What do you think?
Rate this book
Side Game
Adulting is a foreign concept to a man who spends all of his money on designer underwear and body waxing.
Giovanni’s life is funded by the women who pay top dollar for his company.
Being wanted isn’t the same as being loved.
And being desired doesn’t mean you’re needed.
When his best friend’s ex shows up in the middle of the night begging for a shoulder to cry on; Gio isn’t prepared for what happens next. Not in his bed and certainly not in his heart.
Giovanni’s life is funded by the women who pay top dollar for his company.
Being wanted isn’t the same as being loved.
And being desired doesn’t mean you’re needed.
When his best friend’s ex shows up in the middle of the night begging for a shoulder to cry on; Gio isn’t prepared for what happens next. Not in his bed and certainly not in his heart.
Paperback
Published September 30, 2018
5 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Loufas
13 books239 followersNicole was born and raised in California. She claims to be a San Francisco native, however she's lived in both Northern and Southern California. She credits her creativity to the fact that she attended 12 schools between kindergarten and her senior year in high school. Her nomadic childhood allowed her to reinvent herself often. Some might call her a liar. While others see the stories she told as a coping mechanism. Today she channels her storytelling ability into writing novels.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 17, 2018
I was downright charmed by this story. Gio messed himself up: guarding his heart, secretly insecure despite outward appearances. This story got better and better at the turn of each page. Gio comes across as highly sophisticated and up to every trick in the book, but Leeyan is, and always has been, his Achilles' Heel. I don't want to give too much away: you have to experience this smooth, enthralling story yourself - no description will do it justice. (You won't regret the time you spent on it.!) Thanks to NetGalley. the publisher and the author, for a copy of the story in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2018
Side Game by Nicole Loufas was a nice little treat - a sexy fun quick read that you can devour in one sitting.
The beginning seemed really promising, so I was expecting endless of swoons and spice. There were plenty for sure, but I have to admit... I wasn’t crazy about everything. I thought the storyline was good, the characters were interesting, and the drama was quite intense. It was just missing that “it” factor for me. Maybe I need to read the first book or maybe I just wasn’t particularly fond of how the story was set up. That being said, even though I wasn’t ridiculously hooked, I was still intrigued enough to keep going and I’m really glad I did because the ending was satisfyingly delicious and so heartwarming. I also really enjoyed the humor and there were some really outrageous moments that made me laugh out loud. By the end, I definitely felt like I had gotten what I needed from this book – a sexy, relaxing, and entertaining few hours.
The romance wasn’t what I thought it would be, so I actually didn’t know how to feel about it…at least not at first. I was into it in the beginning, then I wasn’t and then I was and then not. I don’t know why, but for more than half of the story, I just didn’t like Gio and Leeyan together that much. I didn’t feel the sparks right away and even when they were in the friend zone, I couldn’t understand how they were just okay with each other. But, just as the story got really spicy towards the end, so did the chemistry between Gio and Leeyan. So yes, they won me over and as cheesy as it was, I liked the way their relationship turned out. Not perfect, still complicated, but full of love, laughter, and hope.
The characters were all relatable in their owns ways. I really liked Leeyan from the start and thought she was uniquely interesting. I liked that she wasn't afraid to admit her flaws and insecurities. I admired her opinion on things and her determination to right her wrongs. I wouldn't say I was instantly drawn to Gio, but he had this charming sex appeal and personality that kept me interested. I did want to slap him a few times, but in the end, I was totally swooning over him. Without a doubt, my favorite character was Lulu. She's just too smart, spunky and so cute.
Overall, I wasn’t head over heels in love, but I felt the swoons, got a few laughs and had a a really fun time reading this book. Oh and the Twilight references were just the best!! So if you're looking for a quick romance story to read while taking a break from wrapping presents, then pick this up.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, and feels are my own.
The beginning seemed really promising, so I was expecting endless of swoons and spice. There were plenty for sure, but I have to admit... I wasn’t crazy about everything. I thought the storyline was good, the characters were interesting, and the drama was quite intense. It was just missing that “it” factor for me. Maybe I need to read the first book or maybe I just wasn’t particularly fond of how the story was set up. That being said, even though I wasn’t ridiculously hooked, I was still intrigued enough to keep going and I’m really glad I did because the ending was satisfyingly delicious and so heartwarming. I also really enjoyed the humor and there were some really outrageous moments that made me laugh out loud. By the end, I definitely felt like I had gotten what I needed from this book – a sexy, relaxing, and entertaining few hours.
