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Third Wheel
In this madcap tale from the bestselling author of Dumped, Actually, two’s company for Jake and his bestie Sy. But three? A disaster!
Jake Carlisle is living his best life, thanks to the crazily successful influencer channel he created with his best friend Sy. Reviewing whacky hobbies and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, Sy has pushed Jake into doing more exciting stuff than either ever thought possible. Then disaster strikes.
When newbie Helena joins the team, Sy quickly falls head over heels for her…All of a sudden, with romance blossoming and the business dynamic shifting, Jake is horrified to find himself becoming the dreaded third wheel.
Being the odd one out was not what he signed up for. And he’ll do anything to get his best friend back—even if that involves a little light sabotage, an unhealthy amount of jealousy…and one very unfortunate pair of tartan Speedos.
Will Jake be relegated to the background from now on? Or will he finally learn to stand on his own two feet and succeed at getting his life—along with his friendship—back on track?
Jake Carlisle is living his best life, thanks to the crazily successful influencer channel he created with his best friend Sy. Reviewing whacky hobbies and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, Sy has pushed Jake into doing more exciting stuff than either ever thought possible. Then disaster strikes.
When newbie Helena joins the team, Sy quickly falls head over heels for her…All of a sudden, with romance blossoming and the business dynamic shifting, Jake is horrified to find himself becoming the dreaded third wheel.
Being the odd one out was not what he signed up for. And he’ll do anything to get his best friend back—even if that involves a little light sabotage, an unhealthy amount of jealousy…and one very unfortunate pair of tartan Speedos.
Will Jake be relegated to the background from now on? Or will he finally learn to stand on his own two feet and succeed at getting his life—along with his friendship—back on track?
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2022
1105 people are currently reading
3262 people want to read
About the author
Nick Spalding
36 books1,385 followersNick Spalding is an author who, try as he might, can't seem to write anything serious.
Before becoming a full-time author, he worked in the communications industry, mainly in media and marketing. As talking rubbish for a living can get tiresome (for anyone other than a politician), he thought he'd have a crack at writing comedy fiction - with a very agreeable level of success so far, it has to be said. Nick is now a multimillion seller. This flabbergasts him every single day.
Nick is now in his fifties - and is rather annoyed at the universe about it, because it gave him no choice in the matter. He's also addicted to Thai food and roast potatoes (not together), loves Batman and Warhammer, and has a dreadful singing voice.
***
Find out more about Nick and his books at www.nickspalding.com
Before becoming a full-time author, he worked in the communications industry, mainly in media and marketing. As talking rubbish for a living can get tiresome (for anyone other than a politician), he thought he'd have a crack at writing comedy fiction - with a very agreeable level of success so far, it has to be said. Nick is now a multimillion seller. This flabbergasts him every single day.
Nick is now in his fifties - and is rather annoyed at the universe about it, because it gave him no choice in the matter. He's also addicted to Thai food and roast potatoes (not together), loves Batman and Warhammer, and has a dreadful singing voice.
***
Find out more about Nick and his books at www.nickspalding.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
July 28, 2022
Finished reading: July 24th 2022
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
July 27, 2022
Overall a fast easy read. The writing reminded me of a YA book more than an adult book. All the characters were annoying though. They seem a bit stuck in their life and there was no depth in their development. This is a simple story of two best guy best friends living and owning a business together. They add a girl to the mix where one guy is the third wheel hence the title.
Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK for an E-ARC via NetGalley. Anticipated publication date is 8/30/2022.
Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK for an E-ARC via NetGalley. Anticipated publication date is 8/30/2022.
August 11, 2025
This is a typical Nick Spalding novel. A story with a deeper meaning than what is initially appreciated but told with great humour. Relationships observed by Nick Spalding always seem to resonate and that little twist is always intriguing and fun to follow.
October 8, 2024
Did Not Finish--45 percent.
Older Spalding books were just more funny to me. This book is dragging. Reading about two men with a popular podcast, who bring aboard a female podcaster to "appeal to women" with one of them being jealous about the relationship the other two get into is maddening. I kept thinking all involved were teenagers. And most of his books now seem to revolve around toilet humor (not that funny) and being in really dumb situations all of the time.
Older Spalding books were just more funny to me. This book is dragging. Reading about two men with a popular podcast, who bring aboard a female podcaster to "appeal to women" with one of them being jealous about the relationship the other two get into is maddening. I kept thinking all involved were teenagers. And most of his books now seem to revolve around toilet humor (not that funny) and being in really dumb situations all of the time.
October 13, 2022
I'm sorry, I hated this. The characters were all really annoying, it was painful. No hate to nick Spalding. Thanks for making the book and all but like ugh no character growth, just silly.
