I thought that this story was unlike anything I have read before and I found it really entertaining. I think that it really demonstrated the uncertainty that comes with feeling like a pawn to be played rather than a human with emotions, and this really came through with Ally and her Uncle as well as Ally and her uncertainty towards Marcus. I think that Marcus understandably comes across as abrasive but in reality is just overly protective in fear that his work will be compromised. The theme of video games and complicated work and family dynamics overall really worked for this story and I feel like the author created a world uniquely their own.

Ally Michels has got a job at a start-up video game developer called Jet Stream Studios which is set to shake-up the industry when its new game is launched. The company was founded by two young entrepreneurs who are as different as night and day. Julian Dannen is blonde and charming, the CEO and frontman, Marcus Abby is more like a wasp at a picnic, although his is the creative mind behind the game. Ally got the job through her uncle Dave, a Venture Capitalist who owns a stake in the business. Eager to prove her worth, Ally pipes up in a huge meeting and earns Marcus' wrath. Unbeknownst to Ally she has acted as a catalyst for a coup for control of the company, her uncle introducing her to the man who will be parachuted in over Marcus' head.

Ally might not know everything that's going on, why is Marcus pretending the game is far less advanced that she knows it is? But she knows that the game is 100% Marcus' baby and no-one works harder than him and his team.

But does Ally really know Marcus, or is he using her just as much as her uncle is?

I really enjoyed this, I had no idea it was part of a series until the bonus chapter which refers to unfinished business between Marcus and Dan so it can definitely be read as a standalone, but I have already bought the first book in the series (featuring Dan).

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I haven't read any other books by this author so I didn't know what to expect. Overall the story was interesting and the characters likeable. I would recommend this book for anyone who likes contemporary romance. I received an e-book from NetGalley in return for an unbiased review.

"Clearly, the wasp could relax as he wished; the picnickers could not."

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Actual rating = 3.25

I was not expecting to like this nearly as much as I did. When I saw it pop up on my NetGalley and happened to be in the mood for a romance I though, "screw it," and hit "Request" with pretty low expectations. I mean, look at that cover... it's terrible. I don't know who thought that image was the right one for this story -"Side Effects" deserves better.

Before jumping in, let me say that I've never read anything by L.J. Greene before and didn't realize that our main man Marcus was a character she'd introduced previously. Not having this context meant I didn't get a ton out of the Epilogue or the bonus chapter, though the authors long time fans likely will.

Both of the MCs were likable, though my personality aligns way more closely with Marcus than Ally. The enemies-to-lovers was believably done and I enjoyed how Ally was a nerd without being a stock "quirky girl" character. I also really like how much time the author invested into the challenges of developing a growing business, create a masterpiece game, and dealing with investors. A lot of workplace romances I've read use the setting as just a backdrop for office sex, as opposed to actually developing a plot line around it.

Now don't get me wrong, this novel does have its problems. There are info dumps early on, the lack of regular dialogue tags made it hard to know who was talking sometimes, the word "lover" is used FAR too much, and the "romantic moments" could be a little cheesy for my taste. I also wish there was more from Marcus' POV, but that's just because he's a salty little genius and the best part of this book.

Still, definitely worth a read if you're looking for some well done enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine, workplace romance.