the passing of his daughter’s grandmother. Among the revellers, he finds Mia, a newcomer to the small town – and he likes what he sees.
Seeking a fresh start, Mia has moved from the city, bringing her rescue dog, Snood, along for the ride. As the owner of the local craft store, Mia hosts the Sit & Knit groups, where gossip flows as freely as the yarn. The last thing she needs in her quiet, organised life is a man. Especially a younger man wearing a leather jacket who talks openly about his feelings.
Soon, it becomes difficult to deflect Oliver’s advances, and as their relationship deepens, Mia must confront her past and decide whether love is worth the risk.
Readers will love this spicy, heart-tugging and hilarious tale of unexpected love, filled with small-town charm and a hint of mystery.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2025
20 people are currently reading
1273 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Lahey
7 books66 followersAuthor also writes as S.K. Lahey
Sarah Lahey is a designer, educator, and award-winning author. She teaches design, technology, and creative thinking at a university in Sydney, Australia. Her Heartless series of sci-fi novels have won the Chanticleer Book Awards, the American Fiction Awards, the Independent Publishers Award (IPPY), and the Indie Reader Discovery Award.
Sarah Lahey is a designer, educator, and award-winning author. She teaches design, technology, and creative thinking at a university in Sydney, Australia. Her Heartless series of sci-fi novels have won the Chanticleer Book Awards, the American Fiction Awards, the Independent Publishers Award (IPPY), and the Indie Reader Discovery Award.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 14, 2025
I don't know what I was expecting from this read but I ended up loving it.
Here we see Oliver’s path leading him back home to his daughter, Tash, who needs a present father after her grandmother dies. Along the way, he meets Mia and finds himself falling in love. But Mia is facing struggles of her own, making things complicated for Oliver. While balancing raising a daughter and his love life. He's met with charming and quirky community members who are there for one another in difficult times.
This story is full of rich character dynamics and depth, showing the many different paths life can take us on. Some things are beyond our control, while others require us to put in the hard work to clear away the debris that blocks the better path ahead.
I want to thank BookSirens and Sarah Lahey for the eARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Here we see Oliver’s path leading him back home to his daughter, Tash, who needs a present father after her grandmother dies. Along the way, he meets Mia and finds himself falling in love. But Mia is facing struggles of her own, making things complicated for Oliver. While balancing raising a daughter and his love life. He's met with charming and quirky community members who are there for one another in difficult times.
This story is full of rich character dynamics and depth, showing the many different paths life can take us on. Some things are beyond our control, while others require us to put in the hard work to clear away the debris that blocks the better path ahead.
I want to thank BookSirens and Sarah Lahey for the eARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 31, 2025
Thank you Sarah and BookSirens! This is my 3rd book I've read by her, and I still love Sarah's writing so much! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The way Sarah includes pet(s) with loveable personalities, her steamy scenes, but surrounding with such a great plot that is deeper than just sex. In typical Sarah fashion - she always creates this one character I want to slap sometimes; this was Mia. I fell in love with everyone (except for Cindy - could've done without her). The Side Road gave me all the feels - good, bad, mad, sad, but a satisfying read!
August 14, 2025
Loved this book. The characters are beautifully and richly developed so a compelling page turner from the start.
There is healing and new beginnings on the hero's journey to which we all can relate.
So if you're looking for an uplifting read that explores love, resilience and the power of community this is for you.
There is healing and new beginnings on the hero's journey to which we all can relate.
So if you're looking for an uplifting read that explores love, resilience and the power of community this is for you.
September 15, 2025
The Side Road was my introduction to this author, and Hidden Gems provided the ARC. I read quite a bit of the small-town romance genre, but the location of this story was different. That could be because it takes place in Australia, or maybe it just did not fall into the same cliché as most books with this trope.
This is the story of Oliver and Mia, who meet at his mother-in-law's funeral in his hometown of Eagle Nest. He returns to the town to settle the estate and take care of his daughter, Tasha. Oliver was a champion MotoGP racer and had been living on a cattle station but sent his daughter to live with her grandmother for school. Mia runs the local knitting shop and has created both an online business and community groups around knitting.
From the beginning, there is an attraction between Oliver and Mia, but as their relationship develops from a friendship to so much more. At the same time, the story follows the backstory of those in this town and the secrets that they were keeping. I enjoyed the relationship between Oliver and his daughter, and how they came together in a new situation now that he is back to being a full-time parent. Also, this book made me want to learn to knit?!!!?
This is the story of Oliver and Mia, who meet at his mother-in-law's funeral in his hometown of Eagle Nest. He returns to the town to settle the estate and take care of his daughter, Tasha. Oliver was a champion MotoGP racer and had been living on a cattle station but sent his daughter to live with her grandmother for school. Mia runs the local knitting shop and has created both an online business and community groups around knitting.
