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LSU #2
Sidelined
I’ve been in love with my best friend, Ander, for as long as I can remember. I’ve always kept my feelings to myself, knowing that I’d never have a chance because he’s straight.
Until the day he does me a favour by pretending to be my boyfriend.
After that, things change. He’s suddenly interested in experimenting with guys…just not with me.
It’s time for me to move on, and accept that nothing between us will ever change. He only sees me as his best friend.
Except…now he’s looking at me in a different way.
Does he feel something more than friendship for me, or am I just deluding myself?
I guess it’s time to find out.
Until the day he does me a favour by pretending to be my boyfriend.
After that, things change. He’s suddenly interested in experimenting with guys…just not with me.
It’s time for me to move on, and accept that nothing between us will ever change. He only sees me as his best friend.
Except…now he’s looking at me in a different way.
Does he feel something more than friendship for me, or am I just deluding myself?
I guess it’s time to find out.
308 pages, Paperback
First published December 28, 2022
657 people are currently reading
2628 people want to read
About the author
Becca Steele
52 books4,364 followersBecca Steele is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of new adult romance from contemporary to dark. Her books have been translated into multiple languages.
Becca resides in the south of England with her family. When she's not writing, you can find her reading, gaming, or curating yet another Spotify playlist.
Stalker links
http://linktr.ee/authorbeccasteele
Becca resides in the south of England with her family. When she's not writing, you can find her reading, gaming, or curating yet another Spotify playlist.
Stalker links
http://linktr.ee/authorbeccasteele
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 599 reviews
January 16, 2023
✦ i am so tired of all these mediocre as fuck contemporary MM romances. they're all the same these days.
✦ the same average cardboardy characters that you can barely tell apart from each other. no actual depth whatsoever. lots of stupid, pointless miscommunication. barely any plot. instalust/instalove. insta boners galore and way too much cringy, growly, stale ass smut. shitty writing in general. i could go on, but you get my point.
✦ also, i'm not just shitting on this book in particular, i'm talking about the whole MM romance genre these days.
✦ for example, if you've read like 5 MM college romances with the most common relationship tropes - friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, gay for you, whatever the fuck else - you've basically read most of the new contemporary college MM releases.
✦ everything stars to be predictable as fuck, there's absolutely nothing memorable anymore and you forget all about the book a day later.
✦ like where's the originality? the depth? the tension? an actual interesting engaging plot?? never heard of her.
✦ this type of formula worked better for me in the beginning of my MM romance journey, but now i am just bored out of my mind.
✦ and honestly if you as an author still write these mediocre, recycled MM romances, i have zero interest in checking out any more of your books in the future. lmao. anywayssss moving on now xoxo
✦ the same average cardboardy characters that you can barely tell apart from each other. no actual depth whatsoever. lots of stupid, pointless miscommunication. barely any plot. instalust/instalove. insta boners galore and way too much cringy, growly, stale ass smut. shitty writing in general. i could go on, but you get my point.
✦ also, i'm not just shitting on this book in particular, i'm talking about the whole MM romance genre these days.
✦ for example, if you've read like 5 MM college romances with the most common relationship tropes - friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, gay for you, whatever the fuck else - you've basically read most of the new contemporary college MM releases.
✦ everything stars to be predictable as fuck, there's absolutely nothing memorable anymore and you forget all about the book a day later.
✦ like where's the originality? the depth? the tension? an actual interesting engaging plot?? never heard of her.
✦ this type of formula worked better for me in the beginning of my MM romance journey, but now i am just bored out of my mind.
✦ and honestly if you as an author still write these mediocre, recycled MM romances, i have zero interest in checking out any more of your books in the future. lmao. anywayssss moving on now xoxo
February 12, 2025
It’s been a minute since I’ve read a romance book where I was actively wishing the main couple didn’t end up together. It didn’t help that Elliot had the personality of a wet towel, but the real surprise (just kidding) was that I didn’t like the love-interest, Ander. He was an arrogant piece of work and way too pushy, and in my opinion, he’d basically be the bully in any other story. This book has the classic dual pov setup that most of these shirtless-man-books have, but Elliot and Ander's way of speaking were so similar that sometimes I’d forget who was narrating in the middle of the chapter. It's like they did the Fusion Dance before they'd start narrating, all talking in unison and shit. Oh, and finally, this is a more personal complaint, but Ander is really touchy-feely with Elliot, and I know that it’s supposed to add to the “steamy” factor, but it made me a little uncomfortable. Lay off dude.
Anyway, when I wasn’t getting mad at the characters, I think there is a vaguely interesting story here. I know, I know, damned with faint praise, but I really did like how there was a brief moment where Elliot was dating other people in a way that (distantly) reminded me of When Harry Met Sally. For a split second they felt like more well-rounded characters that were able to have their own character arcs. But then again, this might have been something I liked only because I didn’t want Elliot and Ander to end up together… so take that with a grain of sat. Oh yeah, there’s also a side character named Noah who isn’t a tool! You’d be surprised at the amount of books I’ve read where characters with my name are complete jerks, so that was nice. Make us look good, Noah! Because I'm sure as hell not going to. Anyway, I’m kind of all over the place, but I’m pretty sure that this was an okay book, but it’s probably the literature equivalent of turning the T.V. on when doing the dishes for some background noise and turning your head every couple of minutes and being like, "oh yeah."
Side note: the book opens with a playlist the author made for the book which I thought was really cute (for him. by Troye Sivan is my jam)! So, I thought it’s be fun to make my own that’s specifically dedicated to Ander! Here it is:
• Don’t Hurt Yourself - Beyoncé
• IDGAF - Dua Lipa
• Don’t Hurt Yourself - Beyoncé
• Don’t Hurt Yourself - Beyoncé
How fun!
Anyway, when I wasn’t getting mad at the characters, I think there is a vaguely interesting story here. I know, I know, damned with faint praise, but I really did like how there was a brief moment where Elliot was dating other people in a way that (distantly) reminded me of When Harry Met Sally. For a split second they felt like more well-rounded characters that were able to have their own character arcs. But then again, this might have been something I liked only because I didn’t want Elliot and Ander to end up together… so take that with a grain of sat. Oh yeah, there’s also a side character named Noah who isn’t a tool! You’d be surprised at the amount of books I’ve read where characters with my name are complete jerks, so that was nice. Make us look good, Noah! Because I'm sure as hell not going to. Anyway, I’m kind of all over the place, but I’m pretty sure that this was an okay book, but it’s probably the literature equivalent of turning the T.V. on when doing the dishes for some background noise and turning your head every couple of minutes and being like, "oh yeah."
Side note: the book opens with a playlist the author made for the book which I thought was really cute (for him. by Troye Sivan is my jam)! So, I thought it’s be fun to make my own that’s specifically dedicated to Ander! Here it is:
• Don’t Hurt Yourself - Beyoncé
• IDGAF - Dua Lipa
• Don’t Hurt Yourself - Beyoncé
• Don’t Hurt Yourself - Beyoncé
How fun!
December 28, 2022
3.5 stars⭐️
i liked this one!
i liked it. i just didn’t love it, you know?
it was a fun and easy read with some cuteness, some angst and some swoon. but i feel like the book only scratched the surface— with the angst, the pining, the tension, the jealousy... Becca Steele had the opportunity to go full throttle here and instead it all gets cut short before you can really get into it, if that makes sense?
i would just sink my teeth into a juicy scene but it would swiftly move on and was resolved super quickly when i think it could have been unpacked waaaay more. especially with a trope like best friends to lovers. i just wanted a lil more, i guess.
but one thing Becca Steele did nail for me was Elliot and his pain.