January 24, 2023
Very hilarious and awesome fun! The two that stood out for me is Jake and Sy and from the get go I was already smiling widely at the antics they get up to. They are completely inseparable until their friendship is threatened with the arrival of Helana and Sy falls for her, leaving Jake a jealous wreck. Some parts had me laughing out loud, especially the Romanian class bit. There were some twists and turns and things did get somewhat serious when things came into the open. All I can say is friends before relationships.
May 13, 2024
Man oh man this book almost ended my reading era
September 11, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Nick Spalding for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Bloody brilliant, isn't it? I laughed so much that my cheeks were sore from the journey. This story follows a young man named Jake who runs a business with his best friend, Sy. They have been nearly inseparable since they were children. Jake's loyalty to his best friend knows no limits. As Sy chooses what activities they should do for each of their business excursions, Jake complacently follows along.
When the dynamic of their friendship changes, inviting in Helena, who becomes not only a co-host to their business, but Sy's girlfriend, it feels like the absolute end of the world to Jake. Enough so, that I wanted to shake him out of his turmoil once or twice. He finds himself feeling constant dread at the shift in dynamic, the awkwardness of being the third wheel, and the unusual activities they now find themselves reviewing for their business.
This story made me reflect on how relationships can sometimes be very one sided in regards to give and take. Sometimes you have to stand up for yourself. Sometimes you have to say no.
Reading the misadventures Jake experiences as he tries to continue through life like everything is totally normal made me laugh, cringe, and nearly cry. This was, for the most part, a highly amusing story about the importance of friendship with an ending fit for a rom com.
Bloody brilliant, isn't it? I laughed so much that my cheeks were sore from the journey. This story follows a young man named Jake who runs a business with his best friend, Sy. They have been nearly inseparable since they were children. Jake's loyalty to his best friend knows no limits. As Sy chooses what activities they should do for each of their business excursions, Jake complacently follows along.
When the dynamic of their friendship changes, inviting in Helena, who becomes not only a co-host to their business, but Sy's girlfriend, it feels like the absolute end of the world to Jake. Enough so, that I wanted to shake him out of his turmoil once or twice. He finds himself feeling constant dread at the shift in dynamic, the awkwardness of being the third wheel, and the unusual activities they now find themselves reviewing for their business.
This story made me reflect on how relationships can sometimes be very one sided in regards to give and take. Sometimes you have to stand up for yourself. Sometimes you have to say no.
Reading the misadventures Jake experiences as he tries to continue through life like everything is totally normal made me laugh, cringe, and nearly cry. This was, for the most part, a highly amusing story about the importance of friendship with an ending fit for a rom com.
September 1, 2022
Where does Nick Spalding find the inspiration for these characters? Poor Jake just muddling along as the sidekick to his best friend and business partner Sy until he gets thrown over for a girl! And then all the shenanigans to try and break them up. And this is on top of the crazy antics Jake and Sy already get in to for their video experience review company, which feels like a whole book on its own! I know when I read a Nick Spalding book that I am going to get some unique characters and a whole lot of lighted hearted laughable moments. This one did not disappoint!
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
July 9, 2022
What a pure delight! Thank you for the opportunity to read Nick’s next work! I have only read one other Nick Spalding book but I’m so glad I have this a go. The plot and characters just get you wanting to read more, so much so, I’ve read it in one sitting! The main characters and dynamic will feel familiar to any double act friendships who have a third member added in! But as always the feelings are captured in a manner which you feel
September 1, 2022
Unfortunately, I didn't like the book quite as much as I had hoped. I couldn't always understand the actions of the main protagonist and it lacked any tension. The book was not a disappointment, but unfortunately not a highlight for me either. Too bad, since the author is apparently very popular!
June 17, 2024
I just couldn’t get into this book. The main character annoyed me and the writing was not my cup of tea. I’m sure many people like this style, but it just wasn’t for me.
July 20, 2022
Nick Spalding has the powers to write fantastically funny easy readers which leave you wanting to read in one straight sitting. This is my third or fourth book by him now and yet again I did enjoy it. InterestingLy, I quite liked Jake, despite him being the main protagonist who Spalding always makes passive and a bit of a sap. For some reason on this occasion he didn’t grate on me. Furthermore there was a lot less love and romance attempted in this book and it was definitely more bromance which was nice. It followed a similar plot line to Dumped, actually but the ideas were new so it didn’t feel too rehashed. The sarcasm and wit yet again shines through leaving a few chuckles along the way. Overall, a safe read but enjoyable for me and won’t stop me picking up more that come out.
November 18, 2024
November 2024
Kindle edition
Whoop! I'm glad it ended that way. To start with it looked like Jake was in the wrong not liking Helena, trying to split them up and the jealousy. Then it was an apology that went into serial killer/horror feels. The they float bit was a bit woah. I thought that would be the cause of the breakup but nope. Reveal about Helena and bye bye.
