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The side-hustling small-town girl finds herself the main obsession when it comes to the mayor’s rich son. Too bad she’s hated him since he humiliated her in high school.

Hazel Redding

I’m so poor my side hustle has a side hustle, but what I lack in dollars, I make up for in enthusiasm. My latest gig might be a little embarrassing as a deodorant sniffer, but my mantra is that life is one big party. Especially when I discover gold one day in the hills of my small town. The only downside? The brooding rich boy who broke my heart in high school is the owner of that land, and we’ve had a strict policy of hating each other ever since.

Rip Bennett

I have a need to right some wrongs, but that requires coming out of the shadows of my father, the town mayor. Hazel seems like just what I need to bring some sunshine to my life, but will the lure of riches and criminal family members pull us apart? I might have to get my own hustle on to fight for her heart.

Side Hustle is a standalone, small-town romantic comedy with heat, heart, and a heavy dose of town shenanigans.

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 14, 2021

97 people are currently reading
1523 people want to read

About the author

Marika Ray

89 books1,424 followers
Marika is a USA Today bestselling author writing steamy RomComs to make your heart explode and bring a smile to your face. She lives by the beach and posts a delightful number of hot lifeguard pictures.

Drop your email to be notified when each book releases: http://bit.ly/MarikaRayNews

Be sure to add my new releases to your TBR Today!

Hellman Brothers Series

Grumpy As Hell (Hellman Brothers #1) by Marika Ray Bro Code Hell (Hellman Brothers #2) by Marika Ray Friend Zone Hell (Hellman Brothers #3) by Marika Ray Cougar From Hell (Hellman Brothers #4) by Marika Ray Falling First Hell (Hellman Brothers Book 5) by Marika Ray

Sisters From Hell Series

Ridin' Solo by Marika Ray One Night Bride (Sisters From Hell Book 2) by Marika Ray Smarty Pants (Sisters From Hell Book 3) by Marika Ray
Ex Best Thing (Sisters From Hell, #4) by Marika Ray

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5 stars
189 (56%)
4 stars
102 (30%)
3 stars
38 (11%)
2 stars
5 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
Profile Image for Amy.
1,468 reviews30 followers
December 28, 2020
“Rip and I were like Pop Rocks and soda. If we mixed, we exploded and made a huge mess.”

This entire series has been so fun and Marika Ray saved the best for last. In Side Hustle, we get Rip and Hazel’s story. They are like oil and water and this is a definite opposites attract, enemies to lover’s story. They used to be best friends, but now they can’t stand each other. When they make a huge discovery, can they put aside their differences to work together for change for the entire town?

“I was the lone wolf. Without a roommate. Without a pack. Without a clue what I was doing with my life.”

For Rip’s entire life, he had been living in the shadows and content to blend into the background so he wasn’t noticed. His dad was abusive and his mom turned a blind eye so Rip always felt like he was alone even when in a crowd. Hazel brings him to life and gives him the courage to stand up for what he believes in.

Hazel didn’t have an idyllic childhood either, but she chooses to be loud and experience life. She’s daring and cheery in spite of having to work a million side jobs to make ends meet. She was so much fun and I loved seeing her relationship with Rip evolve.

“She was the sunshine to my gray skies. The exact opposite of me, yet exactly what I needed to live a little.”

These two together were a perfect complement to the other. They brought out the best in each other which allowed them to finally face their pasts with each other and with their parents.

Side Hustle ties up all the loose ends in the Jobs from Hell series and we catch up with all of the gang. Hazel and Rip’s story is delightfully sexy, a tiniest bit angsty, and so much fun. It’s the perfect ending to this wacky little town.
Profile Image for Kelly G (Now Accepting Book Boyfriend Applications).
1,110 reviews87 followers
January 10, 2021
Another great time with the Hell Raisers! I have been a fan of this series from the beginning... and now getting to see Rip and Hazel's story makes me feel all the warm fuzzies! They really are complete and total opposites! And yet, they work! But for some reason (well I know the reason but you will have to read it to find out all the deets) Rip gets to thinking that their differences will be a bad thing and that they would be better off apart. 🙄 Well.... I won't tell you what happens, but this book has all the great points. Some super steamy spots and of coarse a lot of laughing!
Profile Image for Laura.
440 reviews
December 26, 2020
This series has been an absolute must read series for me! This is the fourth and final (sob) book in the series, finally it's Rip and Hazel's! You find out everything you wanted to know!

These two both have a lot of family drama!

Rip's dad is the mayor, his parents never had time for him. Hazel's mum left along time ago, she wasn't interest in being a mum, she is the town drunk and only interested in one thing.

Hazel and Rip have known each other for years, no one really knows why but they have always avoided each other. They are the last two singletons, all their friends are leading their happily ever after. After they both stumble across something they decide to work together for the good of the town, and maybe they begin to wonder why they have avoided each other for so long.

This was of those books where one minute you are laughing your head off and the next minute you have tears (happy tears) in your eyes!

I have adored this series and what a way for the series to end!
Profile Image for Leisa Ann.
784 reviews11 followers
January 3, 2021
I love the Hell series....so much fun! These characters come to life on the pages. Low on angst but high on shenanigans and laughs! The town of Hell is such a fun place to visit. I love a good enemies to lovers story and I’ve been curious about Rip and Hazel for a while....so glad they got their HEA.
Profile Image for BP34.
6,264 reviews45 followers
December 26, 2020
This is the fourth and final book in the Jobs From Hell Series. This is Rip and Hazel's story and it a roller coaster. They both have a lot of family baggage as his father is the crooked mayor and her mom is the town drunk. They're opposites as he's doom and gloom and she's a ray of sunshine. But you know what they say opposites attract. Lots of family drama and some twists. This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. I did not read any of the previous books in the series but wish I had. The book is well written with amazing characters and an engaging story. The small town is addictive and is a great read. i read an arc via the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Marika Ray.
Author 89 books1,424 followers
Read
March 11, 2021

#TeaserTuesday #excerpt

“Don’t make that face.”

“What face?”

I pointed at Rip, my finger almost poking that tanned skin. “That one. The one that makes you look really mean.”

He grabbed my finger and pulled me so close the edges of our boards clanked together. My heart skipped a beat, probably from the fear of falling into the water, not because at this close of range I could sniff Rip again. “It’s not nice to point your finger in someone’s face, Hazel.”

Rip’s growl flowed over me like hot lava, leaving me shivering and burning up at the same time. What the hell was that? How could a simple sentence sound like a dirty innuendo from the guy who never flirted? If I didn’t drown out here on the ocean, I might drown in those intense brown eyes.

I tugged my hand back, tucking it back under my thigh where it wasn’t in danger of reaching back out for him once the withdrawals set in. Rip sighed and looked away. My spine sagged once his gaze swung away, no longer under the laser beam of his intense scrutiny.

💜 Releasing January 14th in Kindle Unlimited!!
Profile Image for Read.Review.Repeat Blog.
5,900 reviews100 followers
January 15, 2021
"I really think Marika Ray left the best couple for last. Rip and Hazel's story was heartwarming, quirky, funny and over-the-top romantic. Both Rip and Hazel embody the weirdness of Auburn Hill and all of the drama in that little town but who knew under the wall flower, Rip was a deep emotional guy with a heart of gold. Hazel finally found the ""person"" that understood her and put her first. Rip's grand gesture was swoon worthy, I am in love.

""She'd always be the sunshine I needed at the start of every day and before I drifted off to sleep."" ~ Rip"
Profile Image for Vanessa Lawford.
1,173 reviews11 followers
December 28, 2020
I really enjoyed Side Hustle and couldn't put it down. I finally got some answers to questions I had and a new mystery to solve.

I loved returning to hell and cannot wait to see what happens next.