Elliot has been in unrequited love with his best friend Ander for as long as he can remember. and ohhhh how his pain translates into your own gut-wrenching pain. my heart hurt for him so much. his inner turmoil was really well fleshed out. i was just rooting for him the whole time!
i think this is why i wanted other aspects to be a bit more punchy and fleshed out because Elliot’s pain was written so well that i knew other aspects of the story would benefit from that same depth, you know?
so Elliot was the shining star of the book for me. without a doubt.
overall, it was thoroughly enjoyable to read i just wanted a bit more depth in parts. and the ending was wonderful omg it was sooo sweet i loved it🥺
im excited for the next book and i have my guesses on who it’ll be about so that’ll be interesting for sure.
thank you to Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
i liked this one!
i liked it. i just didn’t love it, you know?
it was a fun and easy read with some cuteness, some angst and some swoon. but i feel like the book only scratched the surface— with the angst, the pining, the tension, the jealousy... Becca Steele had the opportunity to go full throttle here and instead it all gets cut short before you can really get into it, if that makes sense?
i would just sink my teeth into a juicy scene but it would swiftly move on and was resolved super quickly when i think it could have been unpacked waaaay more. especially with a trope like best friends to lovers. i just wanted a lil more, i guess.
but one thing Becca Steele did nail for me was Elliot and his pain.
Elliot has been in unrequited love with his best friend Ander for as long as he can remember. and ohhhh how his pain translates into your own gut-wrenching pain. my heart hurt for him so much. his inner turmoil was really well fleshed out. i was just rooting for him the whole time!
i think this is why i wanted other aspects to be a bit more punchy and fleshed out because Elliot’s pain was written so well that i knew other aspects of the story would benefit from that same depth, you know?
so Elliot was the shining star of the book for me. without a doubt.
overall, it was thoroughly enjoyable to read i just wanted a bit more depth in parts. and the ending was wonderful omg it was sooo sweet i loved it🥺
im excited for the next book and i have my guesses on who it’ll be about so that’ll be interesting for sure.
thank you to Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2022
***3.0 rating***
"I didn’t know what was happening between us, but I knew that I didn’t want it to stop."
I don't recall what happened in the first book of the LSU series, it was pretty forgettable. I know it was about Noah and Liam but I don't remember anything about what the book was about. It should tell you why it was deserving of a 2-star.
Sidelined on the other hand, had potential and it was slightly better than Blindsided. It started out well with Elliot pining for his straight best friend, Ander. The prologue was in fact heartbreaking, it showed us a glimpse of their high school years, precisely their time together at prom. Everyone but Elliot had a date, and it was rather sad when he watched Ander dancing and kissing his date. While everyone was in a couple and dancing, Dancing on My Own by Callum Scott played in the background. It couldn't get more devastating than that. Becca Steele did a great job at establishing the one-sided/unrequited love and angst that is felt by Elliot in the prologue. Elliot and Ander never even got to take a picture together either.
The unrequited love continues up until the present when Elliot and Ander are in university together at LSU. On a trip away from university, the best friends make a weekend trip to their hometown. They are at a bar together and a creepy dude takes a pass at Elliot but something in Ander prompts him to kiss Elliot and act as his fake boyfriend so that the creep would leave Elliot alone. This spontaneous plan and kiss backfire because it changes their relationship dynamic. Not only is it a very passionate and hot kiss, but it also shocks Elliot and intrigues Ander to pursue the same sex sexually and romantically. Interesting turn of events indeed. You as a reader sympathize with Elliot given how things developed in the aftermath of the kiss. Of course, it meant something much more for Elliot, and you cannot help but feel for him when Ander decides to pursue his newfound interest in men but not with Elliot because our boy is still in the friend zone. How oblivious can one be?
Things begin to get interesting when the grass ain't greener on the other side for Ander and when a new man shows interest in Elliot. The green-eyed monster in Ander begins to form and he sees his best friend in a rather different light. Attraction is there and feelings which he isn't sure what to do with. I found that Becca Steele again did a decent job at establishing the push and pull between the best friends. You certainly feel the angst and the butterflies that Ander feels for Elliot. However, this is also when things begin to go downhill for me. When Ander and Elliot start their new romantic/sexual relationship, there was a lot of miscommunication that could have been easily avoided. I felt the author dragged it on just so we could have a "plot" and angst. These two made too many assumptions about what the other felt, so I couldn't help but be annoyed. It also didn't help that on every other page after, they either "groaned" or "growled." No man I have known intimately has ever "growled." Dogs and other animals growl, and groaning happens when you take a shit but in romance books, it's a thing lol. I felt so awkward reading this and I feared for their sex lives. Were they in pain? Like, damn what is happening in the bedroom to growl at everything. Grrr I guess?
The constant growling, groaning, miscommunication, and forced "I need a space right now because I don't have the emotional capacity to understand what happens after having sex" made this easily a 3-star read. There was no groveling on Ander's part with how he treated Elliot after sex, everything was quickly resolved and the book ended with a quick epilogue and "I love you, baby," "me too, soooo much."
While this was better than the first book and had potential in the beginning, Becca Steele failed to give me the angst that I wanted in this book, a truly missed opportunity on the author's part. I do still have hope for the third book which is about JJ and Dr. Wilder, the sexy business professor. Book 2 was better than book 1 so maybe there is still some hope? If you want to read a great MM romance book by Becca Steele, I suggest Savage Rivals. It is superior in every sense.
"I didn’t know what was happening between us, but I knew that I didn’t want it to stop."
I don't recall what happened in the first book of the LSU series, it was pretty forgettable. I know it was about Noah and Liam but I don't remember anything about what the book was about. It should tell you why it was deserving of a 2-star.
Sidelined on the other hand, had potential and it was slightly better than Blindsided. It started out well with Elliot pining for his straight best friend, Ander. The prologue was in fact heartbreaking, it showed us a glimpse of their high school years, precisely their time together at prom. Everyone but Elliot had a date, and it was rather sad when he watched Ander dancing and kissing his date. While everyone was in a couple and dancing, Dancing on My Own by Callum Scott played in the background. It couldn't get more devastating than that. Becca Steele did a great job at establishing the one-sided/unrequited love and angst that is felt by Elliot in the prologue. Elliot and Ander never even got to take a picture together either.
The unrequited love continues up until the present when Elliot and Ander are in university together at LSU. On a trip away from university, the best friends make a weekend trip to their hometown. They are at a bar together and a creepy dude takes a pass at Elliot but something in Ander prompts him to kiss Elliot and act as his fake boyfriend so that the creep would leave Elliot alone. This spontaneous plan and kiss backfire because it changes their relationship dynamic. Not only is it a very passionate and hot kiss, but it also shocks Elliot and intrigues Ander to pursue the same sex sexually and romantically. Interesting turn of events indeed. You as a reader sympathize with Elliot given how things developed in the aftermath of the kiss. Of course, it meant something much more for Elliot, and you cannot help but feel for him when Ander decides to pursue his newfound interest in men but not with Elliot because our boy is still in the friend zone. How oblivious can one be?
Things begin to get interesting when the grass ain't greener on the other side for Ander and when a new man shows interest in Elliot. The green-eyed monster in Ander begins to form and he sees his best friend in a rather different light. Attraction is there and feelings which he isn't sure what to do with. I found that Becca Steele again did a decent job at establishing the push and pull between the best friends. You certainly feel the angst and the butterflies that Ander feels for Elliot. However, this is also when things begin to go downhill for me. When Ander and Elliot start their new romantic/sexual relationship, there was a lot of miscommunication that could have been easily avoided. I felt the author dragged it on just so we could have a "plot" and angst. These two made too many assumptions about what the other felt, so I couldn't help but be annoyed. It also didn't help that on every other page after, they either "groaned" or "growled." No man I have known intimately has ever "growled." Dogs and other animals growl, and groaning happens when you take a shit but in romance books, it's a thing lol. I felt so awkward reading this and I feared for their sex lives. Were they in pain? Like, damn what is happening in the bedroom to growl at everything. Grrr I guess?
The constant growling, groaning, miscommunication, and forced "I need a space right now because I don't have the emotional capacity to understand what happens after having sex" made this easily a 3-star read. There was no groveling on Ander's part with how he treated Elliot after sex, everything was quickly resolved and the book ended with a quick epilogue and "I love you, baby," "me too, soooo much."
While this was better than the first book and had potential in the beginning, Becca Steele failed to give me the angst that I wanted in this book, a truly missed opportunity on the author's part. I do still have hope for the third book which is about JJ and Dr. Wilder, the sexy business professor. Book 2 was better than book 1 so maybe there is still some hope? If you want to read a great MM romance book by Becca Steele, I suggest Savage Rivals. It is superior in every sense.
December 23, 2022
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. ***
Sidelined is the newest installment in the LSU series. This entry focuses on best friends Ander and Elliot. Elliot has been in love with Ander for years and finds himself finally choosing to leave his feelings for Ander behind.
Everything changes once Ander attempts to protect his best friend from an unwanted advance and chooses to kiss Elliot. This protective instinct causes great confusion and many questions for Ander as he realizes his platonic feelings for Elliot might be something more.
Overall Sidelined is a low-angst best-friends-to-lovers story that has many heartfelt moments that make you fully understand the deep and earnest connection between these best friends.
I love how well-written the bond between Ander and Elliot is. They are so comfortable around one another, which makes their relationship feel entirely natural. I loved their sweet story and never wanted it to end.
Sidelined is the newest installment in the LSU series. This entry focuses on best friends Ander and Elliot. Elliot has been in love with Ander for years and finds himself finally choosing to leave his feelings for Ander behind.
Everything changes once Ander attempts to protect his best friend from an unwanted advance and chooses to kiss Elliot. This protective instinct causes great confusion and many questions for Ander as he realizes his platonic feelings for Elliot might be something more.
Overall Sidelined is a low-angst best-friends-to-lovers story that has many heartfelt moments that make you fully understand the deep and earnest connection between these best friends.
I love how well-written the bond between Ander and Elliot is. They are so comfortable around one another, which makes their relationship feel entirely natural. I loved their sweet story and never wanted it to end.
January 14, 2023
I love every single one of Becca’s boys!
Kian, Preston, Asher, Levi, Liam, Noah, JJ, Ander and Elliot
Was in a bit of a funk and this book and these boys made me happy.
Kian, Preston, Asher, Levi, Liam, Noah, JJ, Ander and Elliot
Was in a bit of a funk and this book and these boys made me happy.
January 12, 2023
A beautiful best friends to lovers romance.
A romance that will make your eyes glassy as you read, crack your heart a bit at the pain and heartbreak, and at the same time wrap you in a warm hug, make your heart flutter at the beautiful moments, make you laugh out loud and smile with that goofy kind of smile we all love.
Elliot our main character, and the biggest sweetheart has been in love with his best friend Ander for a long time. However, there's a tiny (okay, not so tiny) problem... Ander is straight.
A heartbreaking quote that I love because it implements the title of the book so beautifully in the plot.
When we read best friends to lovers we crave the beautiful friendship two people have, we want to feel the pain, the struggles, and the desperation of every moment together where they fight with the different pulls of their hearts and minds. One screams that it wants more and the other whispers there will never be more. At the same time, you fight with the seeds of doubt and trepidation at the thought of losing your best friend. Sidelined gives us exactly that and so much more.
One kiss. One lingering touch on his lips. One moment suspended in time and their memory.
That's all it takes.
For Ander, Elliot is his best friend, his everything. His feelings for Elliot were always strong, but they were always platonic. That's until one moment when he decides to help Elliot to get rid of one guy. And what's the best way to do that? Pretend to be his boyfriend and kiss him.
After that kiss, everything changes and we find ourselves on a wild ride.
This pretty much sums up how these two feel about each other. And let me tell you, you can FEEL their adoration, their love, caring and so much more in every word.
Ander... I love this guy even though I wanted to grab a heavy book and hit him with it on the head. He was right, Elliot deserves all the romance in the world and I'm so happy that Ander gave it to him. The last chapter made me smile, cry, and just be so fucking happy. It was such a beautiful moment, so thoughtful of Ander, and something I didn't see coming when I started the first chapter. Let me tell you, you will be frustrated with Ander. There will be times when you will scream at him and wonder what the fuck he is doing. Yes, I was frustrated and angry at one scene specifically but honestly? I loved the book and these two too much to let that part ruin my experience or my rating.
If you enjoy these things, then I definitely recommend Sidelined:
- best friends to lovers
- tender, beautiful moments
- HOT smutty times
- first times
- intense and full of so much heat lingering touches, and glances
- lap dancing
- swoon-worthy dates that you will love
- heart-touching friendship that blooms into so much more
- some miscommunication and a few frustrating moments
- cameos of Levi, Asher (I screamed when we had scenes with them), Kian, Preston
- there's no way I won't mention Sid (I love this guy, yep it's a snail)
- ICE CUBES (always thinking about sweet Elliot when I see ice cubes: *cough* and one particular usage of ice cubes *cough*)
A beautiful romance that made me feel the unbreakable bond of friendship Elliot and Ander have, the pain, longing, and desperation for someone you think you can only have as a friend, the confusing feelings and storm inside you when love first starts to bloom, and most importantly the beautiful love and friendship these two have. That's what Sidelined is for me!
First thoughts:
I loved Elliot and Ander so much!!! 💚💚💚
Sidelined is the first book I read this year and I adored everything about it.
Full review soon 💚
A romance that will make your eyes glassy as you read, crack your heart a bit at the pain and heartbreak, and at the same time wrap you in a warm hug, make your heart flutter at the beautiful moments, make you laugh out loud and smile with that goofy kind of smile we all love.
Elliot our main character, and the biggest sweetheart has been in love with his best friend Ander for a long time. However, there's a tiny (okay, not so tiny) problem... Ander is straight.
Right after I entered, the DJ changed up the music. Calum Scott's cover of "Dancing on My Own" began playing... and believe me when I say that was the worst possible song that could be played at that moment in time... Everything slowed right down. The atmosphere flipped, the lights dimming to a golden glimmer over the dance floor, and suddenly, all I saw were couples. I made my way to the corner of the room, suddenly sidelined.
A heartbreaking quote that I love because it implements the title of the book so beautifully in the plot.
Being in love with my best friend was the fucking worst sometimes.
When we read best friends to lovers we crave the beautiful friendship two people have, we want to feel the pain, the struggles, and the desperation of every moment together where they fight with the different pulls of their hearts and minds. One screams that it wants more and the other whispers there will never be more. At the same time, you fight with the seeds of doubt and trepidation at the thought of losing your best friend. Sidelined gives us exactly that and so much more.
One kiss. One lingering touch on his lips. One moment suspended in time and their memory.
That's all it takes.
For Ander, Elliot is his best friend, his everything. His feelings for Elliot were always strong, but they were always platonic. That's until one moment when he decides to help Elliot to get rid of one guy. And what's the best way to do that? Pretend to be his boyfriend and kiss him.
After that kiss, everything changes and we find ourselves on a wild ride.
Fuck. He was my everything.
This pretty much sums up how these two feel about each other. And let me tell you, you can FEEL their adoration, their love, caring and so much more in every word.
Fuck if I knew how to do romance, but I was going to do my best to romance the shit out of my best friend.
Ander... I love this guy even though I wanted to grab a heavy book and hit him with it on the head. He was right, Elliot deserves all the romance in the world and I'm so happy that Ander gave it to him. The last chapter made me smile, cry, and just be so fucking happy. It was such a beautiful moment, so thoughtful of Ander, and something I didn't see coming when I started the first chapter. Let me tell you, you will be frustrated with Ander. There will be times when you will scream at him and wonder what the fuck he is doing. Yes, I was frustrated and angry at one scene specifically but honestly? I loved the book and these two too much to let that part ruin my experience or my rating.
If you enjoy these things, then I definitely recommend Sidelined:
- best friends to lovers
- tender, beautiful moments
- HOT smutty times
- first times
- intense and full of so much heat lingering touches, and glances
- lap dancing
- swoon-worthy dates that you will love
- heart-touching friendship that blooms into so much more
- some miscommunication and a few frustrating moments
- cameos of Levi, Asher (I screamed when we had scenes with them), Kian, Preston
- there's no way I won't mention Sid (I love this guy, yep it's a snail)
- ICE CUBES (always thinking about sweet Elliot when I see ice cubes: *cough* and one particular usage of ice cubes *cough*)
"Hi," he said softly. "I love you."
"Hi. I love you back."
Had I ever been this happy before?
A beautiful romance that made me feel the unbreakable bond of friendship Elliot and Ander have, the pain, longing, and desperation for someone you think you can only have as a friend, the confusing feelings and storm inside you when love first starts to bloom, and most importantly the beautiful love and friendship these two have. That's what Sidelined is for me!
"I'm in love with you. So fucking in love with you, you wouldn't even believe... Yeah, you heard me. I love you. I'm in love with you. I want everything with you. You're my best friend in the whole world, and you're my person."
First thoughts:
I loved Elliot and Ander so much!!! 💚💚💚
Sidelined is the first book I read this year and I adored everything about it.
Full review soon 💚
![Profile Image for Lilly [Hiatus due to School] .](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1663899589i%2F10381707._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
December 26, 2022
This was another great addition to the LSU series. I enjoyed this cute best friends-to-lovers and bi-awakening story!
Elliot had to watch his best friend from afar quietly, and honestly, you could feel his pain as he watched his best friend, who is also a player, get into relationships and hookups. However, a moment causes things to get complicated for both of them.
There are moments of angst and things not said. That was a bit frustrating as I sometimes wanted to shake Ander. Elliot and Ander could have resolved many issues by just talking and not assuming things about one another. A lot of hurt and pain could have been avoided.
I really love how Becca writes moments of intimacy between her characters. The way they touch, kiss, or hold one another, it’s lovely, and I do not know how to really explain the feelings it gives me but I just love it so much!
Overall, I really enjoyed Sidelined! I am excited for the next book, hoping we’ll get JJ and a particular grumpy professor.
Elliot had to watch his best friend from afar quietly, and honestly, you could feel his pain as he watched his best friend, who is also a player, get into relationships and hookups. However, a moment causes things to get complicated for both of them.
There are moments of angst and things not said. That was a bit frustrating as I sometimes wanted to shake Ander. Elliot and Ander could have resolved many issues by just talking and not assuming things about one another. A lot of hurt and pain could have been avoided.
I really love how Becca writes moments of intimacy between her characters. The way they touch, kiss, or hold one another, it’s lovely, and I do not know how to really explain the feelings it gives me but I just love it so much!
Overall, I really enjoyed Sidelined! I am excited for the next book, hoping we’ll get JJ and a particular grumpy professor.
![Profile Image for Megan [At The Cottage].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1634561405i%2F25103878._UY200_CR50%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
January 8, 2023
DNF @ 22% and then 55%
1 Star ⭐️
I wanted to see if this author could do besties to lovers well since I’ve only seen her do enemies to lovers but fuck is this bad. This the same old story, too much smut already not enough story. I’m so bored my eyes are already glazed over and I’m done subjecting myself to shit books. Goodbye 👋
BUT I didn’t return it right away and wasn’t sure what to read next so I skimmed it for a bit hoping it would improve and OMG the miscommunication 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️ Here’s a tip to any author who wants to do this trope. Unless it’s an epic angsty saga spanning many years, best friends to lovers cannot have miscommunication like this or their friendship doesn’t feel solid and then the trope doesn’t sing the way it should. These two were so dysfunctional like they couldn’t even have a proper conversation. How did they maintain a close friendship for so long when they couldn’t talk to each other? All of this made the sex scenes feel really mechanical because I just didn’t feel any chemistry between these two and Ander’s feelings felt so abrupt. Whatever brings the friends to be actual lovers has to make sense and this didn’t. I’m so mad at myself for not just returning this but at least it’s over 50% now and I can rate it. Not even all the cameos by Asher/Levi and Preston/Kian could save this train wreck. As much as I love student teacher I can’t imagine trying to read the next book in this series. Hopefully my masochistic ass can stay away from it.
1 Star ⭐️
I wanted to see if this author could do besties to lovers well since I’ve only seen her do enemies to lovers but fuck is this bad. This the same old story, too much smut already not enough story. I’m so bored my eyes are already glazed over and I’m done subjecting myself to shit books. Goodbye 👋
BUT I didn’t return it right away and wasn’t sure what to read next so I skimmed it for a bit hoping it would improve and OMG the miscommunication 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️ Here’s a tip to any author who wants to do this trope. Unless it’s an epic angsty saga spanning many years, best friends to lovers cannot have miscommunication like this or their friendship doesn’t feel solid and then the trope doesn’t sing the way it should. These two were so dysfunctional like they couldn’t even have a proper conversation. How did they maintain a close friendship for so long when they couldn’t talk to each other? All of this made the sex scenes feel really mechanical because I just didn’t feel any chemistry between these two and Ander’s feelings felt so abrupt. Whatever brings the friends to be actual lovers has to make sense and this didn’t. I’m so mad at myself for not just returning this but at least it’s over 50% now and I can rate it. Not even all the cameos by Asher/Levi and Preston/Kian could save this train wreck. As much as I love student teacher I can’t imagine trying to read the next book in this series. Hopefully my masochistic ass can stay away from it.
January 2, 2023
This book said: "I-gotchu, you-sad, broke-college-students."
I just scrolled through all my friends rating, so 😃 here's another 3.5-stars ⭐✨ review that is basically the same as everyone's.
🦥 No, but really. I really liked how relatable this book felt (mainly, me and Ander bro hugging at being broke) what with being a college student and how BREATHING IS SO EXPENSIVE NOWADAYS.
🦥 I don't have many thoughts. Ace and Elliot are cute af. When they got together anyways and didn't run away with their tails caught in-between their legs. They were soft, hot, cute and clearly need some advice on the meaning of communication.
🦥 The cameos of the other couples were kinda cute, if not a bit confusing because this friend group is so confusing and divided.
🦥 In short, Didn't't hate it, Didn't LOVE-LOVE it. It's hard to write a good friends to lovers, but B- for a good effort.
I just scrolled through all my friends rating, so 😃 here's another 3.5-stars ⭐✨ review that is basically the same as everyone's.
🦥 No, but really. I really liked how relatable this book felt (mainly, me and Ander bro hugging at being broke) what with being a college student and how BREATHING IS SO EXPENSIVE NOWADAYS.
🦥 I don't have many thoughts. Ace and Elliot are cute af. When they got together anyways and didn't run away with their tails caught in-between their legs. They were soft, hot, cute and clearly need some advice on the meaning of communication.
🦥 The cameos of the other couples were kinda cute, if not a bit confusing because this friend group is so confusing and divided.
🦥 In short, Didn't't hate it, Didn't LOVE-LOVE it. It's hard to write a good friends to lovers, but B- for a good effort.
“You can’t make me,” I hissed, irritation warring with the warmth that was spreading through my body at his words.
He seemed to deflate. “Yeah. I know. Sorry. Forget I said anything.”
“Why do you do this to me, Loveridge?” My words came out as a sigh. “Fine. I’ll do it. But you owe me so much for this. So, so much.”
January 1, 2023
Ah friends to lovers. My kryptonite. This also has the gay best friend in love with his straight best friend thing going on. Magic. I very much enjoyed this story. I actually read this story while I was on a plane to Amsterdam, fighting my nausea, so it’s gotta be good enough to risk throwing up.
There were a couple things in this book that made me roll my eyes or made me have a giant question mark above my head. The first thing was that in the beginning of the book some creep was trying to hit on Elliot, and to save him, Ander pretended to be his boyfriend and kissed him right in front of the creep to get him to go away. Was that really the only thing he could think of? If my friend was being bothered by someone, I would just tell them to shove it and get my friend away from them. Or introduce them to lefty and righty. I wouldn’t think to kiss my friend. Something else I was confused about was Elliot himself. It’s been a while since I have read the first book in the series, so I can’t exactly remember, but was Elliot this meek in the last book? He seems so shy around Ander, and I just don’t remember him being that way. I thought he was this big, confident dude.
There was also a little miscommunication in this book that made me want to shout to just talk to each other. Which obviously is the point of the miscommunication trope but you get it. Elliot would go back and forth with his thoughts. One moment he was like I can’t do this with Ander or I will lose him. And the next moment he was like yeah i’m doing this I have always wanted it. Just talk to the man. Miscommunication got worse towards the end.
Other than those few parts, I loved the book. Elliot and Ander were so shmoopy with each other and it made me want to kick my feet and giggle. The spice in this book is very good, but it took a while for it to happen, after the 50% mark of the book. But when it did happen, oh yeah.
I LOVED the characters the author introduced in the book. I would bet money that the friend JJ ends up with the professor Dr. Wilder. That’ll be so good. The other characters were lovely as well. I’m excited to see which direction the author takes the series in.