The romance wasn’t what I thought it would be, so I actually didn’t know how to feel about it…at least not at first. I was into it in the beginning, then I wasn’t and then I was and then not. I don’t know why, but for more than half of the story, I just didn’t like Gio and Leeyan together that much. I didn’t feel the sparks right away and even when they were in the friend zone, I couldn’t understand how they were just okay with each other. But, just as the story got really spicy towards the end, so did the chemistry between Gio and Leeyan. So yes, they won me over and as cheesy as it was, I liked the way their relationship turned out. Not perfect, still complicated, but full of love, laughter, and hope.
The characters were all relatable in their owns ways. I really liked Leeyan from the start and thought she was uniquely interesting. I liked that she wasn't afraid to admit her flaws and insecurities. I admired her opinion on things and her determination to right her wrongs. I wouldn't say I was instantly drawn to Gio, but he had this charming sex appeal and personality that kept me interested. I did want to slap him a few times, but in the end, I was totally swooning over him. Without a doubt, my favorite character was Lulu. She's just too smart, spunky and so cute.
Overall, I wasn’t head over heels in love, but I felt the swoons, got a few laughs and had a a really fun time reading this book. Oh and the Twilight references were just the best!! So if you're looking for a quick romance story to read while taking a break from wrapping presents, then pick this up.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, and feels are my own.
October 5, 2018
After pulling an all nighter because I was sucked into Gio's story and Trance, I must tell you that this book is WELL worth the wait! The author had planned on publishing this a year ago but due to an audit from Uncle Sam this book almost didn't happen, even if just for a second, and it is a year past her desired release date. Oh. My. WORTH THE WAIT! I don't write reviews with spoilers, but let me tell you this..... the very first chapter, actually the very first page of the very first chapter had me glued and I knew that I was going to read more than the planned 3 or 4 chapters. I love love love the view of this story. I love having known Theo's story and now Gio's. Best part was at the end of the book, when I was reading her shout out's and then more from the Men of Trance.... we will get to read Rico and Dain's story too!!!!! So excited about this! You can read this book as a stand alone or as a series, you don't have to read them in order.
December 30, 2018
Side Game is book two in the Men of Trance. It can be read as a standalone. I didn't read the first book, Got Mine, and I had no issues getting into this story but I'm definitely going to go back to read book one to get Theo' story. Side Game is Gio's story. Gio works at Trance which is the city’s only women’s club. He also takes side jobs to make more money, some of his side jobs are funny. Gio seems to be a decent sweet guy. Leeyan blows back into town. I wasn't really sure whether to like her or not. Leeyan is Theo's ex baby mama. It's a little different because she's the one that left Theo and her daughter. Gio's is Theo friend. There's a connection between Leeyna and Gio. Leeyna had me on edge a little because I didn't know where she stood with her feeling for Gio. This was a good read but it was a little too quick and I would of liked to get more insight of Gio and Leeyan.
October 1, 2018
This is considered a standalone, but if you've read Got Mine you will have some prejudices. Since this is almost like a prequel to the first book, I'd read this one first.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It starts slowish. I'm not a fan of epilougues and this one didn't wow me but it's short. Once you realize how the epilogue fits into the story - MIND BLOWN.
I read Got Mine, so I knew a lit bit about the characters, but honestly I forgot some of the details.
Giovanni has sex for money, although there are no actual scenes where he does the nasty. We do get funny situations involving cherries and balloons.
It was really hard for me to forgive Leeyan from Got Mine. Her side of the story is told well and with enough insight that I gave her a pass. Plus the tension and chemistry between her and Gio is HOT!
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It starts slowish. I'm not a fan of epilougues and this one didn't wow me but it's short. Once you realize how the epilogue fits into the story - MIND BLOWN.
I read Got Mine, so I knew a lit bit about the characters, but honestly I forgot some of the details.
Giovanni has sex for money, although there are no actual scenes where he does the nasty. We do get funny situations involving cherries and balloons.
It was really hard for me to forgive Leeyan from Got Mine. Her side of the story is told well and with enough insight that I gave her a pass. Plus the tension and chemistry between her and Gio is HOT!
October 1, 2018
I received an Arc of this book.
YASSS! Finally, another Men of Trance book.
Gio's story is a love story. Plain and simple.
I adore angsty adult stories! Let's face it, in real life adults are all that angsty!
The story begins with the night Gio met Leeyan - YES! Gio meets Leeyan first.
For me - I was able to set aside my loathing for Leeyan based on this and move forward giving her the benefit of the doubt. Which ironically is all she asks for throughout the book. It's like she was hoping Theo would forgive her and us as readers. LOVE IT!
The connection between Gio and Leeyan is set in the beginning of the book, but when she reappears in the club - yowsa! Yes, I just wrote yowsa. The angst jumps off the screen/page/whatever. Gio becomes her knight in shining armor.
The scenes with Gio and Lulu are priceless! I think Lulu deserves her own book!
YASSS! Finally, another Men of Trance book.
Gio's story is a love story. Plain and simple.
I adore angsty adult stories! Let's face it, in real life adults are all that angsty!
The story begins with the night Gio met Leeyan - YES! Gio meets Leeyan first.
For me - I was able to set aside my loathing for Leeyan based on this and move forward giving her the benefit of the doubt. Which ironically is all she asks for throughout the book. It's like she was hoping Theo would forgive her and us as readers. LOVE IT!
The connection between Gio and Leeyan is set in the beginning of the book, but when she reappears in the club - yowsa! Yes, I just wrote yowsa. The angst jumps off the screen/page/whatever. Gio becomes her knight in shining armor.
The scenes with Gio and Lulu are priceless! I think Lulu deserves her own book!
October 1, 2018
Gio's story starts with a twist right out the gate!
Unlike the first book, this one focuses more on the personal life of Giovanni.
There are less club scenes, but so much more angst and funny side jobs.
Gio is all about money, he will do just about anything...until Leeyan. She's his best friend's ex/baby mama. This book plays off the first very well. You don't even have to read the first one to enjoy it, in my opinion.
I was given an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Unlike the first book, this one focuses more on the personal life of Giovanni.
There are less club scenes, but so much more angst and funny side jobs.
Gio is all about money, he will do just about anything...until Leeyan. She's his best friend's ex/baby mama. This book plays off the first very well. You don't even have to read the first one to enjoy it, in my opinion.
I was given an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
October 9, 2018
Writing Giovanni's story was a labor of love.
Is that right?
I'm not even sure what thay saying means, but it feels right.
Gio was hard (hee hee) to feel out.
I wasn't in his headspace and it took SO MANY HOURS of listening to music and binge watching Netflix to figure it out.
I hope it was worth the wait!
This book can be read as a standalone and I consider it my most happily every after book to date.
Is that right?
I'm not even sure what thay saying means, but it feels right.
Gio was hard (hee hee) to feel out.
I wasn't in his headspace and it took SO MANY HOURS of listening to music and binge watching Netflix to figure it out.
I hope it was worth the wait!
This book can be read as a standalone and I consider it my most happily every after book to date.
June 1, 2019
this makes a change from some of my usual books but it was a lovely change. the story and the characters worked brilliantly together and flowed smoothly.
a funny sweet book that is relate able. this was a quick read for me and i am going to go back to the first book got mine as although this can be read as a standalone and it did not affect my reading experience i feel like i am missing out on something
a funny sweet book that is relate able. this was a quick read for me and i am going to go back to the first book got mine as although this can be read as a standalone and it did not affect my reading experience i feel like i am missing out on something
October 1, 2018
I fell in love with Giovanni. Being part Italian I connect so much with the scenes at Gio's house. I could smell the meatballs frying.
And the judgement from his father is so real. SO. Real.
Gio's story is just that - his story.
His story is funny, sweet, and surprisingly, a happily ever after.
And the judgement from his father is so real. SO. Real.
Gio's story is just that - his story.
His story is funny, sweet, and surprisingly, a happily ever after.
October 8, 2018
This was the first book I read by Nicole Loufas and it was great book. I adored all of the characters and this was a very fun and entertaining book. I would recommend that you give this book a chance and read it for yourself you won't regret it.
October 17, 2018
I love the characters in the book. I read the first book so it was interesting to see a different side or point of view of these characters. well written good characters. Looking forward to reading about the next "man".
October 22, 2018
I was super excited to read this book, after reading book 1 in the series. This story and the characters were absolutely perfect. I enjoyed reading Gio’s story and seeing where Leeyan played her part. Lulu is just the cutest. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the other men of Trance.
November 26, 2019
Loved Book 2
Thank you. I was so curious as to why he was seen at her apartment. Spoiler .........
You gave me a happy ending. I loved it.
Thank you. I was so curious as to why he was seen at her apartment. Spoiler .........
You gave me a happy ending. I loved it.
November 5, 2018
This was a quick read. I powered through it on a lazy Sunday, but it was very good. All the characters were well developed and I found myself caring about them. The plot was also well developed and fit the genre.
January 1, 2019
Giovanni followed his best friend when his life changed and dropped out of college. Now a very successful erotic dancer who enjoys his job and the new job opportunity that has him leaving the states to the exotic Brazil. As Giovanni begins to prepare for a life changing job, his past comes back into the present. Giovanni is now struggling with keeping a secret from his best friend and helping the one person he thought of as the enemy.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews