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abigailyardimci's review
5.0
I have to admit, Side Piece is not the type of book I would usually pick up - but I was intrigued by the blurb and, well, thank god for that. This book was fast-paced, witty, sexy and oozed coolness. The narrative hits the ground running which is completely apt to the two main characters and their workaholic, fast-paced lifestyles. The dialogue was slick and oh-so-believable and I was hooked on finding out what would happen in the end. I always assumed books with so much sex couldn't really grab your emotions, but this one does and smashes that idea into the ground. I'll definitely read more by Kelly Kay.
thebookishren's review
4.0
Kelly Kay is a new to me author and I have to say, I LOVED how her writing swept me up and made everything else disappear. I literally devoured this book.
Side Piece was an interesting trope I rarely see in romance. Alex and Tess are both workaholics and after a chance encounter at a hotel bar, both of them can't deny their chemistry. What follows is a whirlwind of sexy times and the absolute BEST witty banter I've ever read. They both agree to be "side pieces" since they're married to their jobs. Tess is a best selling author and Alex is a political podcaster. Living in different cities and having jam-packed schedules, how will these two make anything work?
The dynamics of their relationship was intriguing. I adored how they made time in their schedules to see each other. A lot of their interactions involved sexy times, but they did have awesome conversations. They definitely had good communication at first, but as more feelings came into the picture everything fell apart. While Tess seemed devoted to their unusual arrangement, Alex was held back by a past relationship that ruined his opinion of them, not to mention his views on what his father gave up for love. He really REALLY ticked me off at one point. I did not blame Tess for her reaction.
I dropped a star because of the drama. This book has a separation of the couple for months (not too brief ~ MONTHS) and the MMC sleeps with other women (not detailed, just mentioned). Yes, they are separated and there's no hope of them getting back together at that time (to them) but as a reader I KNEW they were going to get back together so that bothered me, especially knowing Alex still cared for Tess. It broke my heart. Literally. If you can handle that, then it shouldn't take away from the story for you. I develop bonds with characters so I feel emotions beyond what I'm reading lol I have to be honest as a reviewer. That ONE thing was a "me thing," (sorry Kelly!) and while it did bother me, I cannot deny my love for this book.
Side Piece was fast-paced, unique, steamy, funny, witty, and emotional. I was expecting a bit of a romcom, contemporary romance and while I got that I also got so much more. The side characters, mainly Mikey and Ari, were GOLD. Loved them to pieces (especially that epilogue! Lol). Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was exactly what I needed amidst so many dark romances I've read recently.
sandizzlereads's review
5.0
“Watch out for the unexpected. It’s the thing that might make you the happiest or most miserable.” This quote couldn’t be more true. Tess and Alex didn’t expect to meet that night in the DC hotel bar, but once they did their lives were forever changed.
Kelly Kay wrote the most heartbreaking yet heartwarming story about two people who lived and hid behind their careers. She made these two obviously flawed characters real, and made the emotions raw. She gave them a support system of many colorful characters that gave this book a little levity.
This story will ask questions and make you think and make you feel. I loved Alex and Tess, I loved their connection, I loved their ability to love. I just loved this story.
Kelly Kay wrote the most heartbreaking yet heartwarming story about two people who lived and hid behind their careers. She made these two obviously flawed characters real, and made the emotions raw. She gave them a support system of many colorful characters that gave this book a little levity.
This story will ask questions and make you think and make you feel. I loved Alex and Tess, I loved their connection, I loved their ability to love. I just loved this story.
stevienicole30's review
5.0
This is my first time reading Kelly Kay, and let’s just say I absolutely fell in love with her work. Side Piece is a book about two workaholics who are married to their jobs. They have an arrangement that they will meet up when their schedules will permit. These two have so much fire and chemistry it could burn down an entire city. I also loved this couple's banter back and forth. Of course, like any other pair they suffered some ups/downs but were able to pull through it. This is an absolute must read! Be sure to add it to your TBR GoodReads Lists.
lauriereadsrom1's review
4.0
Kelly Kay's "Side Piece" was a steamy standalone novel that had its funny moments as well as a surprising amount of angst. Main characters Tess and Alex both loved their work and were very committed to advancing their careers, and neither could imagine rearranging their priorities to make room for a romantic relationship. As the story progressed and we learned more about each of them, it became apparent that the reasons for their devotion to work were a lot more complicated than they initially seemed, and both were carrying a lot of emotional baggage that explained their unwillingness to commit.
There were a lot of things I liked about this book, most notably the quirky friendship Tess developed with Alex's business partner, Mikey, and Tess and Alex's flirty, witty banter. That said, I sometimes found Tess and Alex's conversations to be a bit difficult to follow, especially when they were exchanging backstories. They sometimes jumped from one topic to another with virtually no transition or picked up the same topic several chapters later as if they had never left off the discussion. I also found myself getting annoyed with the number of times they asked each other (rhetorically) why the sex was so good, or said they shouldn't have such strong feelings for each other so soon after meeting. Those observations became repetitive very quickly.
In addition, as much as I felt bad for Alex after everything he went through with his ex-girlfriend, Charlotte, I still found myself liking him less and less as the story progressed. It really bothered me that he didn't tell Tess about Charlotte until it was almost too late, especially after Tess had been so honest and upfront with him. Alex's big speech at the end rubbed me the wrong way, too. For some reason, it came across to me like he was trying to "mansplain" Tess's feelings to her. At the very least, I would have liked to see Alex grovel more before Tess forgave him.
As stated earlier, there was a lot that I liked about "Side Piece," but there were a few too many bothersome aspects for me to really love the story. However, I would still recommend it for fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy, particularly anyone who enjoys the insta-lust/insta-love trope. I would read more of Kelly Kay's work in the future.
*Review copy provided by the author via Grey's Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.
There were a lot of things I liked about this book, most notably the quirky friendship Tess developed with Alex's business partner, Mikey, and Tess and Alex's flirty, witty banter. That said, I sometimes found Tess and Alex's conversations to be a bit difficult to follow, especially when they were exchanging backstories. They sometimes jumped from one topic to another with virtually no transition or picked up the same topic several chapters later as if they had never left off the discussion. I also found myself getting annoyed with the number of times they asked each other (rhetorically) why the sex was so good, or said they shouldn't have such strong feelings for each other so soon after meeting. Those observations became repetitive very quickly.
In addition, as much as I felt bad for Alex after everything he went through with his ex-girlfriend, Charlotte, I still found myself liking him less and less as the story progressed. It really bothered me that he didn't tell Tess about Charlotte until it was almost too late, especially after Tess had been so honest and upfront with him. Alex's big speech at the end rubbed me the wrong way, too. For some reason, it came across to me like he was trying to "mansplain" Tess's feelings to her. At the very least, I would have liked to see Alex grovel more before Tess forgave him.
As stated earlier, there was a lot that I liked about "Side Piece," but there were a few too many bothersome aspects for me to really love the story. However, I would still recommend it for fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy, particularly anyone who enjoys the insta-lust/insta-love trope. I would read more of Kelly Kay's work in the future.
*Review copy provided by the author via Grey's Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.
lowkeyreader's review
4.0
This really captured my attention at the beginning. But it gets too draggy for me after the first half of the book. I felt like Tess and Alex's relationship just keeps on going in circles. Rinse and repeat. They don't really made an effort to change the direction of their relationship up until one of them felt differently towads the other. I know that's the deal they made from the beginning. But as I said, one of them feels differently and still the other didn't do anything about it and broke it off.
And I actually loved the side characters more, especially Tess, Mikey and his husband's friendship. They made it enjoyable to read this one.
And I actually loved the side characters more, especially Tess, Mikey and his husband's friendship. They made it enjoyable to read this one.
bookcaseandcoffee's review
4.0
This is a great story. The characters are a perfect fit for each other, they go through their ups and downs. They have an emotional history but still find their way to each other. I really enjoyed this story.
ilashreads's review
3.0
The title is a misdirection because Alex and Tess are cheating, but its on their jobs.
Neither are looking to be in a relationship, they were just looking for a good time Alex tracks Tess down after one night together and they spend little bits of time together. Then the moments turn into days and their relationship ends up looking a lot like, couples do. Alex and Tess are connected but will a relationship be too much?
This book was very much insta-love, so if that's what you're looking for you'll enjoy the fast paced nature.
Neither are looking to be in a relationship, they were just looking for a good time Alex tracks Tess down after one night together and they spend little bits of time together. Then the moments turn into days and their relationship ends up looking a lot like, couples do. Alex and Tess are connected but will a relationship be too much?
This book was very much insta-love, so if that's what you're looking for you'll enjoy the fast paced nature.
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