An ARC was kindly provided in exchange for a honest and voluntary review by Sweet Treats Book Blog.
Profile Image for Sherry Sias.
656 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2020
Absolutely love Rip and Hazel! These two are a hoot. Rip is the wallflower and Hazel is always ready to embrace life and party! We learn quite a few things in this book. A secret about Lucy, who stole Bain's spent, what the mayor - Rip's dad - has been up to. We also meet Hazel's momma. Once again Hell is a riot to visit. I am hoping the little hint we get means this isn't the last time we visit. This and the whole series is a must read.
Profile Image for Kim Gauger.
3,272 reviews6 followers
December 20, 2020
So we finally get all the answers about the town from the other books—who stole the Sperm sample, what was the mayor doing..all answered in the way jobs from hell were meant to! I loved this book. I loved these two so much! What a perfect ending of jobs!!
Profile Image for Jaime Reynolds.
1,939 reviews23 followers
December 24, 2020
This whole series is a must read!! With Rip and Hazel’s story you get more of the craziness of Auburn Hill, answers to what we have all been pondering for what feels like forever, and lots of laughter and love. The antics these characters go through...it’s never a dull moment. You smile while reading and this story will put you in one of the best moods. Loved every second and it’s definitely one you don’t want to miss.
Profile Image for Mick C.
1,653 reviews
December 18, 2020
Absolutely adored this book. Not only do we get to learn all of the towns secrets, but we find out about a few more along the way. And then add in the love story of Hazel and Rip. Such a great mismatched couple that works. So much laughter from all of the friends too.
493 reviews
June 7, 2021
Rip lives his life with a dark cloud over his head. If it wasn’t for the cloud nobody would even notice he existed. Hazel was a walking ray of sunshine. These two were exact opposites, plus they had a bad past. So what was drawing them together now? With his Dad the corrupt Mayor or her Mom the town drunk, they had a lot to work through. Can Rip finally stand up to his Dad, and fight for Hazel?
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews72 followers
January 15, 2021
✳️✳️ONE DAZZLING BRIGHT TREASURE✳️✳️
Simmering saddles scooby! Marika lights this baby up brighter than the fourth of July, unleashing one well deserved smackdown with this incredibly thrilling tilt-their-world, holding you prisoner from start to finish, skyrocketing this jewel to incredible heights. Continence and dynamics in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this web so profoundly until everything else ceases to exist, secrets confessed, revelations unmasked and promises made putting our characters through their paces, wrapping this gem up sleek, shiny and tight. Shenanigans and serendipity descend in a flurry discovery and courage, blurred lines and pulverized perimeters solidify as limitations are dissolved and released, observing the dramatic twists and wicked turns unfold, exposing the mischievous quirks and defying bents, catapulting this baby to life spectacularly. The characters are complex, genuine and realistic with traits and qualities that balance and blend, with amazing depth and diversity and enough spice to add an extra kick to the mix. Throw in 100% on point realism, raising the stakes with such graphic scenarios that are so colorfully descriptive and vividly detailed its like you're living it with them instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Remarkable job Marika, thanks for sharing this awesome little gem with us.
258 reviews4 followers
January 9, 2021
I was honoured to receive this book as an advance copy and this is my honest review.

This book is so funny, hot & even had me crying at one point as Marika managed to tap into a memory of mine so I  could truely relate. The doggy fur baby factor is adorable!! I can not recommend this book enough. 5🌟 just isn't enough for what I want to give it as I want to give it more.

This is the 4th full length story in this series (there is also a short novella.) They are all stand alone stories but due to being set in one town (Auburn Hill aka Hell) you will find that all the stories interlink especially as all the girls are best friends and known as Hell-raisers.

This book is hard to review as I don't want to give any mysteries away that were raised during previous books.

Hazel & Rip are incredible they are almost opposites so much so they pretty much balance each other out. Hazel is always cheerful sunshine attitude but Rip is gloomy & comes across as boring partly because he has always felt he has had to live up to his dad's expectations as he is the town mayor.  Rip humiliated Hazel when she was younger so as a result she was reluctant to fall for him. Hazel is one of those people who works different random jobs - being a certain mascot at a race, sign spinners & one you would  NEVER guess!!
Profile Image for Kelly Greer.
276 reviews5 followers
January 6, 2021
"If someone as bright and happy and colorful as Hazel could find something in me to love, then so could others. So could I."