I did feel sorry for Jake, going along with everything. I thought it would be Sy arranging the Warhammer thing as an apology. Instead, it was Jake out on his own. Ends with an apology, so I'm curious if things play out fifty fifty or if they go back to Sy calling the shots. Some funny moments, some awkward moments, a woman with an agenda and a friendship facing trials.
Kindle edition
Whoop! I'm glad it ended that way. To start with it looked like Jake was in the wrong not liking Helena, trying to split them up and the jealousy. Then it was an apology that went into serial killer/horror feels. The they float bit was a bit woah. I thought that would be the cause of the breakup but nope. Reveal about Helena and bye bye.
I did feel sorry for Jake, going along with everything. I thought it would be Sy arranging the Warhammer thing as an apology. Instead, it was Jake out on his own. Ends with an apology, so I'm curious if things play out fifty fifty or if they go back to Sy calling the shots. Some funny moments, some awkward moments, a woman with an agenda and a friendship facing trials.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2022
What a pure delight! Thank you for the opportunity to read Nick’s next work! I have only read one other Nick Spalding book but I’m so glad I have this a go. The plot and characters just get you wanting to read more, so much so, I’ve read it in one sitting! The main characters and dynamic will feel familiar to any double act friendships who have a third member added in! But as always the feelings are captured in a manner which you feel
July 11, 2022
This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Amazon Publishing UK and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
Friendship, the odd man out, changing dynamics. The feelings are conveyed in such a fresh manner, you’ll feel it like the characters feel it.
Friendship, the odd man out, changing dynamics. The feelings are conveyed in such a fresh manner, you’ll feel it like the characters feel it.
July 22, 2022
A very quick and enjoyable read! Third Wheel is about Jake and his best friend Sy (Symon) who make videos on Youtube. However, when Sy decides to recruit Helena to help with their business and ends up falling for her, making Jake feel like a third wheel. This story is an easy read and is funny. Definitely recommend!
January 21, 2023
3.5 ☆
I really wasn't up for this when I started listening to it (on audible) but it soon grabbed me and made me listen. Very entertaining book. The protagonist gets into lots of scrapes and it's definitely good for a giggle.
It does all go a bit weird towards the end but then gets ok again.
Recommended for a light-hearted read.
I really wasn't up for this when I started listening to it (on audible) but it soon grabbed me and made me listen. Very entertaining book. The protagonist gets into lots of scrapes and it's definitely good for a giggle.
It does all go a bit weird towards the end but then gets ok again.
Recommended for a light-hearted read.
October 5, 2023
For a comedy, this was not an enjoyable world to be in. I would hate to have 'friends' like these people
May 12, 2024
Can honestly say I was bored from page 1
June 12, 2024
Kindle First book - don’t bother, unless you really like Caillou (does anybody really like him or that show?!) A few funny moments but mostly a lot of whining, self-pity, repetitive and overall just seemed unlikely characters.
stopped-reading-for-some-reason
August 12, 2024Got annoyed and decided to stop at ch 4. Too much whining and immature behavior.
July 10, 2025
I listened to this in the car while driving. Big mistake, I nearly choked myself laughing too hard while trying to drive.
September 6, 2022
Jake Carlisle is happy. He is running a successful business with his best friend since he was a kid and Sy rescued him from a bully on the playground. After school. they started a internet business making review videos for experiences. Do It or Don’t has a website, social media, and a YouTube channel, and their videos are so popular that they are starting to make some real money at the videos. They bought a house together, and they spend lots of time creating and editing the videos as well as hanging out and playing video games.
Life is good, even when Jake is almost killed by a slightly drunk Batman who tried to teach him how to drive his modified Batmobile at high speeds around a racetrack. Sy’s time driving the James Bond Aston Martin was without any problems, but Jake driving the Batmobile ended with the car on its side and Jake diving out to save himself. But at the end of the day, they were both okay, and they got some great video to use. So everything worked out for Do It or Don’t.
But when Sy is looking over the numbers for their uploads and reading through the comments, he realizes once again that their audience skews very heavily male. There is a huge part of the population that they are missing out on, so he proposes that they add another person to their videos—a woman. Jake doesn’t like the idea of change, but he agrees to try it. Just like he agreed to drive a Batmobile on a race track. Just like he agrees to most anything that Sy says. But he does have a point about their audience.
Sy and Jake put out an ad and are surprised by the hundreds of women who line up outside their house for an audition. They have set up a green screen and a fake review for laser quest, complete with Nerf guns for props. They get through dozens of interviews, only one of them ending up with a Nerf dart up Jake’s nose, and there are still many women waiting for their chance. They ask the remaining women to come back the next day, and as audition after audition goes poorly, they’re about to give up. Then Helena walks in the room.
Immediately, Helena is able to joke with both Sy and Jake. Her audition goes well, and even though they have to finish talking to the twenty or so women still waiting, they both know that Helena is the one. She can give Do It or Don’t the female perspective without taking anything away from Jake and Sy. But then, the inevitable thing happens.
Sy falls for Helena.
As the happy couple spend more time together, Jake feels left out, both in the business and in their home. But Jake has spent his life saying yes to whatever Sy wanted. It’s not a perfect system, but it’s how they started the business. Their most popular videos are all ideas that Sy had come up with and Jake had gone along with. But now, Helena has changed the balance of power, and Jake finds himself resenting her and the way she has come between him and Sy. And as they are working on a review for a cuddling event—Helena’s idea—Jake accidentally tells her how he feels.
Jake ahs to figure out how to make it right with Helena and Sy, and to do the right thing for himself. But will being completely honest about the new direction the company is taking break apart his relationship with his best friend? Will he risk his job, his company, his future, and his best friendship to be true to himself, or will he protect it all and go along with what Sy wants, once again?
Third Wheel is Nick Spalding’s latest comic novel about friendship and love and what we are willing to give up to keep the status quo. This book finds a good balance between emotional scenes and wildly comic adventures, offering lots of chances for belly laughs and perhaps too many balloon unicorns.
I liked how the bulk of Third Wheel is about the relationships between Jake and Sy and the relationship between Jake and himself. The comedic episodes add a lot of fun and enjoyment to the book, but it’s the emotional work that makes the book interesting. This is a quick read, but it’s a fun one. If you need some laughs, then definitely check out the novels of Nick Spalding.
Egalleys for Third Wheel were provided by Amazon Publishing UK through NetGalley, with many thanks.
Life is good, even when Jake is almost killed by a slightly drunk Batman who tried to teach him how to drive his modified Batmobile at high speeds around a racetrack. Sy’s time driving the James Bond Aston Martin was without any problems, but Jake driving the Batmobile ended with the car on its side and Jake diving out to save himself. But at the end of the day, they were both okay, and they got some great video to use. So everything worked out for Do It or Don’t.
But when Sy is looking over the numbers for their uploads and reading through the comments, he realizes once again that their audience skews very heavily male. There is a huge part of the population that they are missing out on, so he proposes that they add another person to their videos—a woman. Jake doesn’t like the idea of change, but he agrees to try it. Just like he agreed to drive a Batmobile on a race track. Just like he agrees to most anything that Sy says. But he does have a point about their audience.
Sy and Jake put out an ad and are surprised by the hundreds of women who line up outside their house for an audition. They have set up a green screen and a fake review for laser quest, complete with Nerf guns for props. They get through dozens of interviews, only one of them ending up with a Nerf dart up Jake’s nose, and there are still many women waiting for their chance. They ask the remaining women to come back the next day, and as audition after audition goes poorly, they’re about to give up. Then Helena walks in the room.
Immediately, Helena is able to joke with both Sy and Jake. Her audition goes well, and even though they have to finish talking to the twenty or so women still waiting, they both know that Helena is the one. She can give Do It or Don’t the female perspective without taking anything away from Jake and Sy. But then, the inevitable thing happens.
Sy falls for Helena.
As the happy couple spend more time together, Jake feels left out, both in the business and in their home. But Jake has spent his life saying yes to whatever Sy wanted. It’s not a perfect system, but it’s how they started the business. Their most popular videos are all ideas that Sy had come up with and Jake had gone along with. But now, Helena has changed the balance of power, and Jake finds himself resenting her and the way she has come between him and Sy. And as they are working on a review for a cuddling event—Helena’s idea—Jake accidentally tells her how he feels.
Jake ahs to figure out how to make it right with Helena and Sy, and to do the right thing for himself. But will being completely honest about the new direction the company is taking break apart his relationship with his best friend? Will he risk his job, his company, his future, and his best friendship to be true to himself, or will he protect it all and go along with what Sy wants, once again?
Third Wheel is Nick Spalding’s latest comic novel about friendship and love and what we are willing to give up to keep the status quo. This book finds a good balance between emotional scenes and wildly comic adventures, offering lots of chances for belly laughs and perhaps too many balloon unicorns.
I liked how the bulk of Third Wheel is about the relationships between Jake and Sy and the relationship between Jake and himself. The comedic episodes add a lot of fun and enjoyment to the book, but it’s the emotional work that makes the book interesting. This is a quick read, but it’s a fun one. If you need some laughs, then definitely check out the novels of Nick Spalding.
Egalleys for Third Wheel were provided by Amazon Publishing UK through NetGalley, with many thanks.
December 2, 2022
This was a totally random book choice for me. Somehow I didn’t realise that audio books were available via Kindle Unlimited and now that I do, I’m stalking it all the time looking for books. Third Wheel by @nick.spalding was a book that caught my eye and so I decided to give it a listen whilst I did some cross stitching.
Description 🔖
Jake Carlisle is very aware that he is fortunate to be living his best life. The influencer channel that he started with his best friend Sy has done nothing but grow and grow since they started and means that neither of them have to work a 9-5 and they’re essentially being paid to have fun. The two of them make videos reviewing different adventure and experience days.
It all starts to take a turn for the worst when they bring another person into the team; Helena. Sy soon finds himself head over heels with her and the dynamic between them all very much shifts. Unfortunately for Jake, he has become the third wheel. Is this how it’s going to be from now on? Will Jake live in the shadows of his business and his friendship or will he learn to stand on his own two feet and rebuild his life and his friendship?
General Thoughts 🤔
I have read two of Nick Spalding’s books before and really enjoyed them so I anticipated that I’d really like this one. What I didn’t know before I started was that this was actually a young adult book. I very quickly realised when I started listening, but it didn’t make me stop. I had started so I decided to give it a chance and finish it. I’m glad that I did because I absolutely didn’t hate it. It wasn’t childish to the point that I found it annoying which is what usually puts me off YA. There were some really funny scenes and it was entertaining to listen along to without having to invest my entire focus in it.
Characters 👫👭👬
I did feel sorry for Jake. There is nothing worse than feeling like your best friend is moving on without you and you’re left behind, clinging onto the life the two of you used to have. On the flip side, I thought he behaved very immaturely about it. Not the sabotage, that was funny. He was unable to communicate his feelings and be honest with his best friend; one of the people in the world you should always be able to be honest with.
I flip flopped on my feelings about Helena. At first I thought she was in such a sticky situation. She’d been invited to join a team whereby one of the existing members blatantly didn’t want her there. That must have been very awkward. Then again, she definitely had her own plans about how the business was going to go and I didn’t think it was her place to be calling the shots.
Writing Style ✍️
Nick Spalding is definitely talented at writing funny scenes. He is able to create scenarios that you can envisage playing out in your head and it’s difficult not to giggle. They’re absurd and ridiculous, but funny all the same.
I know that this was a YA but the characters weren’t super young, yet they behaved like they were. This irrationally aggravated me a little bit. I don’t think that the characters ages matched the way in which they were written.
Conclusion & Scoring 🎖
This book was a lovely antidote to how busy my life is at the moment. It was very easy to listen to and had some super funny laugh out loud moments. I’m not sure I’ll ever burn the vision of a man in a tartan thong from my mind. Thanks for that. If you’re looking for a light hearted YA with characters that find themselves in some right pickles, then this book is worth giving a go. Don’t take it too seriously and enjoy.
Description 🔖
Jake Carlisle is very aware that he is fortunate to be living his best life. The influencer channel that he started with his best friend Sy has done nothing but grow and grow since they started and means that neither of them have to work a 9-5 and they’re essentially being paid to have fun. The two of them make videos reviewing different adventure and experience days.
It all starts to take a turn for the worst when they bring another person into the team; Helena. Sy soon finds himself head over heels with her and the dynamic between them all very much shifts. Unfortunately for Jake, he has become the third wheel. Is this how it’s going to be from now on? Will Jake live in the shadows of his business and his friendship or will he learn to stand on his own two feet and rebuild his life and his friendship?
General Thoughts 🤔
I have read two of Nick Spalding’s books before and really enjoyed them so I anticipated that I’d really like this one. What I didn’t know before I started was that this was actually a young adult book. I very quickly realised when I started listening, but it didn’t make me stop. I had started so I decided to give it a chance and finish it. I’m glad that I did because I absolutely didn’t hate it. It wasn’t childish to the point that I found it annoying which is what usually puts me off YA. There were some really funny scenes and it was entertaining to listen along to without having to invest my entire focus in it.
Characters 👫👭👬
I did feel sorry for Jake. There is nothing worse than feeling like your best friend is moving on without you and you’re left behind, clinging onto the life the two of you used to have. On the flip side, I thought he behaved very immaturely about it. Not the sabotage, that was funny. He was unable to communicate his feelings and be honest with his best friend; one of the people in the world you should always be able to be honest with.
I flip flopped on my feelings about Helena. At first I thought she was in such a sticky situation. She’d been invited to join a team whereby one of the existing members blatantly didn’t want her there. That must have been very awkward. Then again, she definitely had her own plans about how the business was going to go and I didn’t think it was her place to be calling the shots.
Writing Style ✍️
Nick Spalding is definitely talented at writing funny scenes. He is able to create scenarios that you can envisage playing out in your head and it’s difficult not to giggle. They’re absurd and ridiculous, but funny all the same.
I know that this was a YA but the characters weren’t super young, yet they behaved like they were. This irrationally aggravated me a little bit. I don’t think that the characters ages matched the way in which they were written.
Conclusion & Scoring 🎖
This book was a lovely antidote to how busy my life is at the moment. It was very easy to listen to and had some super funny laugh out loud moments. I’m not sure I’ll ever burn the vision of a man in a tartan thong from my mind. Thanks for that. If you’re looking for a light hearted YA with characters that find themselves in some right pickles, then this book is worth giving a go. Don’t take it too seriously and enjoy.
August 4, 2024
I came across this book in a list of Kindle offerings and it seemed like a fun summer read. It had its moments. Jake (protagonist) and his best friend Sy are successful influencers who create experience review videos online. Things get complicated when Sy convinces Jake to add a third influencer, Helena, to the mix. Sy and Helena fall for each other and, as their relationship progresses, Helena attempts to drive more and more of the decision-making for the business, to the point of suggesting that Jake should be relegated to off-camera work.
This book isn't without its fair share of laughs. The Romanian class, Jake and Sy coming to blows while rappelling down the side of a cliff, and the tartan thong scenes were so ridiculously off-the-wall that I couldn't contain my laughter. The nature of the trio's work makes for some interesting chapters featuring a horror-themed escape run, spelunking, hot air balloons, driving racecars with people in superhero costumes, cuddle therapy, and runway modeling while wearing increasingly bizarre outfits. I applaud the author for his creativity in coming up with widely varied (and sometimes hilarious) settings for his characters.
The characters themselves are this novel's weakness. Sy and Helena are profoundly unlikeable. Jake comes across as a complete pushover who internalizes his anger and resentment until the final chapters of the book. Some of their actions are downright bizarre: for instance, Jake's "grand gestures" during his apology tour and Sy's revenge on Jake during the modeling experience. The character development feels shallow. We don't see any of them grow from their experiences, nor do we learn (beyond a superficial level) what drives them.
The ending was disappointing.
In Third Wheel, I wasn't expecting a particularly "deep" read since this was billed as more of a comedy. It did deliver on the laughs in many places, but I just couldn't get behind this trio of characters or their story arcs. 3 stars. Mid.
This book isn't without its fair share of laughs. The Romanian class, Jake and Sy coming to blows while rappelling down the side of a cliff, and the tartan thong scenes were so ridiculously off-the-wall that I couldn't contain my laughter. The nature of the trio's work makes for some interesting chapters featuring a horror-themed escape run, spelunking, hot air balloons, driving racecars with people in superhero costumes, cuddle therapy, and runway modeling while wearing increasingly bizarre outfits. I applaud the author for his creativity in coming up with widely varied (and sometimes hilarious) settings for his characters.
The characters themselves are this novel's weakness. Sy and Helena are profoundly unlikeable. Jake comes across as a complete pushover who internalizes his anger and resentment until the final chapters of the book. Some of their actions are downright bizarre: for instance, Jake's "grand gestures" during his apology tour and Sy's revenge on Jake during the modeling experience. The character development feels shallow. We don't see any of them grow from their experiences, nor do we learn (beyond a superficial level) what drives them.
The ending was disappointing.
In Third Wheel, I wasn't expecting a particularly "deep" read since this was billed as more of a comedy. It did deliver on the laughs in many places, but I just couldn't get behind this trio of characters or their story arcs. 3 stars. Mid.
August 12, 2022
Jake and Symon, best friends from childhood, live together and work together producing social media videos reviewing various experiences -- horror-themed escape rooms, riding the Batmobile with Batman, spelunking in Wales, hot air balloon flight, runway modeling, and the like. Their videos are popular and lucrative, but to get to the next level, they need to add one key ingredient -- a female presence.
Jake, our first person narrator, has several traits that drive his narrative: 1) he is snarky, cynical, sarcastic; 2) he always ends up deeply embarrassed (or worse) during their experiences (which probably explain their popularity); and 3) he really doesn't like working with Helena, the woman he and Sy hire as their third presenter, especially once she and Sy start dating, threatening his lifelong friendship with Sy and their business partnership (not to mention his ego).
That narrative exists for one main reason: humor. Nick Spalding has previously written a dozen comedic rom-com novels since he first self-published in 2012. This, his 13th, appearing ten years later, is the fourth I've read (the others in audio), and though I've liked all of them, this is by far the best (and if properly narrated will make for a cracking audiobook).
That's no doubt because of the central subject matter, the social media video reviews. The Spalding books I've read have a central theme -- Bricking It was about rehabbing a house, Fat Chance was about a weight loss contest, Dumped Actually was about break-up experiences. His stories and characters may sometimes be straight off the generic rom-com shelf, but these settings make them more interesting, at least for me.
In this case, the best parts are without question the experiences Jake and Sy videotape for review. Spalding goes into great detail on each and every one. That's the source of most of the humor, especially when things inevitably go sideways for Jake. I figured early on that we'd get a long long at an experience or two, to set the stage, and then focus on the characters' relationships with each other. But no, we kept getting one experience after another -- and that's what makes this so good.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Honestly, this is good. Fun and funny.
Jake, our first person narrator, has several traits that drive his narrative: 1) he is snarky, cynical, sarcastic; 2) he always ends up deeply embarrassed (or worse) during their experiences (which probably explain their popularity); and 3) he really doesn't like working with Helena, the woman he and Sy hire as their third presenter, especially once she and Sy start dating, threatening his lifelong friendship with Sy and their business partnership (not to mention his ego).
That narrative exists for one main reason: humor. Nick Spalding has previously written a dozen comedic rom-com novels since he first self-published in 2012. This, his 13th, appearing ten years later, is the fourth I've read (the others in audio), and though I've liked all of them, this is by far the best (and if properly narrated will make for a cracking audiobook).
That's no doubt because of the central subject matter, the social media video reviews. The Spalding books I've read have a central theme -- Bricking It was about rehabbing a house, Fat Chance was about a weight loss contest, Dumped Actually was about break-up experiences. His stories and characters may sometimes be straight off the generic rom-com shelf, but these settings make them more interesting, at least for me.
In this case, the best parts are without question the experiences Jake and Sy videotape for review. Spalding goes into great detail on each and every one. That's the source of most of the humor, especially when things inevitably go sideways for Jake. I figured early on that we'd get a long long at an experience or two, to set the stage, and then focus on the characters' relationships with each other. But no, we kept getting one experience after another -- and that's what makes this so good.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Honestly, this is good. Fun and funny.
September 29, 2022
There was a lot of mixed feelings in relation to this book so my rating is 3.5. I saw it on Netgalley, and wanted to check it out because it looked like it might be a fun story. I was basing it off the cover too.
Jake and Sy (Symon) have a successful YouTube channel called "Do it or Don't" which entails trying out new activities and rating the experience. Sy decides that in order to take their business to the next level, they should hire a female presenter to appeal to female audiences. Jake has always followed Sy's decisions and never really rebutted on anything. He is unsure of an added third person in the mix, though doesn't fully express his concerns. They audition females presenters for days before meeting Helena. It's not long before Sy falls in love with her, therefore disrupting Jake's life.
The story is told in Jake's point of view and I loved how he would break down the wall to talk to us the reader. I can see how people might not like Jake. He is petty, doesn't speak up and is overly jealous. If you can take on the understanding that Jake is someone that doesn't accept change well, doesn't like confrontation, lacks confidence and isn't well at communicating, you can then empathise with his manic inner dialogue and unwarranted thoughts. In the end, he just didn't want to lose his best friend and felt like Helena would disrupt something big, that they had built perfectly well on their own.
I had mixed feelings up until about 75% of the book. I did find that Jake could be ridiculous for an adult man and sometimes his thoughts on Helena seemed extreme. I feel like she went into it not wanting to disrupt the dynamic at all and it just turned out that way. He could have kept an open mind throughout it all, though stooped to being jealous and petty of her. In the end, he did grow and gain confidence to speak up, even if that meant he'd lose his best friend. I was almost sure he would end up doing his own channel, embracing his new found confidence and opening a new chapter for himself on his own, but it wouldn't be a happy ending if Sy didn't come back right?
Jake and Sy (Symon) have a successful YouTube channel called "Do it or Don't" which entails trying out new activities and rating the experience. Sy decides that in order to take their business to the next level, they should hire a female presenter to appeal to female audiences. Jake has always followed Sy's decisions and never really rebutted on anything. He is unsure of an added third person in the mix, though doesn't fully express his concerns. They audition females presenters for days before meeting Helena. It's not long before Sy falls in love with her, therefore disrupting Jake's life.
The story is told in Jake's point of view and I loved how he would break down the wall to talk to us the reader. I can see how people might not like Jake. He is petty, doesn't speak up and is overly jealous. If you can take on the understanding that Jake is someone that doesn't accept change well, doesn't like confrontation, lacks confidence and isn't well at communicating, you can then empathise with his manic inner dialogue and unwarranted thoughts. In the end, he just didn't want to lose his best friend and felt like Helena would disrupt something big, that they had built perfectly well on their own.
I had mixed feelings up until about 75% of the book. I did find that Jake could be ridiculous for an adult man and sometimes his thoughts on Helena seemed extreme. I feel like she went into it not wanting to disrupt the dynamic at all and it just turned out that way. He could have kept an open mind throughout it all, though stooped to being jealous and petty of her. In the end, he did grow and gain confidence to speak up, even if that meant he'd lose his best friend. I was almost sure he would end up doing his own channel, embracing his new found confidence and opening a new chapter for himself on his own, but it wouldn't be a happy ending if Sy didn't come back right?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2025
While Nick Spalding books generally don't get 5* from me, I enjoy them. Just a fun, palette cleanser read. Per usual, this has some crude humor and plenty of proFanity (x91). The story set-up ... two best friends who are now media influencers, trying out activities, seemed almost there JUST to provide the crazy, over the top situations Spalding is known for. Not things that the average individual would encounter (driving a Batmobile, CuddleTherapy, walking the catwalk in a thong, off in a hot air balloon(solo), spelunking ...)
