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Side by Side
Not yet published
Expected 26 May 26Love wasn't in the job description.
Kallen Jeffries has reached a few milestones before turning twenty-seven: stable writing job, a few friends who've turned into found family, and a place to live where he can be himself. What he didn't expect this year, however, was for his handsome new neighbour, Dan, to become his new coworker. And now, he's not just living next to the man – he has to sit next to him in the office every day.
Dan Byers has just moved to Brisbane from Melbourne for a fresh start in a content writing job at Untold Media. The position seems like the perfect fit, but with one major problem: he can't stop thinking about his new coworker, Kallen. Not wanting to complicate things at work with a silly crush, Dan does everything in his power to forget about it.
Kallen, on the other hand, is intimidated by Dan's impressive resume and starts seeing Dan as competition for a new position opening up in the office, something Kallen desperately wants. However, as Kallen and Dan work together, their one-sided rivalry soon softens into mutual respect, then something more.
But workplace romance is strictly banned in the office. Will Kallen and Dan risk their jobs for a shot at something real?
A heartwarming and witty romantic comedy about finding your people and taking chances, even when the consequences could cost you everything. Perfect for fans of Alison Cochrun and Chip Pons.
Kallen Jeffries has reached a few milestones before turning twenty-seven: stable writing job, a few friends who've turned into found family, and a place to live where he can be himself. What he didn't expect this year, however, was for his handsome new neighbour, Dan, to become his new coworker. And now, he's not just living next to the man – he has to sit next to him in the office every day.
Dan Byers has just moved to Brisbane from Melbourne for a fresh start in a content writing job at Untold Media. The position seems like the perfect fit, but with one major problem: he can't stop thinking about his new coworker, Kallen. Not wanting to complicate things at work with a silly crush, Dan does everything in his power to forget about it.
Kallen, on the other hand, is intimidated by Dan's impressive resume and starts seeing Dan as competition for a new position opening up in the office, something Kallen desperately wants. However, as Kallen and Dan work together, their one-sided rivalry soon softens into mutual respect, then something more.
But workplace romance is strictly banned in the office. Will Kallen and Dan risk their jobs for a shot at something real?
A heartwarming and witty romantic comedy about finding your people and taking chances, even when the consequences could cost you everything. Perfect for fans of Alison Cochrun and Chip Pons.
- GenresLGBTContemporary
Paperback
Expected publication May 26, 2026
About the author
Jordan Clayden-Lewis
6 books65 followersJordan Clayden-Lewis was born and raised in Australia, and loves queer stories of all sorts. These stories have inspired him to write his own.
When Jordan's not reading or writing, he's parenting his overactive kelpie Misty, hiking a trail in the forest somewhere, or thinking about Mexican food.
When Jordan's not reading or writing, he's parenting his overactive kelpie Misty, hiking a trail in the forest somewhere, or thinking about Mexican food.
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Review of advance copy
This book is set in Australia. For Americans, some terms will be strange. The book’s great otherwise. I received an advance reader’s copy of the book, and I am voluntarily giving this review.
Dan has moved from Melbourne to Brisbane’s New Farm community. He’s rented an apartment and needs a couch and a bookcase, so we know he’s a reader. Dan’s landed a job with Untold Media. He shares his apartment with Salem, a ginger and white cat with strong feelings, who meows longer than most cats. Today, Dan’s sister Tash has left her two-year-old son with her husband to help Dan collect the couch and bookcase. The couch is in Bulimba, a suburb of Brisbane. Tash has borrowed hubby Bret’s ute (a truck or vehicle with a cargo bay) to aid in the task.
Once the couch is in Dan’s apartment, they have a short drive to pick up the bookcase; it’s on Kent Street in New Farm. It’s a quaint house with a beautiful garden. Jean, the homeowner, shows Dan a mahogany bookcase. Jean and Dan form a bond over their love of reading.
Once the bookcase is in Dan’s apartment, he starts feeling excited about his new job, starting the next day.
Kallen “meets” Dan when they take the elevator to the ground floor from their neighboring apartments. Dan’s busy with his phone, giving Kallen short, polite answers. Once they’re on the ground floor, Dan says, “See you around,” and begins walking briskly. Kallen observes from behind; he walks to work leisurely.