The grumpy one falls for the sunshine one!!!!!!!! This is my favorite Jobs from Hell book, and I had no idea they could get better! I couldn't put this book down. Second-chance, enemies to lovers, opposites attract, mysteries to solve, villains to be foiled, crazy grandmas, best friends, and cats!!! Amazing!

I laughed out loud throughout this book, and I haven't done that in a while! I gasped, I got goosebumps, I had happy tears, I clutched my pearls and said, "Oh no!" This book has it all. And it also keeps you guessing until the end. The VERY happiest end!!!

I've said it before, but the world-building is excellent. I could draw you a map of Auburn Hill, and I'd love to go visit!

The way these characters have flowed through all the books from the beginning is just the best. I always love hearing what happened after the "happily ever after," and that's what we got in this series.

This series is a mix of Pippa Grant's crazy humor and Lucy Score / Claire Kingsley's Bootleg Springs small-town friends and family with a mystery (or 5) to solve. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Amanda Hash.
295 reviews14 followers
January 14, 2021
Every book in this series has been better than the last, and every book makes my girl crush on Marika Ray increase tenfold. Side Hustle was no exception, and I'm thrilled to start the new year with a new book boyfriend (because Rip is MINE, and I will fight anyone who says otherwise.)

While Hazel is not my favorite Hell Raiser, she is definitely a character (ha-- get it?! She's a character that's...a character) and there wasn't a single page of this book that I did not devour like my life depended on it. I have been OBSESSED with solving the many mysteries in Hell, and was so happy to get answers in this novel that I may or may not have (loudly) vocalized my relief when all the pieces started coming together.

This book has everything Marika Ray is known for-- amazing characters, witty dialogue, perfectly presented heat, drama, and emotion -- and wraps up the series beautifully (although honestly, I wish it never had to end.) There is nothing but pure genius in these pages, and I absolutely guarantee you will finish this story with a smile on your face and that little warm and fuzzy feeling in your heart.
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.9k reviews162 followers
January 4, 2021
Hazel and Rip are amazingly wonderful characters that have an incredibly "real" feel to them. These two quite honestly made my heart ache for them. Each has their own painful history, plus a shared history that only added more painful baggage into the mix. It did not take me long to become fully invested in this duo and feverish in my need for them to get the HEA they earned the hard way. The story and book offers a cleverly crafted combination of intense emotions, humor, drama, heart, small town charm, hijinks, sweetness, tension, suspense, mystery, heat and romance that will have you smiling, laughing out loud, swooning and shedding a tear or two along the way. This is a standalone book and can certainly be read that way. However, I adore this series and as characters do reappear throughout and previous events are referenced, I think your enjoyment will increase exponentially if you start at book 1, Love Bank and read straight through. I promise you will not be sorry you did! This is my unbiased, elective review.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20k reviews255 followers
January 13, 2021
This is the 4th and final book of this awesome series and is Rip and Hazel’s story. These two are like petrol and a match, total opposites, but they used to be best friends until they weren’t. When they both stumble on something can they work together for the good of the town? This is a beautifully written tale with a tad angst, and is a fun, entertaining, and humorous read, with family, drama, twists, secrets, realistic and engaging characters, and is a poignant love story. I was totally captivated throughout this riveting and addictive page turner, and I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend for all readers.
Profile Image for Megan Mary.
1,120 reviews15 followers
January 14, 2021
You guys I did NOT want this series to end... I found myself taking my time reading Hazel & Rips story mostly because I wanted to stay a little bit longer in Auburn Hell I mean Hill. Side Hustle is the type of book that simply makes you smile, laugh at ALL the shenanigans, hold your breath at the tiniest angsty bits & swoon all over the place.

