Side Effect: An 831 Stories Romance

by Paige Sander

When “right person, wrong time” is an understatement. A slow-burn romance with everything on the line.

Ruby’s job is straightforward: Go on first dates; share her horror stories with the world. It’s a premise that’s built her a successful career as a podcaster—all while giving her a convenient excuse to keep everyone at arm’s length. When she learns she has late-stage brain cancer, Ruby’s aversion to emotional intimacy goes into overdrive. But then she has dinner with Neal, a mysterious dreamboat who throws her for another loop: She actually wants to see him again.

Genres: Romance, Novella, Contemporary Romance

256 pages, Paperback

Expected publication January 26, 2027

Reviews

[Brooke Averick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeah

[caleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

i’m never the biggest fan of novellas, because i feel like there’s simply not enough pages to really tell a story of build solid characters, and they’re always three stars or lower for me.

consider this an exception and also the start of a new obsession with 831 stories!!!!!

the story promises to be emotional, following a woman who’s recently been diagnosed with glioblastoma and who has struggled to find love her entire life. enter the first man who’s ever made her truly want a ‘second date’, who’s a walking green flag, who entered her life at the right time, even though it could be tragic and oh so painful.

i absolutely loved the way the romance was shown, it was more of a love story than just a cheesy little romcom, which is sort of what i was expecting, so that was a pleasant surprise. it wasn’t super instalovey, the characters had a genuine connection and chemistry that i could really feel through the pages, and they were just so 🥹 together. the way neal supported ruby through this absolutely terrifying time in her life was just so special and refreshing to read about.

even more of a pleasant surprise is how attached i grew to the characters, even the side ones like ruby’s family. i shed tears you guys!!!! over a novella!!! that was not on my 2026 bingo card but i’m so not mad about it. the fact that i was able to form that connection and see their growth throughout what is (i’m assuming) a sub-200 page story is so insane to me. just so well done, and it even had what i think was such a perfect way to end it and wrap everything together without rushing or making everything convenient. bit of an open-ending, sure, but it just worked.

now brb i need to go fall down a rabbit hole of 831 stories because, yeah, i think i’m obsessed.

thank you to netgalley and 831 stories for an arc, all opinions are my own!!

── .✦ pre read
already know this one’s gonna hurt ❤️‍🩹

[Liz Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was literal perfection. It had me from the very first sentence and I didn’t want it to end. 831 stories has not let me down yet and this was no exception.

The pacing and tension were so well done, and somehow it managed to be romantic, emotional, and bittersweet without feeling overly heavy. Writing a romance where one of the main characters has terminal cancer feels like it could go wrong in about a million different ways, but this handled it so beautifully.

Watching Ruby slowly let her guard down was both subtle but heartbreaking. Going on a first date immediately after finding out you have brain cancer sounds objectively awful, but it also changed the way she approached these dates. What started as something she was doing for her podcast became less about getting good material and more about actually being present and enjoying the connection.

And Ruby and Neal’s connection was SO good. Neal definitely isn’t going to be everyone’s type, but he was so obviously right for Ruby that I couldn’t help but fall for him right along with her. Their relationship felt natural and genuine without needing to force it.

I also really loved Ruby’s relationship with her twin and especially the way Neal fit into that part of her life. It added so much to the story without taking away from the romance. I will be thinking about this relationship and the way Ruby describes true love through the connection with her identical twin for a long time.

This was funny, romantic, sad without being completely devastating, and somehow still hopeful. I hope my friends are ready to be sick of me recommending this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and 831Stories for the advanced copy!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this might be my top read of the year!! I couldn’t put this down i devoured it in one sitting!! This book had me bawling in the best way possible.

The romance is very sweet I loved seeing Ruby and Neal find love in an impossible situation. I loved how Neal constantly reassured her that she was allowed to want things. Ahh I’m gonna need to read this again because I can’t stop thinking about it.

I loved their meet cute and that Ruby hosts a dating podcast. It was so fun and I loved how it played into her story. I loved her friends and family too! They were so supportive even when Ruby didn’t want to be.

I highly recommend this!! It’s was amazing!!

[Kelsey Tennyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My contact fell out reading this while I ugly cried.

[zil · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

side effect... what a delightful surprise! I truly loved it!
this is definition of a bittersweet, brilliant, and deeply emotional novel. 💌

the story follows ruby, a successful podcaster who—on the very same day she receives a brain cancer diagnosis—meets neal , the only man who makes her want a second date. despite the heavy themes, the author perfectly balances sharp humor with character vulnerability. ruby is witty and endearing, and her chemistry with neal is palpable from the start.

it is a short yet intensely meaningful read that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure. i completely recommend it!

a lot of thanks to 831stories and Netgalley for the arc of this story in exchange for my thoughts!

[ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

a perfect blend of funny and endearing and emotional! i laughed with these characters, and i cried, and i was so so charmed by ruby and neal, i can't believe this was only 200ish pages. kind of the perfect palate cleanser!

"side effect" follows ruby, a successful podcaster whose show revolves around sharing funny tidbits from the terrible dates she goes on in her quest for love. her whole thing is never going on second dates because she always finds some shortcomings with her date, and maybe she is a little scared of letting herself be loved. except, on the day that she gets diagnosed with brain cancer, she ends up meeting neal, who happens to be someone she'd want to go on a second date with.

honestly, this could have very easily turned into very annoying caricatures for characters, but it doesn't. ruby is funny and charming, but also so full of self-doubt and fear. i was a bit worried going in that neal was going to be a cold, cardboard version of a man, the way characters of his type tend to be, but he was a pleasant surprise. he'd cool and collected, sure, but he also bounces off ruby's humor so well, and their chemistry is palpable. i wish we'd spent a bit more time on him too (as well as her family, especially bonnie), because he is the lesser fleshed-out of the two, but, overall, i think this does as well as a novella could in the amount of pages it has.

in a way this kind of had the charm of a beloved romcom. i was glad there was no useless miscommunication, and if our main characters were being frustrating and lingered in constant uncertainty, well, i think it all made sense, given the enormity of the situation. after all, when faced with the choice of getting to love someone, even if for a very short time, do you take it and accept the pain that might come with it or walk away from it?

thank you 831 Stories Romance and NetGalley for the chance to read an ARC of this novella! all opinions are my own.

[MrsHarvieReads · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Thank you to 831 Stories for a #gifted advanced reader copy of Side Effect by Paige Sander in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own

Side Effect is a heart-wrenching and ultimately life-affirming love story. Ruby and Neal are the epitome of the “right person, wrong time” trope. Ruby is a 32-year-old New Yorker who hosts a popular podcast about the horrors of dating. She meets Neal, the smart, successful, golden retriever of her dreams, on the same day that she is diagnosed with late-stage brain cancer.

This short novel may be a surprising choice for someone who has been diagnosed with cancer herself. But I really enjoyed the sweet, often funny, slow-burn romance between Ruby and Neal. I especially loved their banter, the way he “saw” her, and her relationship with her twin sister. And don’t even get me started on Sal, the cantankerous bodega owner 🥹 I may be a bit overly critical of some of Ruby’s reactions/behaviors because of my own experience, but overall I thought this heartwarming and ultimately uplifting romance was delightful 3.75/5⭐️

[Mere · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐!!!!!! Would honestly give it 10⭐ if I could!!!!

This book was so emotional and profound and deep and I absolutely loved it!!!! I'll be honest, I Wouldn't have guessed that there could be so much character development in such a short amount of pages but I'm so glad I was wrong. I even fell in love with all of the side characters here! Truly one of the better romances I've read all year!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review!! Thank you so much to the Author, the Publisher, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

What did I just read? WHAT. DID. I. JUST. READ!?!?!?!

I need a moment, a towel to sop up my ever flowing tears, and to thank NetGalley and 831 Stories for this ARC.

I’m going to go calm down or I won’t be able to see my screen due to the blurred and watery eyes.

[Grace Farris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bring your tissues! This is a tear-jerker. I got Pride and Prejudice and Lizzie/Mr. Darcy vibes from these characters.

[maddie's reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to 841 Stories and NetGalley for the arc!

Rtc

[Pía · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, thank you, NetGalley and 831 Stories, for letting me get an ARC of this book.

When I first read the comps, I knew I wanted to read the book, but I wasn’t sure I was going to like it, as there are a lot of books that have certain comps and, when reading them, I’m like, Where are the similarities? But with this one, it’s not the case. This book is literally as if Nobody Wants This and Dying for Sex had a baby.

It’s incredible how heartfelt and deep, but also incredibly funny, this book is, and it’s less than 200 pages. I’m amazed at how well thought-out it.

Unlike other 831 Stories books I have read, this one doesn’t have a perfectly wrapped-up HEA and has a more serious tone, as it deals with Ruby, the FMC, having cancer. So, if you are sensitive to reading about cancer, this may not be your cup of tea.

I read it in a little less than three hour, so is also perfect, if you are behind in your reading goals as I am.

[Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve slowly but surely been making my way through the collection of 831 Stories, and this one truly is in a class of its own.
Even though it might not be a story that everyone will feel comfortable reading, especially if you or a loved one is dealing with cancer, I cannot recommend this story highly enough.
I immediately felt an affinity with Ruby (I’m also in my thirties, have never been in love and most likely keep people at an arm’s length) and because of this, I was able to put myself into her shoes.
There’s also a great cast of side characters, namely Ruby’s family, who feel genuine and realistic instead of just being there to add to the plot.
You get the yearning and butterflies of the burgeoning romance between Ruby and Neal, and yet it is so much more than that.
It challenges you to think about how you would act and react to being in a similar situation, as well as what is most important in life, when it comes down to it.
I also appreciated Ruby’s sense of humour, but how underneath it, she was scared and needed people, too.
There’s also a realistic sense of foreboding the whole way through and I was genuinely choked up near the end and hoping that even though it wouldn’t be a traditional happily ever after, that it ended on a somewhat optimistic note – I won’t spoil it for you.
This is the kind of story, romance or otherwise, that I will remember for a long time. And it also managed to pack so much emotion and depth into what is a 200 page – or so – novella.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this may have been one of my favorite books of the year. My hearrrrrt. 😩

The meet-cute/premise was just perfection. I was kicking my feet.

This was quite a bit heavier than other 831 Stories I’ve read, but in the best way. It felt so heart-wrenchingly real, and I was completely invested in these characters.

My only qualm was that I struggled to feel Neal and Ruby’s chemistry in the beginning. For the first 40% of the book, I honestly thought he didn’t like her at all. I completely understand that he was trying to maintain professional boundaries, which felt realistic given their circumstances, but as a reader, his restraint sometimes came across as disinterest. I so wish we’d had alternating POVs so I could’ve gotten a glimpse of what he was feeling. I felt like Ruby had better banter with the elderly bagel shop owner than with Neal. Their chemistry really did blossom in the second half though and by the end, I absolutely loved them together.

Even with that one criticism, this book had so much heart and I know I’ll be thinking about it for a while 🥺

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Dayvn Kai · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75⭐ Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy. This was by far one of the most beautiful books I’ve read. It's so short, and I need more right now! I cried throughout the entire book, and Ruby and Neal were so perfect together; I loved it. I always love an angsty romance book, and this was just perfect, but that ending caught me off guard because I wasn’t expecting it. Overall, I really enjoyed this one and kinda need to read the longer version. Thank you again to the publisher and NetGalley for an early copy!

[Dorre · Rating 5 out of 5]

So different than the other 831 stories I’ve read . This book had me crying big very ugly tears .. epitome of the right guy wrong time trope . This book was graciously provided by the publisher via NetGalley .

[Paige DuBrul · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll wish you could read it all over again for the first time. 10/10.

[Marie McNeill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down. I am not even remotely emotional, but found myself getting glassy eyed at parts and I did not expect it. Was so good I just wish there was more story!!!

[Sam Seath · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect palette cleanser!!! Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy - I loved this little Novella so much. Ruby and Neal both had me wanting more🥹

[Emily Goldberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

so I finished this in like 3 hours and wow I’m crying in bed at 12:17 am why was this a masterpiece😭😭😭

[Sof · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby runs a successful podcast where she discusses her bad dates, which just so happens to also be a convenient excuse for her to keep everyone at arm’s length. On the day she learns she has late-stage brain cancer, she goes on a date with a man named Neal - sweet, kind, and mysterious Neal, who, for the first time in her life, Ruby actually wants to see again.

This book wrecked me emotionally in all the best ways 🥲🩷 I’m writing this review the morning after finishing this book, where I ugly cried for a good 30 minutes, to the point where my cat, who was lying in my bed with me, huffed and turned away. But if she could read, she’d be crying too! I absolutely adored Side Effect. It’s short, but packs a big fkn punch. I loved the mc, Ruby, and her dark sense of humour. I laughed out loud a lot at her witty responses. I can wholly relate to coping with humour. I also related to her thoughts of not feeling like an adult, despite being in her early thirties. This story really makes you think about what it means to live, what a life looks like (and that’s different for everyone), but also how the little things matter. Light that candle, use that new espresso machine, do the things that bring you joy. A love story doesn't take a lifetime; to live is to love (not just romantically, but every type of love). I also loved Neal 🩷 He was the perfect mmc: attentive, compassionate, sweet, kind, the list of green flags goes on. I liked how they got to know one another, the little not-dates they went on lol. I think one of my favourite scenes was the photo album one. I won’t spoil it, but something about it continues to stick with me. It felt intimate, in a quiet but momentous way, like a bridging of past and present.

I also loved Ruby’s family, especially her sister Bonnie. And her dynamic with Sal, the convenience store owner, was so funny!

My one little criticism was the use of the word “Asperger’s.” I think this should be edited out as it’s derogatory and outdated: it isn’t used anymore, both in the medical field and within the Autistic community.

Side Effect is an amazing book, now one of my fav books EVER! 🩷🩷🩷 Thank you so much to the author, 831 Stories, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review 🩷

[CJ]

A side effect to reading SIDE EFFECT will have you feeling so many emotions and the best kind of book hangover. No need to consult a doctor, because this love story is more than right for you.

As I was nearing the end, I was worried I wasn't going to have enough time with the characters, but the ending was so beautiful that I don't even mind that it ended when it did! And the author was able to create such emotional depth in this novella (more than entire novels do). So yes it may be a shorter read, but it still has the hefty weight and depth I always seek in a romance.

I deeply connected and related to Ruby in many, many ways. I loved her personality and how she moves through life through her humor. There are so many cute and sweet moments, funny moments, tender and sad moments that it was so easy to consume this book and for this book to consume me. It's raw and so real - beautifully reflects what it means to live and love fully.

It was an honor and privilege to have been able to meet Ruby and Neal and witness their story. I am so grateful to the author for writing this work of art and generously sharing it with all of us.

Much gratitude to 831 Stories for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first 831 Stories Romance and I wanted to check. them out as I've been hearing good things!
Ruby, who is the star of a popular podcast, where she discusses going on dates (never twice) with strangers, and then rehashing them, meets Neal, Neal is actually someone she wouldn't mind seeing again, but turns out, she will in the least obvious of ways.

Sadly, Ruby is diagnosed with brain cancer, and low and behold, Neal is the oncologist (!!) Quite outlandish, but of course, Paige Sander finds a way to navigate the patient/doctor relationship with ease and sadness. While I never actually ended up liking Neal, Sander keeps the romance fresh, and the brain cancer diagnosis doesn't deter from what may be the obvious.

This is a quick palette cleanser, has its raw and heartfelt moments!
Thank you 832 Stories for the advanced copy!

[Anissa Yanira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was beautiful and emotional all at the same time. It’s a slow burn romance, but never in a way that feels boring. I felt like the pacing allowed the characters, relationships, and emotions to develop naturally.

When you’re reading, you’re experiencing the story through Ruby, who is battling cancer while also trying to navigate a new love. Her journey felt incredibly deep and reflective, and I could truly feel the weight of everything she was facing. The romance was heartfelt and realistic.

I also loved how meaningful the side characters were. They felt like real people rather than characters who were simply there to move the story forward. Every relationship added something special to Ruby’s journey.

I absolutely loved it!

[Kayla Schoelkopf (Kaylasnextchapter) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Simon and Schuster and 831 Stories for this incredible arc in exchange for my honest review.


Wow. I think this was the most beautiful arc I’ve ever read, and it had me sobbing and wanting much more than the 252 page story before me.
This was so easy to devour and Ruby and Neal were so easy to love. Ruby runs a dating podcast, where she goes on first dates and reports on them, but her date with Neal came on a very different day. Her date fell just hours after she learned the news of a very serious and time-sensitive diagnosis, and the evening was unlike any other.

Heartfelt, emotional, real, this book was everything, I’d read 1,000 more pages. Let the book hangover commence.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

i didn’t realize my most anticipated read of the year was going to have me crying in the club 🥺😭 read this in one sitting — i could not put it down!! ruby’s rawness as she navigated her diagnosis was beautifully done; i really felt for my girl!!! the tension between ruby & neal was taut and the banter 🤌🏽 i loved the way paige brought back small moments throughout the plot — it added so much more emotion and complexity to the plot. i also enjoyed the relationship between ruby and her twin sister, freakin cuties 🥹 it all just fit so perfectly together, i’m so sad it’s over.

definitely read this if you want a gripping romance that will leave you wanting more!!! thank you 831 stories for my advance proof copy!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not one to normally cry when reading a book, but this one requires a couple tissues!
Ruby is a podcaster, whose whole schtick is serial first dating. On the day she receives a devastating health diagnosis, she also meets the only person she's wanted a second date with. Ruby and Neal navigate a personal and professional connection in the midst of a complicated medical situation. Ruby and Neal are a lovely story and her relationship with her twin sister and family are also touching.
Highly recommend this latest installment from 831 Stories. My favorite thus far.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley.

[Kayla Saurus · Rating 5 out of 5]

ohmygod, this book ripped my heart out of my chest and threw it in a blender.

Imagine finding the love of your life on the exact same day you discover you have brain cancer. This story has so much love and so much pain. Literally a roller coaster of emotions the entire time. The fact that this is a debut novella is absolutely insane. I know this is going to be a huge hit when it is finally released.

This book is for the sad lover girls who love to feel. Just make sure youre ready to cry.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen Vasey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was highly curious about 831's short stories and how they stacked up to other romance books with flashier covers. I have to tell you that simplicity rules. This book gave me all the feels. I couldn't stop crying from about the halfway point and through to the end. Such a sweet, humorous story that hits all the right notes.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.