1st person (Jake's POV), present tense. Very conversationalist tone. I actually really enjoy the way Spalding writes ... this "stream of consciousness" ... we are IN the person's head, seeing through his eyes (little asides to us along the way). At times Jake is speaking TO the reader (and "answering for us" ... for example ...
the less said about the toilet the better.
No? Really? You want to hear about it? . . . what’s the matter with you?
Okay, well, then . . .
Jake's frustrations, as a new team-member was brought on, shifting the dynamic. I feel like I could commiserate with his personal struggle ...
Capitulate . . . agree . . . back down . . .
We let them win. Not because we’re not capable of making our own decisions – but because we think theirs will always be the better ones. Rightly or wrongly. That’s the job of the sidekick. To agree and go along with. To facilitate what they want. I just never learned how to say NO. Never had the balls to stand my ground. Never had the nerve to get up and walk away... ultimately, I’m the one responsible for this whole mess. It’s my inaction that’s caused it. It’s my inability to stick to my guns and properly speak my mind that’s led me down this weed-infested garden path.
Sometimes in life, you don’t get things the way you want them, and the only thing you can control is your reaction to what happens. You have to make the right decision for yourself ...
I liked seeing Jake grow and the conclusion was satisfying.
KindleUnlimited - Read&Listen
1st person (Jake's POV), present tense. Very conversationalist tone. I actually really enjoy the way Spalding writes ... this "stream of consciousness" ... we are IN the person's head, seeing through his eyes (little asides to us along the way). At times Jake is speaking TO the reader (and "answering for us" ... for example ...
the less said about the toilet the better.
No? Really? You want to hear about it? . . . what’s the matter with you?
Okay, well, then . . .
Jake's frustrations, as a new team-member was brought on, shifting the dynamic. I feel like I could commiserate with his personal struggle ...
Capitulate . . . agree . . . back down . . .
We let them win. Not because we’re not capable of making our own decisions – but because we think theirs will always be the better ones. Rightly or wrongly. That’s the job of the sidekick. To agree and go along with. To facilitate what they want. I just never learned how to say NO. Never had the balls to stand my ground. Never had the nerve to get up and walk away... ultimately, I’m the one responsible for this whole mess. It’s my inaction that’s caused it. It’s my inability to stick to my guns and properly speak my mind that’s led me down this weed-infested garden path.
Sometimes in life, you don’t get things the way you want them, and the only thing you can control is your reaction to what happens. You have to make the right decision for yourself ...
I liked seeing Jake grow and the conclusion was satisfying.
KindleUnlimited - Read&Listen
December 30, 2022
I'm a massive fan of Nick Spalding's books and once again he knocks it out of the park with this novel.
It's funny, it's zany, it's real and I loved the whole concept of Jake and Sy being experience day reviewers and influencers.
It meant they get to regularly experience things that most people would probably never dream of doing, from the exhilarating to the much more sedate, each carrying so it seems a risk of injury or embarrassment (both of which are good for viewer counts!).
I loved reading about all the various experiences, and would be highly curious to know just how many the author took part in himself in the name of research, or if it was just good old fashioned looking things up, as the accounts especially when things don't quite go according to plan are highly detailed and amusing.
From hot air ballooning, escape rooms, cuddle therapy, supercar driving day and a whole lot more, there are plenty of wacky events going on in this book.
Which are technically he backdrop to a new person entering Jake and Sy's world and Helena making Jake into a third wheel in all senses.
It's a look at male friendship and whether it can overcome a woman entering into it.
I just loved every second of it (give or take a couple of vividly disgusting descriptions that made me feel a bit ill), and once again this author has had me greatly amused and entertained from cover to cover.
Thank you to Lake Union and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
It's funny, it's zany, it's real and I loved the whole concept of Jake and Sy being experience day reviewers and influencers.
It meant they get to regularly experience things that most people would probably never dream of doing, from the exhilarating to the much more sedate, each carrying so it seems a risk of injury or embarrassment (both of which are good for viewer counts!).
I loved reading about all the various experiences, and would be highly curious to know just how many the author took part in himself in the name of research, or if it was just good old fashioned looking things up, as the accounts especially when things don't quite go according to plan are highly detailed and amusing.
From hot air ballooning, escape rooms, cuddle therapy, supercar driving day and a whole lot more, there are plenty of wacky events going on in this book.
Which are technically he backdrop to a new person entering Jake and Sy's world and Helena making Jake into a third wheel in all senses.
It's a look at male friendship and whether it can overcome a woman entering into it.
I just loved every second of it (give or take a couple of vividly disgusting descriptions that made me feel a bit ill), and once again this author has had me greatly amused and entertained from cover to cover.
Thank you to Lake Union and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
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