Rip & Hazel were the perfect couple to end this one of a kind series. The true example of opposites attract in the best possible way! I loved these two. I loved the catch up/wrap up on all the goings on. And I LOVE this book & this series! The true definition of a feel good read 💜
Profile Image for Jennifer.
953 reviews
January 4, 2021
Side Hustle is the hilariously funny story of Hazel and Rip in the ever lovable town of Auburn Hill. These two have a past that they must overcome together and watching them do that is a laugh out loud read from beginning to end. Hazel has the strangest and funniest jobs I have ever heard of and is just trying to get by while Rip is trying to figure out his purpose in life. Then add in all of our favorite couples and characters from the series and this story is one that will make you smile the entire time while reading. What a story to end the Jobs from Hell series by Marika Ray.
Profile Image for Cindy Fong.
2,032 reviews
January 5, 2021
I really think Marika Ray left the best couple for last. Rip and Hazel's story was heartwarming, quirky, funny and over-the-top romantic. Both Rip and Hazel embody the weirdness of Auburn Hill and all of the drama in that little town but who knew under the wall flower, Rip was a deep emotional guy with a heart of gold. Hazel finally found the "person" that understood her and put her first. Rip's grand gesture was swoon worthy, I am in love.

"She'd always be the sunshine I needed at the start of every day and before I drifted off to sleep." ~ Rip
Profile Image for Sherry.
583 reviews2 followers
January 13, 2021
Five magnificent stars for the series end! Another great story from Hell! Hazel’s had her eyes on Rip ever since high school, and he felt the same about her. When Rip finally found the fortitude to pursue her, sparks flew like a huge bonfire at the beach. If only her mother and his father, the dirty mayor, would have stayed away. After doing what he thought was best for Hazel, it ended up being the wrong thing. Their friends stepped in and helped them see the error of their ways. Sorry to see the series end but happy to read about side characters coming to life in another series!
Profile Image for Jacqueline Kinion Falkenberry.
264 reviews10 followers
January 2, 2021
Another great adventure in Auburn Hill. Marika did not disappoint with this one. It was filled with crazy bird antics and hilarious scenes from the favorites in the series. Loved Hazel and her weird cookie recipes, dressing up as the balls for the run ( loved the mental picture that created) and her general excitement of life. Glad we discovered Rip and what he hid behind his quiet wallflower status. Happy the Mayor finally got what he deserved. Another great happily ever after.
Profile Image for Julie.
548 reviews4 followers
January 2, 2021
Absolutely loved Rip and Hazel's story! The books in this series are filled with humor, quirky characters and of course romance. This was a great addition to the series and love that we continue to get a glimpse at the characters from the prior books! Can't wait to see what comes next, as there is still a bit of a mystery left unanswered!
Profile Image for Stephanie S.
677 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2021
As always I can count on Marika Ray's books to give me deep belly laughs no matter what mood I am in while reading them. Rip and Hazel's book is no exception. These 2 are real close to being my favorite couple and I am sad to see this series come to an end. But I do know that these books will definitely be on my re-read list for years to come.

Profile Image for AmandaJR.
867 reviews9 followers
January 13, 2021
Y’all... I love enemies to lovers and this one of the best ones because Hazel and Rip are complete opposites!! The Job From Hell Series has been an absolute blast and I can’t wait to reread it all from start to finish.


~ I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~
Profile Image for Lucia Valenzuela.
1,978 reviews11 followers
January 14, 2021
What an interesting story. Absolutely loved the interaction between Hazel and Rip. They are well written characters that are easy to fall in love with. So great to catch up with all the other residents of Hell. I highly recommend this one.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
29 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2021
Side Hustle is book number 4 in the Jobs From Hell series. I love Rip and Hazel so much. I adore Hazel's quirks so much and I'm glad they got their HEA. You get an adorable and funny small town romance mixed with a little mystery and the peacocks and flamingos make another appearance in too.
Profile Image for Sarah Gulyas.
629 reviews2 followers
January 4, 2021
I have been waiting for this book and it did not disappoint!! Rip and Hazel were adorable!

I really hope this isn't the end of the Hell Gang. I need more!

There are too many laugh out loud moments to even remember them all.

I love this series and never want it to end!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews

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