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4 Stars / Contemporary / Review

Review: Side Effects by Tara Wyatt

What’s a few orgasms between friends?

After a disastrous breakup, paramedic Madison Petrov isn’t looking for love—she just wants to put the pieces of her life back together. Easier said than done, given the hit her confidence has taken. And now with her sister’s wedding looming, all of the scars Madison thought had healed feel fresh and new.

Levi Prescott’s been through a lot in his life, including losing his father at a young age. But enduring that loss has taught him to go after what he wants, and what he wants is his partner, Madison. Smart, feisty, beautiful Madison who he’s wanted for a year now. Who he’ll do anything to have in his bed and in his life. Including agree to a potentially risky friends with benefits arrangement.

The more time she spends with Levi, the more Madison feels the cracks in her broken heart start to heal. After all, he’s gorgeous, confident, and amazing in bed. But no matter how much chemistry they have, she doesn’t know if she’s willing to risk her heart again.

Title:Side Effects
Author:Tara Wyatt
Series:The Prescotts (Book 5)
Pages:267
Category / Genre(s):Contemporary
Trope(s):Friends to Lovers
Friends with Benefits
Workplace Romance
Point of View:Third Person, Past Tense, Dual Viewpoint (H & h)
Location:New York, USA
HEA:
Release Date:22nd February, 2022
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Simple but enjoyable

4 stars

I have read many of Tara Wyatt’s Dallas Longhorns series but this is my first time with the Prescotts. Happily, this book stands alone and you don’t need to have read any of the previous books to enjoy and understand this one. Two heroes from earlier books do appear, but it looks like this books kicks off the stories of another branch of Prescotts – cousins to the original four. Presumably Noah and Hunter will receive their own stories in future books.

This book focuses on Levi Prescott – a paramedic in New York who has just met his new work partner, Madison Petrov. Sparks fly immediately but Madison is engaged so Levi pushes down his unrequited love and instead becomes Madison’s friend. Until months after Madison breaks off her relationship, the pair agree to a friends with benefits arrangement. No feelings. Luckily for us, that’s famous last words!

I really liked Levi – and how could you not? He was the kind of book boyfriend that is borderline ‘too good to be true’. He’s sexy, confident, protective and oh so supportive. He’s determined to treat Madison like a queen and show her that he’s been waiting patiently in the wings to be the perfect guy for her. He was perfect for Madison – her match sexually as well as being exactly what she needed to get her groove back!

“…an engrossing and engaging tale with likeable characters you can’t help but root for.”

I liked Madison, too, but surprisingly felt I didn’t get to know her as well as I did Levi. She’s actually got a bit more going on than Levi does, having to cope with her broken engagement, her scummy ex-fiancé, an overwhelming Russian mother, her sister’s wedding and her own feelings of self-worth. She was still strong and confident and while I couldn’t identify with her, I would have her as a friend.

As I mentioned, Levi and Madison gave off sparks and this book is fairly heavy on the sex scenes. I admit to skimming these parts after a while somewhat because I get a bit bored and also because there was a lot of anal play which is, nah, not for me.

The storyline was quite simple and pretty much without angst. Yes there was the whole ‘ex-fiancé’ thing but Madison was in such a good place by then that he hardly made a blip on the radar. And the question of whether they would catch / admit feelings when they’ve both agreed to keep it simple – well, it was clear from the get-go that yes, they would, and they were both happy with that fact. Simple is not bad, it just doesn’t set the world alight.

I did like this story and Tara Wyatt always writes an engrossing and engaging tale with likeable characters you can’t help but root for. This wasn’t my favourite of hers and would probably hit at about a 3 and a half star read, but if you’re reading and enjoying The Prescotts then I would still recommend this read to you.

4 stars

*I received this book in exchange for my honest review*

Tara Wyatt is a Canadian contemporary romance author. Known for her humor and steamy love scenes, Tara’s writing has won several awards, including the Golden Quill Award and the Booksellers’ Best Award. In addition, she was a 2018 RITA® Finalist for her romantic comedy novella, Until the Sun Sets.

When she’s not hanging out with your next book boyfriend, she can be found reading, watching movies, and drinking wine. Tara lives in Hamilton, Ontario with the world’s cutest dachshund, as well as her husband and daughter.

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The Prescott’s:

Book 1
Book 2
Book 3
Book 4
Book 5
Book 6

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