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Game On #3
Sidelined
B00JCTZSJI
Alternate Cover version
Alternate Cover version
First published March 29, 2014
About the author
Kyra Lennon
35 books288 followersKyra is a self-confessed book-a-holic, and has been since she first learned to read. When she's not reading, you'll usually find her hanging out in coffee shops with her trusty laptop and/or her friends, or girling it up at the nearest shopping mall. Lennon is a proud supporter of several charities. She currently volunteers for her local cat shelter as a fundraiser and social media guru. Kyra has also had stories published in charity anthologies to raise money for Cats Protection, the British Heart Foundation, and the Innocence Project.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 22, 2014
5 After the Wedding Stars
I'm a fan of the Game On series, and clapped when I found out book 3 was Bree's story. She was definitely the character I identified the most with in the previous books. :)
The Gist
After a year of marriage, Bree is starting to feel a little stuck. There's something missing, but she can't pinpoint what it is. Hot hubby, check. Money, check. Good friends, check. So what the heck, right? But she slowly starts to find out she's missing HERSELF. And when she gets super excited about pursuing a career in makeup artistry, her husband's less-that-enthusiastic reaction has her rethinking her decision to get married so young.
The Characters
As I said before, I feel like I was reading a story about myself. Too many similarities here, it's freaky, lol. Though Bree is 10 times hotter than me ;)
Married young, outgoing, feels like she needs to be the optimistic person of the group, isn't sure who she is, loves to shop, gets passionate about new things but then rethinks them the next day. But the main thing about her that I identified with is she feels stupid, naive, and insecure.
But she isn't ;) She's beautifully developed and passionate.
Jude was the epitome of sexy husband who is REAL. I kept thinking "This is what marriage is" when he was on the page. You fight, you pull away, sometimes you don't talk, and other times you do. And despite Bree's confusion about where Jude and her stood, I knew without a doubt Jude loved Bree even if they weren't tearing at each other's clothes 24/7. Seemed like it was love in its purest form.
The Writing
I've always loved Kyra's no-mess writing style. She lets you into her character's heads that it didn't matter what the clothes they wore looked like, or where they lived, how they sat, and all those details that tend to get overdone at times. I pictured everything because those characters felt so real to me it's like I could call Bree up on the phone and beg her to take me shopping.
Why I'd recommend in a second
Anyone looking for a story about why people STAY together after falling in love should pick this up. It's a story about self-discovery, how expectations and reality are two very different things... but not in a bad way. There's great, relatable characters, some tragedy, and finding out what's important in life. My only complaint? I needed more Jude, less Jesse. (I know, shock!!! Since Jesse is my BBF!!!) But Jude beat him out in Sidelined. :)
Happy reading!
I'm a fan of the Game On series, and clapped when I found out book 3 was Bree's story. She was definitely the character I identified the most with in the previous books. :)
The Gist
After a year of marriage, Bree is starting to feel a little stuck. There's something missing, but she can't pinpoint what it is. Hot hubby, check. Money, check. Good friends, check. So what the heck, right? But she slowly starts to find out she's missing HERSELF. And when she gets super excited about pursuing a career in makeup artistry, her husband's less-that-enthusiastic reaction has her rethinking her decision to get married so young.
The Characters
As I said before, I feel like I was reading a story about myself. Too many similarities here, it's freaky, lol. Though Bree is 10 times hotter than me ;)
Married young, outgoing, feels like she needs to be the optimistic person of the group, isn't sure who she is, loves to shop, gets passionate about new things but then rethinks them the next day. But the main thing about her that I identified with is she feels stupid, naive, and insecure.
But she isn't ;) She's beautifully developed and passionate.
Jude was the epitome of sexy husband who is REAL. I kept thinking "This is what marriage is" when he was on the page. You fight, you pull away, sometimes you don't talk, and other times you do. And despite Bree's confusion about where Jude and her stood, I knew without a doubt Jude loved Bree even if they weren't tearing at each other's clothes 24/7. Seemed like it was love in its purest form.
The Writing
I've always loved Kyra's no-mess writing style. She lets you into her character's heads that it didn't matter what the clothes they wore looked like, or where they lived, how they sat, and all those details that tend to get overdone at times. I pictured everything because those characters felt so real to me it's like I could call Bree up on the phone and beg her to take me shopping.
Why I'd recommend in a second
Anyone looking for a story about why people STAY together after falling in love should pick this up. It's a story about self-discovery, how expectations and reality are two very different things... but not in a bad way. There's great, relatable characters, some tragedy, and finding out what's important in life. My only complaint? I needed more Jude, less Jesse. (I know, shock!!! Since Jesse is my BBF!!!) But Jude beat him out in Sidelined. :)
Happy reading!
December 29, 2016
Amazing!
Third book of the series and with all long series you wonder if book after book will live up to the last...Well I loved book 1, I enjoyed book 2 and book 3....Amazing! I worried when I realised this was Bree's story, because I thought dizzy Bree, you can imagine what to come. Well, the saying never judge a book by its cover, fit's well here. I never imagined the story to be like this (I won't give it away)
There was so much more to Bree, and I never expected the ending. I was a blubbering mess. I can only expect book 4 to follow on from the heartache and misery that fell on the soccer family.
For me, this was the best of the series, so far. I look forward to reading book 4. Well done, Kyra! ☺
Third book of the series and with all long series you wonder if book after book will live up to the last...Well I loved book 1, I enjoyed book 2 and book 3....Amazing! I worried when I realised this was Bree's story, because I thought dizzy Bree, you can imagine what to come. Well, the saying never judge a book by its cover, fit's well here. I never imagined the story to be like this (I won't give it away)
There was so much more to Bree, and I never expected the ending. I was a blubbering mess. I can only expect book 4 to follow on from the heartache and misery that fell on the soccer family.
For me, this was the best of the series, so far. I look forward to reading book 4. Well done, Kyra! ☺
April 24, 2014
Darker in tone than the previous two books in this series, Sidelined tugs at your emotions as Bree struggles as the pain of her past collides with her present. I really enjoyed this book, it was more challenging and the cracks in the team's lives start to show. Lennon has a fantastic way of drawing you into the story and making the characters feel so real you actually miss them when you finish reading. A must-read from this wonderful author.
December 31, 2022
Sidelined is book 3 in the "game on" series by Kyra Lennon.
In this book, we follow Bree whom we've met in past books. This book is a bit more... emotional than the last two. Bree's past and past hardships come into play.
Bree is a very likeable character. She's definitely... warm and compassionate. Which we need more of in this world, that's for sure. Now that's not to say that Bree doesn't have her flaws, she does, and she's very aware of them. Which is also nice to see. There's nothing worse than a whiny, woe-is-me character in books.
The author did a great job with world-building and character development. I enjoyed the side characters as well as the main characters. That doesn't happen in many books for me.
I enjoyed the writing style, and i will definitely be reading more by this author.
In this book, we follow Bree whom we've met in past books. This book is a bit more... emotional than the last two. Bree's past and past hardships come into play.
Bree is a very likeable character. She's definitely... warm and compassionate. Which we need more of in this world, that's for sure. Now that's not to say that Bree doesn't have her flaws, she does, and she's very aware of them. Which is also nice to see. There's nothing worse than a whiny, woe-is-me character in books.
The author did a great job with world-building and character development. I enjoyed the side characters as well as the main characters. That doesn't happen in many books for me.
I enjoyed the writing style, and i will definitely be reading more by this author.
February 3, 2016
I stay away from contemporary romance for the most part, save for a few authors that I know are talented and can hook me, because the fact of the matter is contemporary romance is usually boring. It's full of bland, cardboard-like characters, embarrassing smut, and no plot. I usually end up DNFing these books and vowing to myself that I'll never read another contemporary romance again.
That isn't the case when it comes to Kyra Lennon's work. Having followed her career for quite some time now (as well as being fortunate enough to speak with her often), I can attest to Kyra's addictive, easy to digest and flat-out fun to read writing style. Lest I sound biased, however, I must point out that I am very hard to impress, and I will give you my honest opinion. I won't be mean, but I'm known for my long critiques. That being said, on with the review!
I so loved reading a book where the female lead was likable and easy to relate to. Bree reminds me a lot of my best friend, all sunshine and warm words and hugs. Kyra illustrates Bree's flaws while also pointing out her strengths, and the result is a very well-blended character. It's easy to see why she is so loved by her friends, but I also really enjoyed that Kyra took the time to make sure that Bree was also aware of her flaws. On the surface, Bree seems like a shallow party girl, but if you look beyond that facade, you'll see that that's not the case at all.
Kyra did such an incredible job with character development that it was impossible for me not to like the other characters. Leah, Jesse, and Kayla, Jesse's sister, were three of my favorites. I also loved how motherly Bree was toward Leah, and how protective she was of everyone else. The group of friends was tight-knit, and despite their individual differences, they built each other up instead of tearing themselves down. They were more than just friends--they were a family. I can't stress enough how happy it made me to see strong friendships being portrayed in a romance novel.
We also have two heartbreaking moments in the story, though one of them I can't say I was all that sorry about. I actually did start to tear up at one of them, though, and although I pretty much knew before I read it what it was going to be, I still have to give props to Lennon for making my stomach tighten and my eyes water. Maybe a tad predictable, but sometimes you need predictability. Simplicity and familiarity aren't always bad things.
There's so much that I enjoyed that I'm afraid I won't be able to cover it all. I'll just end my review by saying this: if you're looking for a new series to start but you're apprehensive about whether or not you'd enjoy this, give it a shot anyway. Because although it is romantic at its core, that is not the meat of the sandwich. This series is romance blended with comedy, drama, and friendship. There is something for everybody in this book, and you'll fall in love with the characters. Also, it's quite easy to read, addictive, and, best of all, CHEAP!
That isn't the case when it comes to Kyra Lennon's work. Having followed her career for quite some time now (as well as being fortunate enough to speak with her often), I can attest to Kyra's addictive, easy to digest and flat-out fun to read writing style. Lest I sound biased, however, I must point out that I am very hard to impress, and I will give you my honest opinion. I won't be mean, but I'm known for my long critiques. That being said, on with the review!
I so loved reading a book where the female lead was likable and easy to relate to. Bree reminds me a lot of my best friend, all sunshine and warm words and hugs. Kyra illustrates Bree's flaws while also pointing out her strengths, and the result is a very well-blended character. It's easy to see why she is so loved by her friends, but I also really enjoyed that Kyra took the time to make sure that Bree was also aware of her flaws. On the surface, Bree seems like a shallow party girl, but if you look beyond that facade, you'll see that that's not the case at all.
Kyra did such an incredible job with character development that it was impossible for me not to like the other characters. Leah, Jesse, and Kayla, Jesse's sister, were three of my favorites. I also loved how motherly Bree was toward Leah, and how protective she was of everyone else. The group of friends was tight-knit, and despite their individual differences, they built each other up instead of tearing themselves down. They were more than just friends--they were a family. I can't stress enough how happy it made me to see strong friendships being portrayed in a romance novel.
We also have two heartbreaking moments in the story, though one of them I can't say I was all that sorry about. I actually did start to tear up at one of them, though, and although I pretty much knew before I read it what it was going to be, I still have to give props to Lennon for making my stomach tighten and my eyes water. Maybe a tad predictable, but sometimes you need predictability. Simplicity and familiarity aren't always bad things.
There's so much that I enjoyed that I'm afraid I won't be able to cover it all. I'll just end my review by saying this: if you're looking for a new series to start but you're apprehensive about whether or not you'd enjoy this, give it a shot anyway. Because although it is romantic at its core, that is not the meat of the sandwich. This series is romance blended with comedy, drama, and friendship. There is something for everybody in this book, and you'll fall in love with the characters. Also, it's quite easy to read, addictive, and, best of all, CHEAP!
July 19, 2014
I really want to give this book 5 stars but I'm still reeling from the events in this book. Realistically if this was any other book, I'd have given it 5 stars but my heart is still broken and it's not the only reason so let me start from the beginning. Sidelined is an amazing book. I was expecting a good story but I was lulled into a false sense of security before getting hit by an emotional 18 wheeler big-rig truck. I didn't see a number of twists coming and it felt like each one was a new emotional blow that left me reeling.
I'm so glad Kyra Lennon wrote this book the way she did just because it really gave me a great look into Bree's mind. I'd rather the rest not have happened, but it did and I'm still trying to deal with it. I can't even open up and talk about it because it'd totally spoil the story for you, but I really want to! The other reason I can't give the book 5 stars is because even though I got to know Bree very well, I still didn't feel like I got to know Jude at all beyond what I already knew about him.
It goes without saying Kyra Lennon is a fantastic writer. She manages to keep an intricate plot exciting and fresh. I just wish more from Jude had been in the book. I'm sincerely hoping Kyra will continue this series. I'm not ready to let go of the Westberg gang yet. If you're like me and like sports stories and emotional reads, this book is a must read for you.
I'm so glad Kyra Lennon wrote this book the way she did just because it really gave me a great look into Bree's mind. I'd rather the rest not have happened, but it did and I'm still trying to deal with it. I can't even open up and talk about it because it'd totally spoil the story for you, but I really want to! The other reason I can't give the book 5 stars is because even though I got to know Bree very well, I still didn't feel like I got to know Jude at all beyond what I already knew about him.
It goes without saying Kyra Lennon is a fantastic writer. She manages to keep an intricate plot exciting and fresh. I just wish more from Jude had been in the book. I'm sincerely hoping Kyra will continue this series. I'm not ready to let go of the Westberg gang yet. If you're like me and like sports stories and emotional reads, this book is a must read for you.
July 17, 2016
Bree has a loving husband, a beautiful home, and great friends, but something is missing. She's twenty-one years old and feels no purpose in her life. Her husband Jude tries, but Bree is convinced he's no longer listening to her. Despite being surrounded by others who love her, she can only struggle to figure out what went wrong and why she doesn't seem to love her life as much anymore. Her affections become twisted and Bree can't seem to find her footing as a tragedy takes away everything. She's desperate to find out how to fix the life she has and figure out what's important before everything else is ruined.
This book definitely had a different tone than the first two books in the series. I wasn't sure I could like Bree at first and at times I wanted to scream at her for being stupid. Sidelined takes the reader on an emotional journey of life after the beautiful wedding day and how finding ourselves can't be something we rely on others for. We have to know what we want and who we love. I loved all of the characters and became so attached to them. I stayed up late because I couldn't put the book down until I reached the last page, and then I wanted it to keep going. There were moments of humor and parts that ripped out my heart. I ugly cried at the end, but it was a good ending. Sidelined makes us think about those around us - how we love them and how they love us. A wonderful book!
This book definitely had a different tone than the first two books in the series. I wasn't sure I could like Bree at first and at times I wanted to scream at her for being stupid. Sidelined takes the reader on an emotional journey of life after the beautiful wedding day and how finding ourselves can't be something we rely on others for. We have to know what we want and who we love. I loved all of the characters and became so attached to them. I stayed up late because I couldn't put the book down until I reached the last page, and then I wanted it to keep going. There were moments of humor and parts that ripped out my heart. I ugly cried at the end, but it was a good ending. Sidelined makes us think about those around us - how we love them and how they love us. A wonderful book!
April 8, 2014
While on the surface, Sidelined may feel a little different from the rest of the series - as it deals with a couple who are already together, and MC Bree's voice is very unique - once you start reading, it's the familiar Game On style we know and love from Kyra Lennon. Only she's upped the ante, and things happen in the book that will play important roles in the future of the series.
Lennon brings her usual humor, coupled with characters so real you feel like you've known them all your life. I could certainly relate to Bree's feelings that she wasn't sure where her life was headed outside being Jude's wife, and the range of emotions she expressed during her journey of self-discovery were very real, and very relateable.
The strength of writing continued through side-characters, as we got a glimpse of what our favorites have been up to since the last book, along with tantalizing hints of what's to come in future titles.
Another great entry in a fantastic series, and I'm very much looking forward to discovering where Lennon goes with book four.
Lennon brings her usual humor, coupled with characters so real you feel like you've known them all your life. I could certainly relate to Bree's feelings that she wasn't sure where her life was headed outside being Jude's wife, and the range of emotions she expressed during her journey of self-discovery were very real, and very relateable.
The strength of writing continued through side-characters, as we got a glimpse of what our favorites have been up to since the last book, along with tantalizing hints of what's to come in future titles.
Another great entry in a fantastic series, and I'm very much looking forward to discovering where Lennon goes with book four.
June 28, 2014
Well I just don't know what to say about this book.............
Kyra Lennon you've gone & done it again.
Well and truly bettered yourself with this one. I was not expecting a storyline like that.
Poor Bree struggling with her past like that.
Poor Reader having to struggle with the loss of the characters after the book had been read,thats how you feel.
This book is so different to the other books in the series (it's less romantic,more emotional) that you're pulled into the book so you can get a hold of the characters.
You may laugh at parts of this book.
But I will tell you now you WILL at some point shed a little tear if not cry.
Kyra Lennon you've gone & done it again.
Well and truly bettered yourself with this one. I was not expecting a storyline like that.
Poor Bree struggling with her past like that.
Poor Reader having to struggle with the loss of the characters after the book had been read,thats how you feel.
This book is so different to the other books in the series (it's less romantic,more emotional) that you're pulled into the book so you can get a hold of the characters.
You may laugh at parts of this book.
But I will tell you now you WILL at some point shed a little tear if not cry.
April 25, 2014
Darker in tone than the previous two books in this series, Sidelined tugs at your emotions as Bree struggles as the pain of her past collides with her present. I really enjoyed this book, it was more challenging and the cracks in the team's lives start to show. Lennon has a fantastic way of drawing you into the story and making the characters feel so real you actually miss them when you finish reading. A must-read from this wonderful author.
April 8, 2014
This books is very different to the other two Game On books. It's less romance and very focused on the main character Bree. Bree is sweet but confused about her life, and it takes a large incident to make her take a closer look at her life and what she really wants.
Sidelined made me laugh and cry. The end will have you reaching for the tissues - especially if you've read the first two Game On books.
Sidelined made me laugh and cry. The end will have you reaching for the tissues - especially if you've read the first two Game On books.
May 19, 2014
Kyra Lennon has a gift for romance! I could not put Sidelined down when I started reading it! I really identified with Bree's struggle in finding herself and deciphering whether or not she rushed into her marriage or if her husband is the right person for her. Lennon has a gift for putting you into the story and making the scenes come to life. The emotion she puts into each character is real and intoxicating.I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a little romance!
July 13, 2014
Oh my goodness you have to have a box of tissues ready when you read this one. This book has such a good story one that will touch each reader in some way or another. It's truly the best one of the series so far. Tragedy hits the group in this book that will change the dynamic of the future books in this series. This one is not all sunshine and roses but has real meaning behind it. My full review is at http://allnightbooks.com/?p=357
May 7, 2018
Tears everywhere so if this makes no sense I apologise.
Out of all the books in the series I think this one is my favourite.
Bree is the girl that a lot of people will relate to in one way or another and the way her story is written brings her to life before your eyes.
It’s not the easiest book in the series to read, as I said so many tears, but it one that will stay with me for a long time to come.
Can not praise this book/series enough.
Out of all the books in the series I think this one is my favourite.
Bree is the girl that a lot of people will relate to in one way or another and the way her story is written brings her to life before your eyes.
It’s not the easiest book in the series to read, as I said so many tears, but it one that will stay with me for a long time to come.
Can not praise this book/series enough.
August 6, 2016
I got a copy of Sidelined through the Good Reads giveaways. I hadn't read the prior ones before this - so I wasn't sure what to expect.
Awesome story! I fell in love with the characters - & have since ordered the first books! Love them!
Awesome story! I fell in love with the characters - & have since ordered the first books! Love them!
February 4, 2019
Read as part of the Game On boxset.
Holy emotional rollercoaster I don't even know what to feel after reading this book!!
What a journey of emotions this takes you on from start right up to the very last pages... hooked is the only word I can say to describe how I couldn't put it down.
Telling us now the story of Bree and Jude who we have met in previous books it shows us what happens when someone in a relationship feels lost and not sure where their life goes next.
Loved these characters just as much as previous ones and love how all the rest of the gang have just as big parts as the main characters have in each book!
Really done know if I'm brave enough to start on Freyas book straight away or not!
Holy emotional rollercoaster I don't even know what to feel after reading this book!!
What a journey of emotions this takes you on from start right up to the very last pages... hooked is the only word I can say to describe how I couldn't put it down.
Telling us now the story of Bree and Jude who we have met in previous books it shows us what happens when someone in a relationship feels lost and not sure where their life goes next.
Loved these characters just as much as previous ones and love how all the rest of the gang have just as big parts as the main characters have in each book!
Really done know if I'm brave enough to start on Freyas book straight away or not!
April 25, 2019
Loves Bree story
June 8, 2019
When I started writing Sidelined, I always knew Bree had a dark past - however, as I began to delve deeper into her, even I was surprised by the way the story took me. (No, I'm not a huge plotter lol. I start with a beginning, middle, and end and the character kind of guides me through it!). It IS very different from Game On and Blindsided, but what I hope you'll enjoy from this book is the extreme strength of the friendships and the way Bree really starts to grow into the woman she was always meant to be.
October 4, 2015
so whiny. ugh
April 3, 2017
Nice, a bit dark story, great series.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews