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Side Quest
Sometimes the main quest is overrated.
Caleb has spent his whole life trying to do what’s expected of him, trying not to let anyone down. But he’s been pushing off his future as long as he can, and now he has to decide what he wants to do with his what his parents expect, or something else entirely?
When Caleb gets recruited last-minute to join The Roll Players Show—a tabletop role-playing game web-series—he can’t exactly say no and let down the complete strangers who are now depending on him. Not when beautiful-yet-taciturn Leo is the leader of the group; the last thing Caleb wants is for him to be disappointed.
Even though Leo doesn’t seem to know that Caleb exists, most of the time.
Which is why Caleb is completely floored when Leo kisses him out of the blue, and then walks away. Caleb is left wondering what it all means, wondering what Leo actually wants. How can Caleb possibly avoid disappointing him now? He’s too chubby and too awkward and too inexperienced for someone like Leo, surely. All he can do is let Leo down.
But sometimes it seems like Leo is the only one who cares what Caleb wants, too. The one encouraging him to pursue his artistic dreams, to forge his own path—to ignore the main quest that’s been set before him and choose his own adventure. Leo is the one who makes him feel good about himself and his future, for once. Even if the two of them make no sense together—at least, they shouldn’t make sense together. But it’s starting to feel more and more like they do.
Can Caleb trust that Leo’s interest could be genuine, or is the reclusive Roll Player just playing games?
Side Quest is a cute and nerdy queer romantic comedy with a bit of spice and a lot of laughs.
Caleb has spent his whole life trying to do what’s expected of him, trying not to let anyone down. But he’s been pushing off his future as long as he can, and now he has to decide what he wants to do with his what his parents expect, or something else entirely?
When Caleb gets recruited last-minute to join The Roll Players Show—a tabletop role-playing game web-series—he can’t exactly say no and let down the complete strangers who are now depending on him. Not when beautiful-yet-taciturn Leo is the leader of the group; the last thing Caleb wants is for him to be disappointed.
Even though Leo doesn’t seem to know that Caleb exists, most of the time.
Which is why Caleb is completely floored when Leo kisses him out of the blue, and then walks away. Caleb is left wondering what it all means, wondering what Leo actually wants. How can Caleb possibly avoid disappointing him now? He’s too chubby and too awkward and too inexperienced for someone like Leo, surely. All he can do is let Leo down.
But sometimes it seems like Leo is the only one who cares what Caleb wants, too. The one encouraging him to pursue his artistic dreams, to forge his own path—to ignore the main quest that’s been set before him and choose his own adventure. Leo is the one who makes him feel good about himself and his future, for once. Even if the two of them make no sense together—at least, they shouldn’t make sense together. But it’s starting to feel more and more like they do.
Can Caleb trust that Leo’s interest could be genuine, or is the reclusive Roll Player just playing games?
Side Quest is a cute and nerdy queer romantic comedy with a bit of spice and a lot of laughs.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2026
About the author
Paisley Rose
4 books4 followersPaisley Rose is a Canadian author who loves to write about weirdos falling in love. When she’s not binge-reading or binge-writing romances, she’s probably being bad at video games, watching the same YouTube video for the seven-hundredth time, and/or feeling guilty for not making art very often. She lives in southern Ontario with her partner and their three sad houseplants.
Visit her website (linked above) for an accurate and up-to-date list of her books.
Visit her website (linked above) for an accurate and up-to-date list of her books.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 12, 2026
4.25 stars.
This was a really cute story to round out a cozy trilogy. Our main character is so awkward and inexperienced and struggles so much to believe anyone could like him—he was lovable but I found his struggles relatable too. It was great to see him begin to trust himself as he learned to trust the people he loves. I thought Leo and Caleb’s communication struggles were very believable. Some people are not good communicators! But they kept working at it together and meeting in the middle, and that was lovely. Spicy too!
I also really enjoyed the script inserts. I recognize that story!
This was very fun and I tore through it. Would reread!
This was a really cute story to round out a cozy trilogy. Our main character is so awkward and inexperienced and struggles so much to believe anyone could like him—he was lovable but I found his struggles relatable too. It was great to see him begin to trust himself as he learned to trust the people he loves. I thought Leo and Caleb’s communication struggles were very believable. Some people are not good communicators! But they kept working at it together and meeting in the middle, and that was lovely. Spicy too!
I also really enjoyed the script inserts. I recognize that story!
This was very fun and I tore through it. Would reread!
June 12, 2026
I was unsure about a MM romance, but as a fan of Paisley Rose and this series i gave it a try and I’m so glad I did! I loved it, it was super sweet and this may be my favourite in the series.
I adored Caleb from the very first page. I could relate to him wanting to be a side character and people pleaser in life.
The comments about the bees in Caleb’s chest has me laughing out loud.
As usual, Paisley had me grinning like a fool, kicking my feet while I read this. I devoured this book in one day. I would definitely recommend. Even if MM romance isn’t your typical read, you can’t help but fall in love with Caleb and Leos story.
I adored Caleb from the very first page. I could relate to him wanting to be a side character and people pleaser in life.
The comments about the bees in Caleb’s chest has me laughing out loud.
As usual, Paisley had me grinning like a fool, kicking my feet while I read this. I devoured this book in one day. I would definitely recommend. Even if MM romance isn’t your typical read, you can’t help but fall in love with Caleb and Leos story.
June 21, 2026
A sweet, low stakes romcom between an anxious MMC with low self-esteem and a stoic, taciturn MLI who’s often mistaken for an asshole. The story is straightforward and the character interactions are warm and wholesome, with most of the tension coming from the MMC’s misunderstanding of situations and inability to believe good things could be happening to him. External conflict is minimal, almost nonexistent, the potential introduced too late and snuffed out almost immediately afterwards. If this is not your preference, consider skipping this book; otherwise, it’s perfect if you’re in the mood for a fluffy, low-spice, low-tension romance.
June 15, 2026
This was the second Paisley Rose book I've read and it was everything and more that I was expecting. Cute characters, relatable issues, a cosy vibe. What I really liked was that it takes place in the same social circle as Roll Play so seeing characters like Malcolm again was a joy!
The only thing I'd have liked more of was conflict as the potential antagonist was introduced a tad late and their attempts at sabotage were foiled a little too easily. Though it did involve the characters talking to each other rather than hiding their issues, which is a trope I usually dislike.
Overall, a nice jaunt back into the world of quirky characters and good friends. A comfort blanket series if ever there was!
The only thing I'd have liked more of was conflict as the potential antagonist was introduced a tad late and their attempts at sabotage were foiled a little too easily. Though it did involve the characters talking to each other rather than hiding their issues, which is a trope I usually dislike.
Overall, a nice jaunt back into the world of quirky characters and good friends. A comfort blanket series if ever there was!
June 13, 2026
This book is great for those into nerdy, wholesome romances without toxic tropes. It did a great job of including mental illness and character growth without getting too dark or dramatic. I would have loved to get more descriptions of the group game night interactions or some highlight clips from their show; most of the side characters seemed liked afterthoughts and I would have liked to get to know everyone better. I'll have to go back and read the first two books to get more info on them. Overall, this was a fun light read.
June 13, 2026
Paisley Rose offers great stories of nerds falling in love and this book is no exception. If you've ever wondered what Mr. Darcy would be like a nerdy roleplayer, you will find out in Leo. And Caleb? You find out what a NPC might get when they take a bit of agency in their own life. When people say opposites attract, they might have been talking about these two in fact. But I was rooting for them to work it out. And I loved seeing glimpses of characters from their previous books, which was just like meeting friends.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a really sweet story that continues some of the themes of Paisley's other stories in the series but also brings in a fresh take. I love reading about relatable characters who find joy in being their authentic selves and embracing their passions, and who find connection with others and grow along the way. We get that with Side Quest! A delightful read that feels grounded.
June 12, 2026
Not gonna lie, I think Leo has the patience of a saint. But it was also adorable and I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews