Book: Side Lined by Jaqueline Snowe
Reviewed by Maggie Hayes
Rating: 4.5/5
ARC REVIEW
Side Lined by Jaqueline Snowe
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
I loved Noah and Em’s friends-to-lovers romance. After losing touch following college, they reconnect at an alumni event, and the chemistry is immediate. Noah is finally ready to ask Em out after years of quietly pining for her, but his insecurities get in the way. By the time they reconnect again months later, Noah has unexpectedly become the guardian of his young nephew, Miles, and circumstances force him and Em into close quarters as temporary roommates. Needless to say, the tension doesn't stand a chance.
I am an absolute sucker for a man who yearns, and Noah delivers in a big way. As a professional football player, he could have anyone he wants, but from the very beginning, his focus is entirely on Em. He’s thoughtful, dependable, and genuinely kind—the type of MMC who shows his love through actions. Whether he’s opening his home to her after her apartment floods or stepping up for Miles when others doubt him, Noah consistently proves what a good man he is. And the way he supports Em’s dreams and celebrates her successes? Swoon.
I really liked Em, too. She’s ambitious, hardworking, and determined to make her fashion design business a success despite her father's constant pushback. Having been heavily parentified growing up, she’s used to carrying the weight of everyone else's expectations, so watching her finally prioritize herself was incredibly satisfying. I also loved the relationship she develops with Miles. The three of them naturally fall into a family dynamic that feels warm, authentic, and easy to root for.
Together, Noah and Em are sweet, supportive, and undeniably sexy. Their relationship develops slowly, built on years of friendship and mutual respect, which makes the payoff feel completely earned. And once they finally stop resisting each other? The spice absolutely delivers.
This is another fantastic addition to the Rampage Football series. Jaqueline Snowe continues to balance romance, emotional depth, and found-family dynamics so well, and I think this may be my favorite installment yet.
Thank you to the author and Love Notes PR for providing an ARC!