From the beginning, there is an attraction between Oliver and Mia, but as their relationship develops from a friendship to so much more. At the same time, the story follows the backstory of those in this town and the secrets that they were keeping. I enjoyed the relationship between Oliver and his daughter, and how they came together in a new situation now that he is back to being a full-time parent. Also, this book made me want to learn to knit?!!!?
August 25, 2025
Oliver returns home for his mother-in-law's funeral. His daughter Tasha has been staying with her. Oliver restores old motorcycles and is renowned racer. He decides he will stay in his hometown and be a full-time dad for Tasha. Mia owns a knitting shop and Tasha spends time with her. Oliver is interested in her and decides to pursue her. I loved the care Oliver took with both people, pets, motorcycles and cars. Mia grew up with parents that frequently abandoned her, and she has trust issues. I enjoyed particularly Oliver's relationship with his daughter.
August 31, 2025
“Finding a partner was also about getting the right fit. Like a garment, a partner had to be comfortable. Not too tight or too loose - the right amount of flexibility was important- because you had to find into each other’s lives”. Oliver and Mia seems like an odd pair but if Mia can face her fears she might see how good they fit. Funny, sweet, sad and everything in between. Great love and live story.
September 1, 2025
Ok, I really liked this book. I'll be honest, I didn't know it was a series, but I'm glad it was ok to read as a stand alone.
I interpret the knitting to speak of how 2 lives are intertwined, while traveling through lots of roads and other ups and downs. I love how the story is written, how it unwinds.
There's friendship, honesty, commitment, and love of 2 people on very different paths that meet on "The Side Road."
I interpret the knitting to speak of how 2 lives are intertwined, while traveling through lots of roads and other ups and downs. I love how the story is written, how it unwinds.
There's friendship, honesty, commitment, and love of 2 people on very different paths that meet on "The Side Road."
September 19, 2025
So cute! perfect read for fans of second-chance romance with emotional stakes. Also liked the feel-good, small-town atmosphere.
September 25, 2025
This book was a sleeper...I started it with no real expectations and ended up loving it more and more with every chapter. By the end I was driving my daughter nuts telling her how each situation worked out, how I loved every plot twist and tangle. This is a good book!
Set in Australia, it gives a taste of the culture of that country that is utterly missed by mainstream US media. It is written clearly enough that this is fun rather than being an issue and made the story seem more real.
The characters, even the worst of them, are likeable, believable, people with real life problems and joys. The culture of rebuilding the motorbike and all vintage vehicles is fascinating and engaging.
The dog, Snood, is a wonderful fellow, and the perfect doggy foil for Mia, the female lead.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a comfortable, enjoyable read about life and love and missing money...as well as a classic motorbike that needed some parts.
Set in Australia, it gives a taste of the culture of that country that is utterly missed by mainstream US media. It is written clearly enough that this is fun rather than being an issue and made the story seem more real.
The characters, even the worst of them, are likeable, believable, people with real life problems and joys. The culture of rebuilding the motorbike and all vintage vehicles is fascinating and engaging.
The dog, Snood, is a wonderful fellow, and the perfect doggy foil for Mia, the female lead.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a comfortable, enjoyable read about life and love and missing money...as well as a classic motorbike that needed some parts.
August 6, 2025
Funny and charming, I loved this book. There was something comforting and deeply human about the way Lahey bought Oliver and Mia together. I could feel the small town vibe, hear the clink of knitting needles, the motor bike, the laughter, and the slow pull of two people who didn’t expect to fall in love.
I received an ARC and I left an honest review.
I received an ARC and I left an honest review.
October 16, 2025
A thought-provoking ride you won’t want to get off! The Side Road by Sarah Lahey is an absolute gem—a clever blend of suspense, heart, and imagination that keeps you hooked from start to finish. From the very first chapter, Lahey pulls you into a world where nothing is quite what it seems, and every detour leads to another revelation.
The pacing is pitch-perfect: just when you think you know where the story is headed, it takes a sharp turn that leaves you grinning or gasping (sometimes both!). Lahey’s writing is crisp and cinematic, with witty dialogue and vivid scenes that make you feel like you’re right there in the middle of the mystery.
But what really makes The Side Road shine is its balance—there’s depth beneath the thrills. The characters are full of heart, grappling with choices, secrets, and the kind of “what ifs” that stick with you. There’s humor, humanity, and a sense of adventure that makes the book as fun as it is meaningful.
If you love stories that challenge your expectations while entertaining you every step of the way, The Side Road is a must-read. Buckle up—you’re in for one unforgettable trip!
The pacing is pitch-perfect: just when you think you know where the story is headed, it takes a sharp turn that leaves you grinning or gasping (sometimes both!). Lahey’s writing is crisp and cinematic, with witty dialogue and vivid scenes that make you feel like you’re right there in the middle of the mystery.
But what really makes The Side Road shine is its balance—there’s depth beneath the thrills. The characters are full of heart, grappling with choices, secrets, and the kind of “what ifs” that stick with you. There’s humor, humanity, and a sense of adventure that makes the book as fun as it is meaningful.
If you love stories that challenge your expectations while entertaining you every step of the way, The Side Road is a must-read. Buckle up—you’re in for one unforgettable trip!
August 11, 2025
I’m a fan! This book did not disappoint. A very funny, heartfelt story.
Thank you to the author for an ARC
Thank you to the author for an ARC
August 12, 2025
I must admit, this novel ( part of the series „Love Chronicles“ but can be read as a standalone) already got to me at the first sentence I read, which was a quote from Robert M. Pirsig’s Zen And The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. I loved that book, when I was around 18 years old and at that time enjoyed to ride my own motorbike.
„The Side Road“ is a beautifully written romance novel, taking place in a small town in Australia. The strings of the plot are nicely interwoven, and we learn about several characters, which all have their own difficulties to overcome. There is also a riddle about a lot of money, which has gone missing, that goes through the whole story.
Atmosphere and mood are always just the right ones, well suited to the different situations that happen during the story.
Details of the weather, the houses, the nature, small things (for example a not very well fitted motorcycle helmet) are well described and showing the care the characters take for each other without writing that fact literally.
Here a few pointers about what can be expected when reading the novel:
Restoring old Motorcycles (Oliver the MMC) and making her living through a well cared for knitting store ( Mia the FMC). Small town life, different social interactions, (sweet and nicely described: the Men Shed) neighbors, the community, inner conflicts because of childhood experiences (neglect) and mental abuse by a former partner, illness, funny actions (inventing a shearing station for a deviant bunny). How to care about and work with moody teenagers. Several pregnancies. And also a lot of side characters.
The different strings of the story are as already mentioned above nicely interwoven, but not all of them will be unraveled at the final chapter. First I felt a bit disappointed about that, because I would have liked to know how things would turn out for some of the other characters, but I suppose, that could have taken away the readers attention from the main plot of the book. And finally that’s also how real life works, you'll never get to know everything and perhaps that was an intentional move done by the author, so that the readers can come up with their own solutions and spin their own story yarn. Or maybe there will be a following novel.
By the way, I received a free ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.Writing this review was really no problem, because I enjoyed reading the novel immensely!
Finally I came to some personal conclusions while thinking a bit about the title of the novel. The side road is usually not the one, that leads straight to the destination. It’s smaller, often not so well travelled as main roads and it may include distractions, like junctions or detours.
I also thought, that maybe the yarn shop as part of the story was chosen intentionally by Sarah Lahey, because of a lot of the things happening in the flow of the story might be comparable to things that relate to working with yarn: knots, fallen stitches, intricate patterns and so on.
„The Side Road“ is a beautifully written romance novel, taking place in a small town in Australia. The strings of the plot are nicely interwoven, and we learn about several characters, which all have their own difficulties to overcome. There is also a riddle about a lot of money, which has gone missing, that goes through the whole story.
Atmosphere and mood are always just the right ones, well suited to the different situations that happen during the story.
Details of the weather, the houses, the nature, small things (for example a not very well fitted motorcycle helmet) are well described and showing the care the characters take for each other without writing that fact literally.
Here a few pointers about what can be expected when reading the novel:
Restoring old Motorcycles (Oliver the MMC) and making her living through a well cared for knitting store ( Mia the FMC). Small town life, different social interactions, (sweet and nicely described: the Men Shed) neighbors, the community, inner conflicts because of childhood experiences (neglect) and mental abuse by a former partner, illness, funny actions (inventing a shearing station for a deviant bunny). How to care about and work with moody teenagers. Several pregnancies. And also a lot of side characters.
The different strings of the story are as already mentioned above nicely interwoven, but not all of them will be unraveled at the final chapter. First I felt a bit disappointed about that, because I would have liked to know how things would turn out for some of the other characters, but I suppose, that could have taken away the readers attention from the main plot of the book. And finally that’s also how real life works, you'll never get to know everything and perhaps that was an intentional move done by the author, so that the readers can come up with their own solutions and spin their own story yarn. Or maybe there will be a following novel.
By the way, I received a free ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.Writing this review was really no problem, because I enjoyed reading the novel immensely!
Finally I came to some personal conclusions while thinking a bit about the title of the novel. The side road is usually not the one, that leads straight to the destination. It’s smaller, often not so well travelled as main roads and it may include distractions, like junctions or detours.
I also thought, that maybe the yarn shop as part of the story was chosen intentionally by Sarah Lahey, because of a lot of the things happening in the flow of the story might be comparable to things that relate to working with yarn: knots, fallen stitches, intricate patterns and so on.
Read
December 19, 2025The Side Road was such a lovely surprise. I went in expecting a light, funny small-town romance, and ended up really connecting with the characters and their journey.
Oliver and Mia felt incredibly real to me. Their relationship builds slowly and naturally, with plenty of warmth, humor, and honest emotion along the way. I loved the balance between the cozy wine-country setting, the small-town personalities, and the deeper themes of grief, fear, and taking a chance on love again. Nothing felt rushed or forced, which made their connection even more satisfying.
This book made me laugh, tugged at my heart, and left me feeling genuinely happy by the end. A great choice if you enjoy slow-burn romance with depth, charm, and characters you actually care about.
Oliver and Mia felt incredibly real to me. Their relationship builds slowly and naturally, with plenty of warmth, humor, and honest emotion along the way. I loved the balance between the cozy wine-country setting, the small-town personalities, and the deeper themes of grief, fear, and taking a chance on love again. Nothing felt rushed or forced, which made their connection even more satisfying.
This book made me laugh, tugged at my heart, and left me feeling genuinely happy by the end. A great choice if you enjoy slow-burn romance with depth, charm, and characters you actually care about.
September 24, 2025
The Side Road is part of the Love Chronicles Series but can be read as a standalone. This is the first book for me by this author. I will say that Mia and Oliver had a lot of baggage and circumstances to overcome to get to their happily ever after.
The characters were well developed but the story didn’t have that flow that I look for in a book. It felt like there was pieces missing and then in other parts it felt like there was to much information.
Overall, I still gave this book 4 stars and would recommend it to people.
The characters were well developed but the story didn’t have that flow that I look for in a book. It felt like there was pieces missing and then in other parts it felt like there was to much information.
Overall, I still gave this book 4 stars and would recommend it to people.
November 20, 2025
The Side Road is an absolute delight from start to finish. Wonderfully charming and effortlessly funny, this book strikes that perfect balance between light-hearted storytelling and meaningful emotional depth. The quirky humour gives the story a unique flavour, keeping the tone bright and engaging throughout.
The funny and fast-paced dialogue brings the characters to life in the most entertaining way. The conversations sparkle with wit, and the rhythm between them makes every interactions a joy to read.
I adored every minute of it.
The funny and fast-paced dialogue brings the characters to life in the most entertaining way. The conversations sparkle with wit, and the rhythm between them makes every interactions a joy to read.
I adored every minute of it.
August 6, 2025
A novel about life's winding paths, the choices we make and the threads that knit us together.
Set against the stunning backdrop of wine country, Oliver and Mia’s love story unfolds amidst vintage motorbikes, a lively knitting circle, the ups and downs of raising an almost-teenager, and a colourful array of elderly relatives. But lurking beneath the charm lies a mystery – what happened to the missing money? Was the strict Baptist grandmother embezzling?
Set against the stunning backdrop of wine country, Oliver and Mia’s love story unfolds amidst vintage motorbikes, a lively knitting circle, the ups and downs of raising an almost-teenager, and a colourful array of elderly relatives. But lurking beneath the charm lies a mystery – what happened to the missing money? Was the strict Baptist grandmother embezzling?
August 30, 2025
Oliver and Mia fight there initial attraction at every step, until they sucumb in a hot, steamy, series of sexual encounters. They are both afraid to commit from being burned before and Oliver's daughter Tash is involved. Their story unfolds in the midst of a delightful cast of quirky characters and odd situations. Loved the story and was eager to keep reading and sorry to see it end. A wonderful story of overcoming fear, taking chances, and family.
September 8, 2025
Mia has been hurt before and meeting the handsome single dad biker might lead to another hurt. Would she be able to overcome her past?
Oliver is a single dad who is finally back to take care of his daughter full time. The first tome he meets Mia, there is an undeniable attraction that he is willing to pursue. Would his past stand in the way of his future?
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.
Oliver is a single dad who is finally back to take care of his daughter full time. The first tome he meets Mia, there is an undeniable attraction that he is willing to pursue. Would his past stand in the way of his future?
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.
September 5, 2025
He goes homes to look after his daughter and he finds a party going on in the house. He will her, she is looking for a new start and they start to get close to each other. Her past may just ruin their relationship and future see if they can get through it
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great read
November 9, 2025
I found the book a bit slow to begin with but then it grabbed me. You get intrigued by the main character Mia and her uncertain personality. She’s guarded and hesitant in the dance of life but you can’t help but cheer her on when she meets Oliver. There are some great other characters and I really wish I had an Uncle Leo! And it made me want to take up knitting.
November 18, 2025
The Side Road is a heartwarming slow-burn romcom that balances humor, emotion, and the joys of new beginnings in a charming small-town setting.
February 3, 2026
It was a cute and easy read. I just don’t think I’ll gravitate to this book again.
September 30, 2025
I liked it a lot. Was a fun book I liked the characters. I was given an arc and i choose to give a honest review.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews