Reviews

Side Squeeze by Lydia Michaels

mommasaystoread's review against another edition

4.0

Lydia Michaels has a gift for creating characters who drive me crazy, make me want to strangle them, then win me over completely. Sometimes it will be one or the other in the couple, and sometimes it will be both - either way, Michaels always makes the journey worthwhile. Then, along comes Harrison, and I was getting a little worried for a bit there. I mean, Harrison has the same reasons for being closed off as his sister, Erin, does, but he nearly gave me whiplash with his back and forth. And let's face it; Mariella really needed some stability after the things she'd been through. Speaking of, that all happened in a previous book, but like the rest of the series, we're given what we need as far as information goes. That's not to say you shouldn't read the whole series because you definitely should. Jasper Falls and its inhabitants get under your skin, and it doesn't take long before you're completely invested. But I digress, so back to Harrison. Just as he waffled about commitment, I waffled about him. He'd do something that would make me want to wrap him in a big hug or ooh and aah about something sweet, then he'd make me want to kick him in the shin and point out the obvious of what's right in front of him. I suppose that's all a part of it and the sign of a good book. It may have taken me a while to decide which way I for sure wanted this one to go, but I was invested in the characters and figuring it out. I realize that I haven't really said much about Mariella, and as glad as I was to see her get her own love story, this one was all about Harrison and his emotional journey, at least for me. As mad as he made me at times, I was right there with him for the whole trip.
Amber Battaglia gives voice to the characters, and true to form, she does an excellent job with each and every one. She captures all the emotion - whether it's making me chuckle or tugging at my heartstrings, Battaglia gives a terrific performance.

emoakes's review against another edition

3.0

Hear me out: I loved Mariella. She was immediately relatable with her clumsy feet and open heart. I did not, however, love Harrison... but I did grow to enjoy him more as the story went on! Over all, the characters were really well thought out. My biggest reason for only giving 3 stars is that it just felt like it needed something more added to the plot… I can’t really put my finger on what it was missing for me though. My biggest takeaway is that the characters were enjoyable and that kept me engaged throughout the book!

kayreereads's review against another edition

4.0

Mariella and Harrison will put you through so many emotions as you read through this book. So many ups and downs, so much pain, but also the beauty of things repairing and coming together. This one is definitely worth the read and I suggest diving into it!

Amber Battaglia has a wonderful voice for narrating and I look forward to more audiobooks from her! Her different character voice are great and she's easy to listen to.

booksonstereo_o's review against another edition

4.0

Side Squeeze is a well-crafted small-town romance that is good in its own right, but pales in comparison to book 1.

amz101's review against another edition

2.0

Audiobook review:

This was an OK read for me. It took me a bit to get into, but I did enjoy it once I did. It was heartfelt, cute and fun to read. The narration wasn't my favourite but it was bearable.

3 stars

ashleysbookobsession's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Side Squeeze by Lydia Michaels
4 Star Audiobook Review 

Side squeeze by Lydia Michaels is a small town, second chance at love, contemporary romance. It is the sixth novel of the Jasper Falls series. Narrated by Amber Battaglia. 

Mariella is looking for a new job. Interviewing for the manager position at a hotel that is owned by the husband of a girl Mariella butts heads with from a past time proves challenging as she enters the hotel for her interview and trips on her way in, falling to the feet of an old “fling”. Harrison, only in town for a short period of time due to the passing of his father, is staying in said hotel and provides Mariella with a key to his room, requesting she stop by for old times sake once her interview is over. 

This was my second read by Lydia Michaels. Beautiful distractions, novel two of the McCullough Mountain series, was my first. I thoroughly enjoyed how characters from one series were brought back and referred to in the other series. In Beautiful Distractions I absolutely despised Erin, in Side Squeeze I learned more about her and absolutely loved her. Lydia Michaels is awesome at introducing a character, teaching you about all their flaws, and then turning them into someone amazing. Her characters are always likeable, full of love and are always relatable. 

I thoroughly enjoyed Mariella’s drive to fight for what is right in her life. Harrison absolutely drove me insane. The way he spoke to Mariella, only showing his desire to be intimate with her, keeping her as his “side squeeze” and nothing else. Mariella deserved so much better when it came to a relationship. With Erin’s help, Harrison learns a thing or two about relationships and comes to his senses. It was magical seeing both Mariella and Harrison learn to trust again. I thoroughly enjoyed the way the epilogue wrapped up Mariella and Harrison’s story leaving no detail unnoticed. 

Thank you, Valentine PR, for providing me with a complimentary review copy. In no way has that influenced my voluntary review. In my opinion, this is another must read by Lydia Michaels.