When Kallen arrives, his friend Blake is sitting in the common room. He wishes her a happy Monday; her reply shows she is not a fan of Mondays. Blake has an unusual nickname for Kallen; the reminiscence had me laughing out loud. (You should avoid eating or drinking while reading – there are impish passages where you’ll be in danger of spraying your reader or the book.) Kallen remembers how they became friends, then admits Blake’s coming out as a trans woman on their first day at work made it easier for him to admit he was gay. They’ve sat next to each other ever since.
Blake tells Kallen he missed seeing the new guy “coming out of the lift like a lost canine.” Kallen asks what he’s like, and what his name is. Blake fills the blanks with a single comment: Dan seems really shy. When Blake and Kallen get to their desk area, there’s a surprise – sitting where Blake usually sits is the new guy, matching the description Blake had just given, also matching the guy Kallen had shared an elevator ride with at the apartment.
From that first morning, Dan and Kallen are thrown together at work. It’s obvious that Untold Media frowns on workplace romances – another writer is reassigned to a new job location; they were having a romance with an assistant, and the boss found out. That ends the problem by separating the two. That’s not an issue for Kallen, whose hookups have an extremely short duration. Dan is getting accustomed to the job. Slowly, they realize their interest in each other. It’s a slow build, with each thinking the other wouldn’t be interested – or worse yet, would be straight.
It’s a fast read, with a great buildup and a lot of false starts and missteps – but they keep getting pushed toward each other. The book ends with a “Happily Ever After,” and along the way the title gets explained in a way I didn’t expect.
Dan has moved from Melbourne to Brisbane’s New Farm community. He’s rented an apartment and needs a couch and a bookcase, so we know he’s a reader. Dan’s landed a job with Untold Media. He shares his apartment with Salem, a ginger and white cat with strong feelings, who meows longer than most cats. Today, Dan’s sister Tash has left her two-year-old son with her husband to help Dan collect the couch and bookcase. The couch is in Bulimba, a suburb of Brisbane. Tash has borrowed hubby Bret’s ute (a truck or vehicle with a cargo bay) to aid in the task.
Once the couch is in Dan’s apartment, they have a short drive to pick up the bookcase; it’s on Kent Street in New Farm. It’s a quaint house with a beautiful garden. Jean, the homeowner, shows Dan a mahogany bookcase. Jean and Dan form a bond over their love of reading.
Once the bookcase is in Dan’s apartment, he starts feeling excited about his new job, starting the next day.
Kallen “meets” Dan when they take the elevator to the ground floor from their neighboring apartments. Dan’s busy with his phone, giving Kallen short, polite answers. Once they’re on the ground floor, Dan says, “See you around,” and begins walking briskly. Kallen observes from behind; he walks to work leisurely.
When Kallen arrives, his friend Blake is sitting in the common room. He wishes her a happy Monday; her reply shows she is not a fan of Mondays. Blake has an unusual nickname for Kallen; the reminiscence had me laughing out loud. (You should avoid eating or drinking while reading – there are impish passages where you’ll be in danger of spraying your reader or the book.) Kallen remembers how they became friends, then admits Blake’s coming out as a trans woman on their first day at work made it easier for him to admit he was gay. They’ve sat next to each other ever since.
Blake tells Kallen he missed seeing the new guy “coming out of the lift like a lost canine.” Kallen asks what he’s like, and what his name is. Blake fills the blanks with a single comment: Dan seems really shy. When Blake and Kallen get to their desk area, there’s a surprise – sitting where Blake usually sits is the new guy, matching the description Blake had just given, also matching the guy Kallen had shared an elevator ride with at the apartment.
From that first morning, Dan and Kallen are thrown together at work. It’s obvious that Untold Media frowns on workplace romances – another writer is reassigned to a new job location; they were having a romance with an assistant, and the boss found out. That ends the problem by separating the two. That’s not an issue for Kallen, whose hookups have an extremely short duration. Dan is getting accustomed to the job. Slowly, they realize their interest in each other. It’s a slow build, with each thinking the other wouldn’t be interested – or worse yet, would be straight.
It’s a fast read, with a great buildup and a lot of false starts and missteps – but they keep getting pushed toward each other. The book ends with a “Happily Ever After,” and along the way the title gets explained in a way I didn’t expect.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC reader:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A hilarious, spicy, and heartfelt MM romcom with fantastic chemistry and some powerful emotional moments.
Side by Side by Jordan Clayden-Lewis completely won me over. What starts as a slightly awkward neighbours-to-co-workers situation quickly turns into a story full of banter, tension, and a romance that feels incredibly genuine.
Dan Byers moves to Brisbane looking for a fresh start and immediately develops a crush on his new neighbour, Kallen Jeffries. Unfortunately for him, that neighbour also turns out to be his co-worker… and someone who initially sees him as workplace competition, especially when Dan quickly becomes a favourite of their boss, Christian. Their relationship starts off a little rocky, but the chemistry between them is impossible to ignore.
One thing I really appreciated was the representation of both characters being sides. The spicy scenes felt refreshingly different compared to a lot of romance books and it added something unique to their relationship and dynamic.
There are also some incredibly emotional moments in this book. One of my favourite scenes was Kallen’s mum’s birthday dinner. His family is openly homophobic and when one of his aunts makes some awful comments, Dan absolutely explodes defending him. It’s such a powerful moment. Kallen doesn’t appreciate it immediately, but it ultimately gives him the push he needs to finally stand up to his family and say what he really thinks.
I also loved the side relationships throughout the story. Dan’s bond with Jean was incredibly sweet, especially when she asks him to write her story. Their relationship felt so warm and special, almost like a grandma and grandson. Kallen’s friendship with Blake was another highlight, and it was lovely seeing how Blake’s mum treats him like family in a way his own mum never really did.
✨ Things I loved • Neighbours to lovers
• Workplace romance tension
• Fantastic chemistry and banter
• Unique representation with both MCs being sides
• Strong friendships and side characters
• Emotional moments balanced with humour
💬 Favourite moment: Dan defending Kallen at the birthday dinner.
Overall this was funny, romantic, emotional, and full of wonderful character moments. Dan and Kallen might have a rocky road getting there, but they truly bring out the best in each other and are absolutely perfect together.
📚 Read this if you like:
• neighbours to lovers
• workplace romance
• grumpy/sunshine dynamics
• found family vibes
• spicy but character-driven romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A hilarious, spicy, and heartfelt MM romcom with fantastic chemistry and some powerful emotional moments.
Side by Side by Jordan Clayden-Lewis completely won me over. What starts as a slightly awkward neighbours-to-co-workers situation quickly turns into a story full of banter, tension, and a romance that feels incredibly genuine.
Dan Byers moves to Brisbane looking for a fresh start and immediately develops a crush on his new neighbour, Kallen Jeffries. Unfortunately for him, that neighbour also turns out to be his co-worker… and someone who initially sees him as workplace competition, especially when Dan quickly becomes a favourite of their boss, Christian. Their relationship starts off a little rocky, but the chemistry between them is impossible to ignore.
One thing I really appreciated was the representation of both characters being sides. The spicy scenes felt refreshingly different compared to a lot of romance books and it added something unique to their relationship and dynamic.
There are also some incredibly emotional moments in this book. One of my favourite scenes was Kallen’s mum’s birthday dinner. His family is openly homophobic and when one of his aunts makes some awful comments, Dan absolutely explodes defending him. It’s such a powerful moment. Kallen doesn’t appreciate it immediately, but it ultimately gives him the push he needs to finally stand up to his family and say what he really thinks.
I also loved the side relationships throughout the story. Dan’s bond with Jean was incredibly sweet, especially when she asks him to write her story. Their relationship felt so warm and special, almost like a grandma and grandson. Kallen’s friendship with Blake was another highlight, and it was lovely seeing how Blake’s mum treats him like family in a way his own mum never really did.
✨ Things I loved • Neighbours to lovers
• Workplace romance tension
• Fantastic chemistry and banter
• Unique representation with both MCs being sides
• Strong friendships and side characters
• Emotional moments balanced with humour
💬 Favourite moment: Dan defending Kallen at the birthday dinner.
Overall this was funny, romantic, emotional, and full of wonderful character moments. Dan and Kallen might have a rocky road getting there, but they truly bring out the best in each other and are absolutely perfect together.
📚 Read this if you like:
• neighbours to lovers
• workplace romance
• grumpy/sunshine dynamics
• found family vibes
• spicy but character-driven romance
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advanced reader copy review of Side by Side by Jordan Clayden-Lewis.
Available from 26 May 2026.
🌟🌟🌟🌟 – I loved this.
🔥🔥🔥 – two explicit sex scenes.
I ate this up! It was a fun, flirty, and quick read. I finished this book in two days. However, it could easily be read in a day.
This was my first time reading a novel from Jordan Clayden-Lewis. It did not disappoint!
Side by Side is a MM workplace romance set in Brisbane, Australia. Dan has just moved to Brisbane from Melbourne for a job. Kallen has been living in Brisbane for two years. Dan moves into the flat next door to Kallen, who he meets in the lift. There’s an immediate attraction between them, until Kallen finds out that Dan is his new colleague.
I love a good forced proximity or workplace romance. There was an element of forbidden romance too, but it fell flat for me. I didn’t truly believe they’d be punished for being in a relationship.
I liked the setting of Brisbane and Noosa, Queensland for this book. I’m not a local, but I have visited before. It was fun reading about places I’ve already been. I especially liked the mentions of the Story Bridge and Eagle Street, as well as Brisbane suburbs.
I loved the layered side characters in this story – especially Jean and Blake. I would have loved to hear a little more about the resolution of Jean’s storyline.
The sex scenes were worth the wait. 🥵 I am clearly uncultured, because I had not heard of being a ‘side’ before. I loved that detail in the title, which I had assumed just referred to Dan and Kallen being neighbours. Also I liked that while both characters had sex with others in this book, that those scenes weren’t detailed descriptions.
Tropes:
✨ Neighbours
✨ Workplace
✨ Forbidden
✨ Only one bed
✨ Road trip
✨ Forced proximity
Thank you to Jordan Clayden-Lewis for the ARC. I was not incentivised to read or review.
I noticed a few minor typo / syntax errors, but this is an ARC, so hopefully they’ll be fixed.
Fave quotes:
‘What a bastard, and an excruciatingly handsome one at that.’
‘It’s funny – you create this life and this family, and then there comes a time when you’re no longer in charge of it. It just operates on its own. Expands. Rolls over.’
‘Big stupid, handsome idiot.’
Available from 26 May 2026.
🌟🌟🌟🌟 – I loved this.
🔥🔥🔥 – two explicit sex scenes.
I ate this up! It was a fun, flirty, and quick read. I finished this book in two days. However, it could easily be read in a day.
This was my first time reading a novel from Jordan Clayden-Lewis. It did not disappoint!
Side by Side is a MM workplace romance set in Brisbane, Australia. Dan has just moved to Brisbane from Melbourne for a job. Kallen has been living in Brisbane for two years. Dan moves into the flat next door to Kallen, who he meets in the lift. There’s an immediate attraction between them, until Kallen finds out that Dan is his new colleague.
I love a good forced proximity or workplace romance. There was an element of forbidden romance too, but it fell flat for me. I didn’t truly believe they’d be punished for being in a relationship.
I liked the setting of Brisbane and Noosa, Queensland for this book. I’m not a local, but I have visited before. It was fun reading about places I’ve already been. I especially liked the mentions of the Story Bridge and Eagle Street, as well as Brisbane suburbs.
I loved the layered side characters in this story – especially Jean and Blake. I would have loved to hear a little more about the resolution of Jean’s storyline.
The sex scenes were worth the wait. 🥵 I am clearly uncultured, because I had not heard of being a ‘side’ before. I loved that detail in the title, which I had assumed just referred to Dan and Kallen being neighbours. Also I liked that while both characters had sex with others in this book, that those scenes weren’t detailed descriptions.
Tropes:
✨ Neighbours
✨ Workplace
✨ Forbidden
✨ Only one bed
✨ Road trip
✨ Forced proximity
Thank you to Jordan Clayden-Lewis for the ARC. I was not incentivised to read or review.
I noticed a few minor typo / syntax errors, but this is an ARC, so hopefully they’ll be fixed.
Fave quotes:
‘What a bastard, and an excruciatingly handsome one at that.’
‘It’s funny – you create this life and this family, and then there comes a time when you’re no longer in charge of it. It just operates on its own. Expands. Rolls over.’
‘Big stupid, handsome idiot.’
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I kept coming back to this book and had a hard time putting it down because I needed to know where Dan and Kallen’s relationship was going to go next.
I have to give credit to Jordan Clayden-Lewis because I was very excited to see underrepresented communities within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum being represented. I think this may be the first time I’ve seen “sides” mentioned in any form of media. If I were someone who identified as a side, I feel like this representation would mean a lot to me.
As someone who reads a lot of MM romance, it was refreshing not to have another story about a closeted queer man struggling with internal pressures. Instead, we get characters who are out and proud. Side by Side felt genuinely different from many of the books I’ve read in the genre, and it was exciting to see that kind of variety.
As someone who isn’t from Australia and hasn’t had the chance to visit yet, some of the phrases and slang went a bit over my head. That said, I still got a chuckle out of them since I enjoy the accent and some of the expressions.
I do wish we had gotten to see more of Dan and Kallen’s connection once they became comfortable with each other and decided to pursue a relationship. It felt like they started as one-sided office rivals (mostly on Kallen’s side), then moved into getting to know each other romantically, briefly fell out, and then we only saw a short glimpse of them six months later as a couple.
While the scenes of Dan writing Jean’s life story were wholesome, they felt somewhat disconnected from the main storyline and the book ended quite abruptly. I think it may have been nice to see more focus on the developing relationship between the two main characters instead. That said, perhaps there will be more to their story in the future.
Overall, I think Side by Side is an original story and will be an excellent addition to the MM romance genre when it is released later this year.
I have to give credit to Jordan Clayden-Lewis because I was very excited to see underrepresented communities within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum being represented. I think this may be the first time I’ve seen “sides” mentioned in any form of media. If I were someone who identified as a side, I feel like this representation would mean a lot to me.
As someone who reads a lot of MM romance, it was refreshing not to have another story about a closeted queer man struggling with internal pressures. Instead, we get characters who are out and proud. Side by Side felt genuinely different from many of the books I’ve read in the genre, and it was exciting to see that kind of variety.
As someone who isn’t from Australia and hasn’t had the chance to visit yet, some of the phrases and slang went a bit over my head. That said, I still got a chuckle out of them since I enjoy the accent and some of the expressions.
I do wish we had gotten to see more of Dan and Kallen’s connection once they became comfortable with each other and decided to pursue a relationship. It felt like they started as one-sided office rivals (mostly on Kallen’s side), then moved into getting to know each other romantically, briefly fell out, and then we only saw a short glimpse of them six months later as a couple.
While the scenes of Dan writing Jean’s life story were wholesome, they felt somewhat disconnected from the main storyline and the book ended quite abruptly. I think it may have been nice to see more focus on the developing relationship between the two main characters instead. That said, perhaps there will be more to their story in the future.
Overall, I think Side by Side is an original story and will be an excellent addition to the MM romance genre when it is released later this year.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I recently finished reading an advance copy of **Side by Side** by Jordan Clayden-Lewis.
As a big fan of Queer stories and romance (I consume more than I would ever admit to), I was very happy to read this book, which is described as a Romcom and offers a light, breezy read. While the book certainly starts out following the usual genre tropes, the narrative deepens into a satisfying, insightful take on navigating a new love as Dan and Kallen’s story unfolds.
I especially enjoyed the character development. The main characters are wonderfully flawed, and my favourite reading moments were the scenes where the boys worked through their baggage and were able to come together, I would have been happy to read more of their relationship development.
I also appreciated that they were written as “sides” rather than falling into the trope of the masculine top and insatiable bottom, a very nice change!
I loved that the story is Australian based and set in my home town. Jordan captures the Riverside city of Brisbane really well, detailing locations like the Riverwalk, Eagle Street, and the inner city suburb of New Farm.
Dan and Kallen are supported by some side quests and characters that I hope get stories of their own, especially Blake and Connor. The only aspect I wish had been different was that Dan meeting Jean on a marketplace adventure had been fleshed out and made more pivotal to the story.
All in all, I would totally recommend this book to all fans of the MM romance genre. I look forward to reading more of Jordan’s books and hope the *Side by Side* universe expands. Yay for MM stories based in Australia\!
March 27, 2026
If you’re looking for a cute little rom-com with laughs, drag queens, a cat with 9 minute meows* and just one bed, then I’ve got the book for you!
Side by Side promises everything it says on the box, and even with the standard third act break up, it is a fast paced romp that hooked me in and kept me flocking through the pages until it was over.
One of the things I really appreciated here was the fact that in a rom-com, having both the main characters be sides, but still giving us the spice of life and not making a spectacle of it. It was rather well done.
Personally, as much as I tire of a third act break up, having one here which isn’t caused by miscommunication, is refreshing, and the fact that it didn’t drag on for too long stopped me from losing interest.
Again, the main characters, Dan and Kallan, both have their faults, are both a little awkward, but are both a lot of fun to join on this ride. Throw in a few well placed and crafted side characters, and you’ve got a strong cast here.
Side by Side was definitely a strong palate cleanser for me after a couple of chunky books, and stood just as strong by itself.
* Salem’s 9 minute meows are not proven and I will not be held responsible for any disappointment by their lack of appearance
Side by Side promises everything it says on the box, and even with the standard third act break up, it is a fast paced romp that hooked me in and kept me flocking through the pages until it was over.
One of the things I really appreciated here was the fact that in a rom-com, having both the main characters be sides, but still giving us the spice of life and not making a spectacle of it. It was rather well done.
Personally, as much as I tire of a third act break up, having one here which isn’t caused by miscommunication, is refreshing, and the fact that it didn’t drag on for too long stopped me from losing interest.
Again, the main characters, Dan and Kallan, both have their faults, are both a little awkward, but are both a lot of fun to join on this ride. Throw in a few well placed and crafted side characters, and you’ve got a strong cast here.
Side by Side was definitely a strong palate cleanser for me after a couple of chunky books, and stood just as strong by itself.
* Salem’s 9 minute meows are not proven and I will not be held responsible for any disappointment by their lack of appearance
Review of advance copy received from Author
Firstly, as a fellow Aussie who spends a lot of time in Brisbane I really enjoyed all the geographical references. I love how specific some of these details are, instead of the local shop it was specifically IGA! Might confuse some international readers, but I enjoyed this so much. Almost like a little PR stunt for QLD haha.
This was such a sweet book, very different to traditional MM romances that I read on the regular. I’ve never read or even heard about sides so I love that this group got some representation.
The side story of Jean absolutely won me over, Dan and her relationship was so sweet and wholesome.
Kallen’s strained relationship with his family really made me feel for him. But why the heck didn’t he leave with Dan!?
I’m a little confused about why Kallen lost his job but Dan didn’t? That was a bit messy but not the end of my world.
I wish there was a tad more spice! I know that’s probably not the authors vibe, but I was absolutely a little frustrated with that as the book ended!
Overall, really enjoyable read!
This was such a sweet book, very different to traditional MM romances that I read on the regular. I’ve never read or even heard about sides so I love that this group got some representation.
The side story of Jean absolutely won me over, Dan and her relationship was so sweet and wholesome.
Kallen’s strained relationship with his family really made me feel for him. But why the heck didn’t he leave with Dan!?
I’m a little confused about why Kallen lost his job but Dan didn’t? That was a bit messy but not the end of my world.
I wish there was a tad more spice! I know that’s probably not the authors vibe, but I was absolutely a little frustrated with that as the book ended!
Overall, really enjoyable read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
If there is one trope I love is rivals to lovers especially workplace rivals so i definitely have to read it.
I have to admit the beginning of the story felt a little slow for me but once I pass that bump I able to immerse in the story and throughly enjoyed it. Is a sweet, emotional rom com with amazing banter , great MMC’s and wonderful side characters. One of the highlights In the story was the character development it was done so well having both characters work through those issues another one I loved was their relationship the progression didn’t feel rushed and I love that although I did wanted to read little bit more of them together my only complaint.
Overall this a great read, this my first time reading anything from Jordan but for sure won’t be the last. If you’re looking for a rom com that is funny, sweet, with family and friendship dynamics this is definitely for you.
*ARC provided for an honest review*
If there is one trope I love is rivals to lovers especially workplace rivals so i definitely have to read it.
I have to admit the beginning of the story felt a little slow for me but once I pass that bump I able to immerse in the story and throughly enjoyed it. Is a sweet, emotional rom com with amazing banter , great MMC’s and wonderful side characters. One of the highlights In the story was the character development it was done so well having both characters work through those issues another one I loved was their relationship the progression didn’t feel rushed and I love that although I did wanted to read little bit more of them together my only complaint.
Overall this a great read, this my first time reading anything from Jordan but for sure won’t be the last. If you’re looking for a rom com that is funny, sweet, with family and friendship dynamics this is definitely for you.
*ARC provided for an honest review*
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thankyou to the author for sending me the eARC for this book!
A fun rom-com following Kallen and Dan, who's lives crash together as they become neighbours, co-workers, friends... and more?
I enjoyed the dual POV, Dan and Kallen were both really enjoyable characters, and the cast of side characters felt organic and natural (though I do wish we saw more of Jean!)
I was also happy to see something which isn't common in MM romance, particularly where there is a bit of spice, in that both MC's were sides, so a big bonus for representing realistic sexual identities!
A fresh, funny romcom, I look forward to reading more from this author.
A fun rom-com following Kallen and Dan, who's lives crash together as they become neighbours, co-workers, friends... and more?
I enjoyed the dual POV, Dan and Kallen were both really enjoyable characters, and the cast of side characters felt organic and natural (though I do wish we saw more of Jean!)
I was also happy to see something which isn't common in MM romance, particularly where there is a bit of spice, in that both MC's were sides, so a big bonus for representing realistic sexual identities!
A fresh, funny romcom, I look forward to reading more from this author.
Review of advance copy
Took me a little time but as I carried on I absolutely ADORED this!
Seeing Kallen and Dan growing from strangers to co-workers to friends to lovers was a journey but a good one of I say so myself!
Also absolutely adored Jean as a character, loved that she trusted Dan for writing her story! I was very sad to see her moving away since I enjoyed their relationship a lot!
This is also my first time reading a story based in Australia and it did not disappoint and made me learn more about this county!
So when all is said and done I 100% recommend this book as their next MM story read :)
Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Seeing Kallen and Dan growing from strangers to co-workers to friends to lovers was a journey but a good one of I say so myself!
Also absolutely adored Jean as a character, loved that she trusted Dan for writing her story! I was very sad to see her moving away since I enjoyed their relationship a lot!
This is also my first time reading a story based in Australia and it did not disappoint and made me learn more about this county!
So when all is said and done I 100% recommend this book as their next MM story read :)
Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
April 17, 2026
Arc reader.
As a gay man in my twenties, this book was relatable and made me want to get a pet for real. I related to Kallen and Dan having responsibilities while working real jobs. The book was fun and sweet.
I love this book so much—it made me want to travel to Australia 🤩
Slice-of-life enough to feel real, yet very dreamy as a romance book. Kallen and Dan are absolutely lovely; it was great to understand them well. I truly related to the gay culture/hook-up culture, and I felt some parts of the story were realistic.
I loved, loved, loved the title, btw. I truly enjoyed the nods to LGBTQ+ lingo (mostly gay).
As a gay man in my twenties, this book was relatable and made me want to get a pet for real. I related to Kallen and Dan having responsibilities while working real jobs. The book was fun and sweet.
I love this book so much—it made me want to travel to Australia 🤩
Slice-of-life enough to feel real, yet very dreamy as a romance book. Kallen and Dan are absolutely lovely; it was great to understand them well. I truly related to the gay culture/hook-up culture, and I felt some parts of the story were realistic.
I loved, loved, loved the title, btw. I truly enjoyed the nods to LGBTQ+ lingo (mostly gay).
Review of advance copy
**Review of an Advanced Reader Copy from BookSirens**
I feel like the premise was pretty fun to read but the enjoyment started to wane the more I made progress. Unfortunately the dual POVs didn't work for me since we didn't get much from Dan and the continuous miscommunication on Kal's part annoyed me to no ends. The book felt like it ended way too early as I was hoping to read more about when the two MMCs finally got together.
The best part was definitely the memoir session & I definitely would've loved to read more of that.
2.5 Stars rounded to 3
I feel like the premise was pretty fun to read but the enjoyment started to wane the more I made progress. Unfortunately the dual POVs didn't work for me since we didn't get much from Dan and the continuous miscommunication on Kal's part annoyed me to no ends. The book felt like it ended way too early as I was hoping to read more about when the two MMCs finally got together.
The best part was definitely the memoir session & I definitely would've loved to read more of that.
2.5 Stars rounded to 3
Review of advance copy
This is a story about Kallen and Dan. I didn't think Kallen was a very likeable person. I felt he was too self-centered. I couldn't tell what Dan liked about Kallen except he thought he was handsome and snarky. I did like some of the side characters. I hate homophobic family and even though it is very realistic, it always brings strife that the characters don't need in their love story. This was a well written story, but I hate how both MCs were after the third act break up.
Story 3.5, Spice 2
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Story 3.5, Spice 2
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to be given an ARC of this and I did enjoy it. The side by side element was actually lovely and refreshing to see that represented and also two men who knew they were gay from the start of the book. No awakening here!!! It’s does feel a little disjointed sometimes and I think I would have liked to have seen more of the relationship side of things between Dan & Kalan once they became comfortable with each other. Blake is amazing, I’d love to read her story
Review of advance copy
This was my first book from this author and I really enjoyed it.
Dan is a shy, introverted guy who comes alive around Kallen.
Kallen is unlucky in most everything in his life, but things turn for the better when Dan comes around.
There were ups and downs, and a few times things could have been remedied with a convo, but I understand that is how the story was meant to go.
I received an ARC from Book Sirens for my honest review.
Dan is a shy, introverted guy who comes alive around Kallen.
Kallen is unlucky in most everything in his life, but things turn for the better when Dan comes around.
There were ups and downs, and a few times things could have been remedied with a convo, but I understand that is how the story was meant to go.
I received an ARC from Book Sirens for my honest review.
Review of advance copy
Awww this was so sweet. I love a workplace romance. Dan and Kallen were absolutely adorable. Nick and Charlie vibes. Dan being Nick , Fallen being Charlie. Fallen was such a cute nervous Bean. Dan was a sunshine golden retriever with acid reflux because same ! I get that and its horrible.
I adored Jean and loved Blake . This had romance and a bit of grief with parent death.
This was an amazing story.
how I loved this so much.
I received this an an earc for an honest review.
I adored Jean and loved Blake . This had romance and a bit of grief with parent death.
This was an amazing story.
how I loved this so much.
I received this an an earc for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Side by side had me giggling, kicking my feet but also got me emotional at times.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book! Such a fun, easy read that filled my heart with joy.
As a non Aussie, I loved the Aussie slang, too.
All in all a great comfort read with flawed (which is only realistic) yet likeable characters.
I received an ARC for free and I enjoyed the book so much that I decided to leave a review.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book! Such a fun, easy read that filled my heart with joy.
As a non Aussie, I loved the Aussie slang, too.
All in all a great comfort read with flawed (which is only realistic) yet likeable characters.
I received an ARC for free and I enjoyed the book so much that I decided to leave a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this book. It’s an incredibly heartwarming and lovely story. I also liked the writing style in this book. The characters are wonderfully developed, and the story isn’t trite or boring. Definitely 4 stars.
The only thing I didn’t really like was the beginning. The first few chapters weren’t very interesting, but after that, the book completely captivated me.
The only thing I didn’t really like was the beginning. The first few chapters weren’t very interesting, but after that, the book completely captivated me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Gorgeously Australian, filled with banter and chemistry that will keep you turning the pages and the perfect mix of swoon and spice, Side by Side was everything I wanted it to be and more. Loved the double dose of forced proximity as neighbours and cow0rkers. Can't wait for everyone to discover this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A quick and easy read! This was an enjoyable story with a very sweet found family vibe. I would have liked more development on Dan and Kallen's relationship. I am glad they found people that accept them for who they are and can be secure in themselves.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A fun and heartfelt queer rom-com with a slow burn-ish workplace romance, found family and diverse cast of characters. I loved Kallen and Dan, and I loved Blake as a character, the double meaning of the title, and Jean’s story.
I received a ARC of this book and all opinions are my own.
I received a ARC of this book and all opinions are my own.
March 16, 2026
This was such a cute story! I really haven’t read a MM story quite like this one! It was definitely a slow burn kind of romance without explicit details but also how they described what they both liked! I loved the workplace romance elements and how the both of them worked up to being together
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this much
Definitely gave me rom-com vibes
I loved that the characters are so fleshed out and also how cute is Jean? I want her to be nanna
not giving spoilers but go into more detail in my Instagram post thank you so Jordan for letting me read this
Definitely gave me rom-com vibes
I loved that the characters are so fleshed out and also how cute is Jean? I want her to be nanna
not giving spoilers but go into more detail in my Instagram post thank you so Jordan for letting me read this
Review of advance copy
Review of advance copy via BookSirens
- m/m
- Neighbours to lovers
- Office romance
- Grumpy/sunshine
- Found family
This was such a sweet, emotional, spicy and overall swoon-worthy book.
Dan & Kellan were great; their banter had me laughing, swooning and even aching for them. They had great chemistry and the development of their relationship was so good, I had a hard time putting the book down. It got quite emotional as things moved along, but both characters grew together and individually.
I liked that it was more than just a love story; friendships, and finding connections with people in all forms.
Both main characters, Dan and Kellan had formed relationships with side characters that fit in nicely with their story.
It was a great read
- m/m
- Neighbours to lovers
- Office romance
- Grumpy/sunshine
- Found family
This was such a sweet, emotional, spicy and overall swoon-worthy book.
Dan & Kellan were great; their banter had me laughing, swooning and even aching for them. They had great chemistry and the development of their relationship was so good, I had a hard time putting the book down. It got quite emotional as things moved along, but both characters grew together and individually.
I liked that it was more than just a love story; friendships, and finding connections with people in all forms.
Both main characters, Dan and Kellan had formed relationships with side characters that fit in nicely with their story.
It was a great read
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