There were a couple things in this book that made me roll my eyes or made me have a giant question mark above my head. The first thing was that in the beginning of the book some creep was trying to hit on Elliot, and to save him, Ander pretended to be his boyfriend and kissed him right in front of the creep to get him to go away. Was that really the only thing he could think of? If my friend was being bothered by someone, I would just tell them to shove it and get my friend away from them. Or introduce them to lefty and righty. I wouldn’t think to kiss my friend. Something else I was confused about was Elliot himself. It’s been a while since I have read the first book in the series, so I can’t exactly remember, but was Elliot this meek in the last book? He seems so shy around Ander, and I just don’t remember him being that way. I thought he was this big, confident dude.
There was also a little miscommunication in this book that made me want to shout to just talk to each other. Which obviously is the point of the miscommunication trope but you get it. Elliot would go back and forth with his thoughts. One moment he was like I can’t do this with Ander or I will lose him. And the next moment he was like yeah i’m doing this I have always wanted it. Just talk to the man. Miscommunication got worse towards the end.
Other than those few parts, I loved the book. Elliot and Ander were so shmoopy with each other and it made me want to kick my feet and giggle. The spice in this book is very good, but it took a while for it to happen, after the 50% mark of the book. But when it did happen, oh yeah.
I LOVED the characters the author introduced in the book. I would bet money that the friend JJ ends up with the professor Dr. Wilder. That’ll be so good. The other characters were lovely as well. I’m excited to see which direction the author takes the series in.
February 14, 2023
Tropes:
- besties to lovers
- roommates
- virgin
- bi awakening
- sports, kinda
- miscommunication
Elliot has been in love with his best friend Ander since high school, and has done is best to put those big feelings away in a box while his very straight playboy bestie parades girl after girl in front of him.
After sharing a kiss with Elliot to save him from a creep, Ander soon realizes he might not be as straight as he thought he was and decides he wants to experiment with other men—just not Elliot (the obvious choice 🙄).
Elliot decides to take it upon himself to finally get over his best friend before he really does get his heartbroken, but the moment Ander sees him with someone else his feelings for Elliot smack him right in the face.
Im a sucker for friends to lovers romances, and Ander and Elliot’s story was adorable for the most part. There was a lot of miscommunication between the two when it came to defining their feelings and relationship, and so much pining and heartache could have even avoided if they’d just been honest. I still really enjoyed it though, and loved their happy ending!
- besties to lovers
- roommates
- virgin
- bi awakening
- sports, kinda
- miscommunication
Elliot has been in love with his best friend Ander since high school, and has done is best to put those big feelings away in a box while his very straight playboy bestie parades girl after girl in front of him.
After sharing a kiss with Elliot to save him from a creep, Ander soon realizes he might not be as straight as he thought he was and decides he wants to experiment with other men—just not Elliot (the obvious choice 🙄).
Elliot decides to take it upon himself to finally get over his best friend before he really does get his heartbroken, but the moment Ander sees him with someone else his feelings for Elliot smack him right in the face.
Im a sucker for friends to lovers romances, and Ander and Elliot’s story was adorable for the most part. There was a lot of miscommunication between the two when it came to defining their feelings and relationship, and so much pining and heartache could have even avoided if they’d just been honest. I still really enjoyed it though, and loved their happy ending!
February 27, 2024
3/5⭐
Too much miscommunication.
I still liked it, to an extent. There was pining, decent angst and some cute moments in the beginning.
But sadly, their bad communication and 'jumping to conclusions skills' overshadowed everything else after that.
My eyes are still twitching. 𓁼
Too much miscommunication.
I still liked it, to an extent. There was pining, decent angst and some cute moments in the beginning.
But sadly, their bad communication and 'jumping to conclusions skills' overshadowed everything else after that.
My eyes are still twitching. 𓁼
December 30, 2022
damn this was boring. anders only runs away from his problems, tons of miscommunications and unfortunately elliot wasn’t graced with a personality.
July 22, 2023
Sidelined by Becca Steele is the second book in her brilliant MM college romance series, focused on the life and loves of a group of football playing college dudes studying at LSU. The series is set in England and has the quirky English sense of humour running all through it. Totally divine!
This is best friends Elliot and Ander's story.
You will adore Sidelined if you love:
❣️Best friends to lovers
❣️Bi-awakening
❣️First times
❣️College romance
❣️English humour
❣️All the steam
❣️Low angst
❣️HEA
Whilst I personally prefer an enemies to lovers trope like book 1 in the series Blindsided, this was still another 5 star read for me because it was such a cute and romantic read.
5 cute best friends stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is best friends Elliot and Ander's story.
You will adore Sidelined if you love:
❣️Best friends to lovers
❣️Bi-awakening
❣️First times
❣️College romance
❣️English humour
❣️All the steam
❣️Low angst
❣️HEA
Whilst I personally prefer an enemies to lovers trope like book 1 in the series Blindsided, this was still another 5 star read for me because it was such a cute and romantic read.
5 cute best friends stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 30, 2022
⭐︎
3.5 stars rounded up!
⭐︎
I enjoyed this slightly more than the first book in this series. While not that much improved, it did keep me more engaged throughout, even though it was slow a few times throughout. But it always managed to speed up again for me until the very end.
I didn't remember Ander and Elliot all that well from the first book. But I vaguely remembered Ander being a ladies man and Elliot being in love with him.
Their chemistry was good, overall. It wasn't amazing or anything, but I felt the feelings between them.
The sex was kinda steamy at times, kinda not, so sometimes it was drawing me in, sometimes I had to force myself not to skim it.
I do wish there had been more...tension, honestly. Elliot has been pining for Ander for *years* at this point, and Ander just discovers his feelings for Elliot in this.
And instead of there being tension with that, Ander just kinda accepts his discovered feelings for Elliot fairly well - I mean, yeah, he has a few freak outs, sure, but for the most part he's cool being into a guy for the first time ever, and that guy being his best friend.
Instead there's just - not even miscommunication, because there's barely any communication in the first place. Elliot never gains the courage to tell Ander how he feels - until the last possible second, of course - and Ander just thinks he's fallen for Elliot and it's not so serious for Elliot.
These two just assume how the other feels and that's that. Ander even pushes Elliot away because he thinks he's the only one in love and wants to try to get over him.
And of course I know how difficult it is to tell someone how you feel and Elliot doesn't want to lose Ander and all that, but it just got tiring after awhile, Elliot never saying *anything*
I guess it dragged out a little too long. This was almost 300 pages and again, it didn't need to be that long.
This love story could have been - and was! - solved with one conversation, and instead it's dragged out for 260 pages instead.
Could this have been around 200 pages instead? Maybe less? Yeah.
But, with all that we got, was it for the most part, enjoyable? Yeah. For as long as it is, it did manage to keep me engaged for the most part, and the story gets points for that.
So, this was a little more enjoyable than the first, but still not amazing or anything. I have a feeling the next book about JJ is going to feature him and the grumpy professor, which I am HERE for, and can't wait to dive into. I'm *hoping* that'll be the best one yet. Oohh the fun that story could be! Let's hope it is JJ and the grump prof, because that's the vibe I got with JJ "liking older guys" and the grump prof being at the club JJ works at.
Can't wait for the next one!
My ratings for the LSU Series:
✨ Blindsided: 3 stars (my review)
✨ Sidelined: 3.5 Stars
I enjoyed this slightly more than the first book in this series. While not that much improved, it did keep me more engaged throughout, even though it was slow a few times throughout. But it always managed to speed up again for me until the very end.
I didn't remember Ander and Elliot all that well from the first book. But I vaguely remembered Ander being a ladies man and Elliot being in love with him.
Their chemistry was good, overall. It wasn't amazing or anything, but I felt the feelings between them.
The sex was kinda steamy at times, kinda not, so sometimes it was drawing me in, sometimes I had to force myself not to skim it.
I do wish there had been more...tension, honestly. Elliot has been pining for Ander for *years* at this point, and Ander just discovers his feelings for Elliot in this.
And instead of there being tension with that, Ander just kinda accepts his discovered feelings for Elliot fairly well - I mean, yeah, he has a few freak outs, sure, but for the most part he's cool being into a guy for the first time ever, and that guy being his best friend.
Instead there's just - not even miscommunication, because there's barely any communication in the first place. Elliot never gains the courage to tell Ander how he feels - until the last possible second, of course - and Ander just thinks he's fallen for Elliot and it's not so serious for Elliot.
These two just assume how the other feels and that's that. Ander even pushes Elliot away because he thinks he's the only one in love and wants to try to get over him.
And of course I know how difficult it is to tell someone how you feel and Elliot doesn't want to lose Ander and all that, but it just got tiring after awhile, Elliot never saying *anything*
I guess it dragged out a little too long. This was almost 300 pages and again, it didn't need to be that long.
This love story could have been - and was! - solved with one conversation, and instead it's dragged out for 260 pages instead.
Could this have been around 200 pages instead? Maybe less? Yeah.
But, with all that we got, was it for the most part, enjoyable? Yeah. For as long as it is, it did manage to keep me engaged for the most part, and the story gets points for that.
So, this was a little more enjoyable than the first, but still not amazing or anything. I have a feeling the next book about JJ is going to feature him and the grumpy professor, which I am HERE for, and can't wait to dive into. I'm *hoping* that'll be the best one yet. Oohh the fun that story could be! Let's hope it is JJ and the grump prof, because that's the vibe I got with JJ "liking older guys" and the grump prof being at the club JJ works at.
Can't wait for the next one!
My ratings for the LSU Series:
✨ Blindsided: 3 stars (my review)
✨ Sidelined: 3.5 Stars
December 27, 2022
Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Dual
HEA: Yes
Spice Rating: 4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Overall Opinion
Having absolutely loved the first book in the series, I knew the second one was going to be just as good, if not better, and it definitely was. It was emotion-driven and angsty and so full of tension I had to take a few to bring my emotions into check a number of times throughout it. Ander and Elliot were so perfect, Elliot having been in love with Ander for years and Ander being completely clueless. Elliot, poor sweet Elliot, went through the ringer in this novel, my heart broke so much for him, but Ander was an absolute gem of a best friend to him I couldn't help loving him as well. It was a slow burn but the tension between them was absolute fire and when they finally came together, I swore my Kindle would go up in flames! But not only was the spice tremendous, the connection and friendship between Elliot and Ander was perfection as well. I truly loved how the author allowed the characters to feel and show their emotions and not be ashamed of doing so, and added an extra depth to the story. Overall this was a great addition to the LSU series and I cannot wait to see whose story is next!
Read if you like:
❣️ M/M Romance
❣️ Best Friends to Lovers
❣️ Bi-Awakening
❣️ Pining
❣️ Angsty
❣️ HEA
POV: Dual
HEA: Yes
Spice Rating: 4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Overall Opinion
Having absolutely loved the first book in the series, I knew the second one was going to be just as good, if not better, and it definitely was. It was emotion-driven and angsty and so full of tension I had to take a few to bring my emotions into check a number of times throughout it. Ander and Elliot were so perfect, Elliot having been in love with Ander for years and Ander being completely clueless. Elliot, poor sweet Elliot, went through the ringer in this novel, my heart broke so much for him, but Ander was an absolute gem of a best friend to him I couldn't help loving him as well. It was a slow burn but the tension between them was absolute fire and when they finally came together, I swore my Kindle would go up in flames! But not only was the spice tremendous, the connection and friendship between Elliot and Ander was perfection as well. I truly loved how the author allowed the characters to feel and show their emotions and not be ashamed of doing so, and added an extra depth to the story. Overall this was a great addition to the LSU series and I cannot wait to see whose story is next!
Read if you like:
❣️ M/M Romance
❣️ Best Friends to Lovers
❣️ Bi-Awakening
❣️ Pining
❣️ Angsty
❣️ HEA
July 31, 2023
3.75⭐, because certain parts of the book annihilated the wonderful trope the author put together.
Rounding it up, because I'm optimistic about the books to come, but I wouldn't read this one again.
I was really conflicted with this story, because the trope of friends-to-lovers was done really, really well and again, we have the wonderful build-up until 50% of the story and it was really good, but the last 30% of the book just destroyed this wonderful story.
🟡 Friends-to-lovers
🟢 last 30-40% miscommunication trope 🤮
🌶️ Good spice, both vers
🔵 Low angst
❗ British English not that prominent
Elliot and Ander have been best friends since they were 6 years old. They do everything together, even went to LSU just to stay together. They have a very solid friendship.
Ander is staight, a soccer player and a tall, very attractive guy, who's also quite a player, where Elliot is gay, a leaner guy who's on the track team, he's a virgin and he's been in love with Ander for a very long time.
When they try to get rid of a guy who's after Elliot one night, Ander kisses Elliot and realises he maybe needs to add men to his repertoire and he goes out, tries to experiment, but somehow gets his body to respond only to Elliot.
I thought the event that triggered Ander's exploring was a bit ridiculous and the whole thing could've been handled differently, but the story needed something for these two to get together, so fine, it was pretending they were boyfriends, even though I found it odd how a straight guy would be ready to kiss his gay friend without a second of hesitation, but - well, no, you're right, it was quite believable. I digress.
The rest of the story, right up until 70-75%, was really damn amazing. Going from friends to lovers was done so well for Elliot and Ander, they're really good characters and they love each other as friends, so them exploring intimacy together was delicious, and I say intimacy, because they've known each other their whole lives, they were very comfortable and open with each other, so in terms of best friends experiencing new things sexually together and feelings developing, it was a trope well done.
What absolutely went wrong for me personally, was the miscommunication trope in the last 30-40% of the book.
Ander's behaviour when they were already intimate.
He seemed like such a great guy, but then they get cozy and he runs away from the room and leaves Elliot with no explanation. Twice.
The second time they had an actual mind-blowing, amazing sex and again, Ander gets up, takes his clothes and leaves Elliot and not only that, he ghosts him.
Now, these are two besties who are really close and they also live together. Yeah, it struck me as odd how Ander just abandoned his best friend without even acknowledging his presence around the house, no texting, avoiding him.
I get that the author needed a conflict at 80% of the book, but that was just ridiculous and humiliating.
Whatever I felt reading this book, went down the drain at the first time Ander did that. It killed the story, the vibe, the wonderful build-up, completely.
And the funniest unfunny thing was that Ander was supposedly avoiding Elliot because he was developing feelings.
"After my talk with JJ, I'd made the decision to pull back from Elliot, to create some purpuseful distance between us so that I could attempt to let my feelings fade to a more manageable level."
He ghosted his best friend, because they had really good sex and he didn't bother to talk to him about it. He thought he'd hold back, they'd move on and then he'd have to come up with a plan to get Elliot to love him back, according to the book.
What a fascinating thought process.
The development of their wonderful story stops right here, the conflicts are terrible and ridiculous and turn the potential love connection sour, they're both 20, for crying out loud, I expected more, definitely more, especially for Elliot.
But it's very obvious they absolutely do love each other and I'm sad actually, because I was really excited reading this book, I thought this was going to be fantastic up to the very end.
The story does try to make a strong ending and I really do love the MMCs, but I just cannot get past Ander's ridiculous, immature behaviour. I hate the miscommunication trope and it usually ruins the story for me.
If those things don't bother you, objectively speaking this is a solid 4⭐ book.
Rounding it up, because I'm optimistic about the books to come, but I wouldn't read this one again.
I was really conflicted with this story, because the trope of friends-to-lovers was done really, really well and again, we have the wonderful build-up until 50% of the story and it was really good, but the last 30% of the book just destroyed this wonderful story.
🟡 Friends-to-lovers
🟢 last 30-40% miscommunication trope 🤮
🌶️ Good spice, both vers
🔵 Low angst
❗ British English not that prominent
Elliot and Ander have been best friends since they were 6 years old. They do everything together, even went to LSU just to stay together. They have a very solid friendship.
Ander is staight, a soccer player and a tall, very attractive guy, who's also quite a player, where Elliot is gay, a leaner guy who's on the track team, he's a virgin and he's been in love with Ander for a very long time.
When they try to get rid of a guy who's after Elliot one night, Ander kisses Elliot and realises he maybe needs to add men to his repertoire and he goes out, tries to experiment, but somehow gets his body to respond only to Elliot.
I thought the event that triggered Ander's exploring was a bit ridiculous and the whole thing could've been handled differently, but the story needed something for these two to get together, so fine, it was pretending they were boyfriends, even though I found it odd how a straight guy would be ready to kiss his gay friend without a second of hesitation, but - well, no, you're right, it was quite believable. I digress.
The rest of the story, right up until 70-75%, was really damn amazing. Going from friends to lovers was done so well for Elliot and Ander, they're really good characters and they love each other as friends, so them exploring intimacy together was delicious, and I say intimacy, because they've known each other their whole lives, they were very comfortable and open with each other, so in terms of best friends experiencing new things sexually together and feelings developing, it was a trope well done.
What absolutely went wrong for me personally, was the miscommunication trope in the last 30-40% of the book.
Ander's behaviour when they were already intimate.
He seemed like such a great guy, but then they get cozy and he runs away from the room and leaves Elliot with no explanation. Twice.
The second time they had an actual mind-blowing, amazing sex and again, Ander gets up, takes his clothes and leaves Elliot and not only that, he ghosts him.
Now, these are two besties who are really close and they also live together. Yeah, it struck me as odd how Ander just abandoned his best friend without even acknowledging his presence around the house, no texting, avoiding him.
I get that the author needed a conflict at 80% of the book, but that was just ridiculous and humiliating.
Whatever I felt reading this book, went down the drain at the first time Ander did that. It killed the story, the vibe, the wonderful build-up, completely.
And the funniest unfunny thing was that Ander was supposedly avoiding Elliot because he was developing feelings.
"After my talk with JJ, I'd made the decision to pull back from Elliot, to create some purpuseful distance between us so that I could attempt to let my feelings fade to a more manageable level."
He ghosted his best friend, because they had really good sex and he didn't bother to talk to him about it. He thought he'd hold back, they'd move on and then he'd have to come up with a plan to get Elliot to love him back, according to the book.
What a fascinating thought process.
The development of their wonderful story stops right here, the conflicts are terrible and ridiculous and turn the potential love connection sour, they're both 20, for crying out loud, I expected more, definitely more, especially for Elliot.
But it's very obvious they absolutely do love each other and I'm sad actually, because I was really excited reading this book, I thought this was going to be fantastic up to the very end.
The story does try to make a strong ending and I really do love the MMCs, but I just cannot get past Ander's ridiculous, immature behaviour. I hate the miscommunication trope and it usually ruins the story for me.
If those things don't bother you, objectively speaking this is a solid 4⭐ book.
January 2, 2023
Sidelined is the second book in the LSU series and features best friends Ander and Elliot. Elliot has been head-over-heels in love with Ander for as long as he can remember but finally makes the decision to move on because Ander is straight and could never love him the way he loves Ander.
However, one night Ander takes it upon himself to protect Elliot from a guy hitting on him and claims that the two of them are together and share a steamy kiss. It is this moment that changes everything for Ander because he realizes he has feelings for his best friend.
Ander and Elliot explore their blossoming feelings for each other and find something beautiful and pure. This is a low-angst, best-friends-to-lovers story that was filled with steamy and incredibly sweet moments. I loved Ander and Elliot together and how their personalities just meshed so well. If you like sweet MM romances with a heaping of steam, then definitely give this one a try!
However, one night Ander takes it upon himself to protect Elliot from a guy hitting on him and claims that the two of them are together and share a steamy kiss. It is this moment that changes everything for Ander because he realizes he has feelings for his best friend.
Ander and Elliot explore their blossoming feelings for each other and find something beautiful and pure. This is a low-angst, best-friends-to-lovers story that was filled with steamy and incredibly sweet moments. I loved Ander and Elliot together and how their personalities just meshed so well. If you like sweet MM romances with a heaping of steam, then definitely give this one a try!
March 24, 2023
3-4 stars - not sure how to rate this, really debating if its 3 or 4?
On one hand, Elliot and Ander had to be about the two sweetest main characters I've read in a long time. They were so sweet to each other the entire book it was really nice to read. I really liked the overall story.
On the other hand, they had several times where all their issues would have been solved if they just sat down and had an honest conversation with each other. And I mean, not just once - several times. Their friends kept telling them, "you need to go talk to him" but they wouldn't. It got frustrating to read. Granted it was always resolved fairly quickly but still.
Oh and side note - if you crave ice its usually a sign of an iron deficiency, I spent the whole book wishing someone would get poor Elliot a supplement.
On one hand, Elliot and Ander had to be about the two sweetest main characters I've read in a long time. They were so sweet to each other the entire book it was really nice to read. I really liked the overall story.
On the other hand, they had several times where all their issues would have been solved if they just sat down and had an honest conversation with each other. And I mean, not just once - several times. Their friends kept telling them, "you need to go talk to him" but they wouldn't. It got frustrating to read. Granted it was always resolved fairly quickly but still.
Oh and side note - if you crave ice its usually a sign of an iron deficiency, I spent the whole book wishing someone would get poor Elliot a supplement.
December 31, 2022
Thank you to GRR for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
YESSS BECCA STEELE! She came in hot with this one and I ate it right up.
I received an ARC of the first book too but I liked this one much more. I don't know why (because again, I am not a friends to lovers girl, but I seem to be reading a lot of these stories lately). But this book just captured me from the prologue and didn't let go. And let me tell you, I was feeling SOME KIND OF WAY after that prologue. My heart hurt so much. But Ander definitely makes it better. And the epilogue was so swoony.
Two things though: I wish there was more football in this book. And two: I've read all of Becca Steele's MM books and I still get freaking confused about which guys are together and what books they came from LOL. But that's a me problem. This book does stand alone, if you want to pick it up, but I highly recommend reading her other MM novels prior to this one, so you have some knowledge of who the other characters are.
YESSS BECCA STEELE! She came in hot with this one and I ate it right up.
I received an ARC of the first book too but I liked this one much more. I don't know why (because again, I am not a friends to lovers girl, but I seem to be reading a lot of these stories lately). But this book just captured me from the prologue and didn't let go. And let me tell you, I was feeling SOME KIND OF WAY after that prologue. My heart hurt so much. But Ander definitely makes it better. And the epilogue was so swoony.
Two things though: I wish there was more football in this book. And two: I've read all of Becca Steele's MM books and I still get freaking confused about which guys are together and what books they came from LOL. But that's a me problem. This book does stand alone, if you want to pick it up, but I highly recommend reading her other MM novels prior to this one, so you have some knowledge of who the other characters are.
December 29, 2022
Review to come
December 28, 2022
I absolutely adore Ander’s goofy, charming, slightly cheesy self! Once he has his epiphany he’s just so sweet & curious.
My heart ached for Ander & Elliott a little though. They could’ve/should’ve talked about what they were feeling!! Luckily for them they have some pretty awesome friends & Sid 😉 to help them find their way💕
Who knew that the once unattainable playboy would be so sweet & romantic?! 🕺🏽✨
💕 fave quote 📖
Hang on…was this my most flattering pose?—-absolutely loved that Ander was a little bit nervous and wants to impress Elliott
Confident Elliot was my very favourite Elliot.—-mine too 😍
My heart ached for Ander & Elliott a little though. They could’ve/should’ve talked about what they were feeling!! Luckily for them they have some pretty awesome friends & Sid 😉 to help them find their way💕
Who knew that the once unattainable playboy would be so sweet & romantic?! 🕺🏽✨
💕 fave quote 📖
Hang on…was this my most flattering pose?—-absolutely loved that Ander was a little bit nervous and wants to impress Elliott
Confident Elliot was my very favourite Elliot.—-mine too 😍
December 30, 2022
4.5⭐️ - I’m such a sucker for friends to lovers!! This might have been low on angst but there was so much emotion!
I knew this one would be special from the prologue alone. Becca really took me back to those teenage feelings of heartache where you crush so hard and have that deep heart ache of knowing that the person you long for doesn’t see you the same way.
Elliot had been in love with Ander for so long and had such a hard time opening up to anyone because he just couldn’t seem get over him. Elliot knew it could go nowhere because Ander had never seen him as anything other than his best friend. They knew each other better than anyone and that might have been why it was so hard.
Ander was a goof and flirt. He would do anything for Elliot, including kissing him to get a creep to piss off. Well naturally that kiss opened a Pandora’s box for Ander. He’d never been attracted to a man before and suddenly all he could see was Elliot.
This was a slooow burn and for good reason. The boys didn’t rush into anything. It was good thing too because they were both so afraid of ruining their friendship. They had been such a constant in each others lives and they didn’t want to lose that bond. But once the passion hit, it was so uninhibited and they allowed themselves to love each other in the ways they needed.
There are several other things I truly loved about this book. I loved that Ander was so open to new experiences and wasn’t afraid to explore his sexuality. The parents were incredible!! Lastly, they were written as frustrating, silly, self conscious, young men - meaning they were written their age!
I knew this one would be special from the prologue alone. Becca really took me back to those teenage feelings of heartache where you crush so hard and have that deep heart ache of knowing that the person you long for doesn’t see you the same way.
Elliot had been in love with Ander for so long and had such a hard time opening up to anyone because he just couldn’t seem get over him. Elliot knew it could go nowhere because Ander had never seen him as anything other than his best friend. They knew each other better than anyone and that might have been why it was so hard.
Ander was a goof and flirt. He would do anything for Elliot, including kissing him to get a creep to piss off. Well naturally that kiss opened a Pandora’s box for Ander. He’d never been attracted to a man before and suddenly all he could see was Elliot.
This was a slooow burn and for good reason. The boys didn’t rush into anything. It was good thing too because they were both so afraid of ruining their friendship. They had been such a constant in each others lives and they didn’t want to lose that bond. But once the passion hit, it was so uninhibited and they allowed themselves to love each other in the ways they needed.
There are several other things I truly loved about this book. I loved that Ander was so open to new experiences and wasn’t afraid to explore his sexuality. The parents were incredible!! Lastly, they were written as frustrating, silly, self conscious, young men - meaning they were written their age!
March 29, 2025
Absolutely loved this! So excited to read more
February 9, 2023
A little bit better than Blindsided, but another tale of GFY/"bi-awakening" characters. I feel like the author is a bit of a one trick pony. Anders and Elliot are (stop me if you've read this before) best friends since they were children, one of whom has been carrying a torch for the supposedly "straight" friend since, well, forever. How original. Then they happen to kiss and the straight dude realizes he's not so straight after all. Wow. Didn't see that coming. /s
I realize tropes exist and that's all well and good, but the sign of a good author is to do something new with the trope and make it exciting for the reader to discover what the characters have been going through. Ander and Liam from Book 1 aren't exactly carbon copies of each other, but the similarities are too coincidental for my tastes. Adding to the frustration is that in both books the MCs seem never to communicate well, allowing all sorts of misunderstandings to take place.
I might read book three because it's at least about an already out gay dude, and we're already familiar with this large cast of characters. Just hope it has some original thought behind it.
I realize tropes exist and that's all well and good, but the sign of a good author is to do something new with the trope and make it exciting for the reader to discover what the characters have been going through. Ander and Liam from Book 1 aren't exactly carbon copies of each other, but the similarities are too coincidental for my tastes. Adding to the frustration is that in both books the MCs seem never to communicate well, allowing all sorts of misunderstandings to take place.
I might read book three because it's at least about an already out gay dude, and we're already familiar with this large cast of characters. Just hope it has some original thought behind it.
January 10, 2025
4/5 Ander and Elliot Story
What do we get:
✮MM Romance
✮ Gay/Bi relationship
✮Bestfriends to lovers
✮ Steamy
✮Angsty
✮Dual POV
✮ HEA
LSU Series
0𓇼 Collided Huxley and Cole 4/5
1𓇼Blindsided Noah and Liam 3.5/5
2𓇼Sidelined Ander and Elliot 4/5
3𓇼Ignited JJ's story TBR
Bonus Standalone:
𓇼 Savage Rivals Levi and Asher 5/5
What do we get:
✮MM Romance
✮ Gay/Bi relationship
✮Bestfriends to lovers
✮ Steamy
✮Angsty
✮Dual POV
✮ HEA
LSU Series
0𓇼 Collided Huxley and Cole 4/5
1𓇼Blindsided Noah and Liam 3.5/5
2𓇼Sidelined Ander and Elliot 4/5
3𓇼Ignited JJ's story TBR
Bonus Standalone:
𓇼 Savage Rivals Levi and Asher 5/5
January 26, 2023
Just kind of lacklustre , far fetched and full of cringe.
I really do understand that this is fiction but no young adult behaves this way. Nothing about this felt organic or unique. Disappointing
I really do understand that this is fiction but no young adult behaves this way. Nothing about this felt organic or unique. Disappointing
August 2, 2024
This was whatever, none of the MCs where likeable
December 29, 2022
***4 "Pretend with me!!!" stars***
"Being in love with my best friend was the fucking worst sometimes."
This was a very sweet and heartwhelming story between two best friends...
I really love when Becca is giving us M/M stories!!! I was rooting for Ander and Elliot since the previous book, but their journey wasn't an easy one!!!
My heart was aching for Elliot!!! His desperation for an unrequired love was hurting me too!!!
And honestly, I wanted to slap some sense to Ander many times, but noone could deny the connection that these two guys were having...
"Why had life been so cruel to give me only part of him? He was never going to love me the way I loved him."
Elliot and Ander were best friends...
Ander was a player and he didn't take life and love very seriously...
Elliot was gay and he was secretly in love with his best friend for many years...
But Ander was playing for the other side... and Elliot knew that he was cursed to never have the one he loved!!!
Until one fateful night and a kiss changed everything between them!!!
"I was free-falling, and I didn't know where I was going to land."
I really loved this couple...
There was familiarity between these two and a great connection!!!
Elliot was the oppossite of Ander, but he was just perfect for him...
I liked how open Ander was and that he wasn't backing down on anything he wanted...
But this thing between them was crazy!!! Can Elliot and Ander become something more than just best friends???
"Was it that simple. or had we opened Pandora's box?"
I love Elliot... I was tasting his pain and his desperation and I wanted to hug him so many times in here!!! He was kind and sweet and he had the ability to steal your heart in one single moment...
Ander was different than Elliot, but I loved him too!!! I loved that he never judged anyone and I loved how acceptable he was for everything around him!!!
When he pulled his head out of his butt, he was the perfect boyfriend and I loved him for that!!!
Yep, I just love this world and its characters and I can not wait for more...
"I was so in love with him, and he would never be mine."
**I received an ARC for an exchange of an honest review**
"Being in love with my best friend was the fucking worst sometimes."
This was a very sweet and heartwhelming story between two best friends...
I really love when Becca is giving us M/M stories!!! I was rooting for Ander and Elliot since the previous book, but their journey wasn't an easy one!!!
My heart was aching for Elliot!!! His desperation for an unrequired love was hurting me too!!!
And honestly, I wanted to slap some sense to Ander many times, but noone could deny the connection that these two guys were having...
"Why had life been so cruel to give me only part of him? He was never going to love me the way I loved him."
Elliot and Ander were best friends...
Ander was a player and he didn't take life and love very seriously...
Elliot was gay and he was secretly in love with his best friend for many years...
But Ander was playing for the other side... and Elliot knew that he was cursed to never have the one he loved!!!
Until one fateful night and a kiss changed everything between them!!!
"I was free-falling, and I didn't know where I was going to land."
I really loved this couple...
There was familiarity between these two and a great connection!!!
Elliot was the oppossite of Ander, but he was just perfect for him...
I liked how open Ander was and that he wasn't backing down on anything he wanted...
But this thing between them was crazy!!! Can Elliot and Ander become something more than just best friends???
"Was it that simple. or had we opened Pandora's box?"
I love Elliot... I was tasting his pain and his desperation and I wanted to hug him so many times in here!!! He was kind and sweet and he had the ability to steal your heart in one single moment...
Ander was different than Elliot, but I loved him too!!! I loved that he never judged anyone and I loved how acceptable he was for everything around him!!!
When he pulled his head out of his butt, he was the perfect boyfriend and I loved him for that!!!
Yep, I just love this world and its characters and I can not wait for more...
"I was so in love with him, and he would never be mine."
**I received an ARC for an exchange of an honest review**
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