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Side Effect
Kendall Atherton- a promising psychology student, has been given the most unusual proposition- payment of a whole semester's tuition fees if she agrees to treat a patient in his home. Maton Lee has been through a traumatic experience, one that sees him confined to his apartment. Vanessa- his desperate mother, just wants to see him get well. But his challenging and rude demeanour is so much more than what Kendall can handle. Defeated and humiliated she vows never to return. But Kendall has already accepted Vanessa's money and owes it to her to make one more attempt to get through to the broken yet beautiful man.
It's not long before Kendall is drawn to him, but this is not a normal boy meets girl situation. If anyone discovers she is having an affair with Maton, she will be thrown out of her course. But the last person Kendall expects to expose her is Maton himself. Except Maton doesn't count on the strength of his feelings for her and when Kendall's life comes under threat from the same man who preyed upon him, he may just have lost the love of his life.
It's not long before Kendall is drawn to him, but this is not a normal boy meets girl situation. If anyone discovers she is having an affair with Maton, she will be thrown out of her course. But the last person Kendall expects to expose her is Maton himself. Except Maton doesn't count on the strength of his feelings for her and when Kendall's life comes under threat from the same man who preyed upon him, he may just have lost the love of his life.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2018
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 3, 2018
The subject matter of this book was a little unusual, with a psychologist and her patient getting romantically involved. In actual fact, Kendall isn't actually a psychologist yet, she is training to be one and while she's been sitting in Maton's Mother's sessions, she isn't actually anyone's psychologist yet. Either way, it's still rather dodgy.
The main characters Maton and Kendall seem to fall quickly for one another and despite Kendall's frequent crisis of conscience, they become serious very quickly. The relationship between the two seems quite immature. Both of them react like young teenagers, albeit very horny young teenagers. There is lots of bedroom activity in this book.
This book just wasn't for me. I didn't really buy into the romance aspect, the supposed threat, which seemed to be left up in the air at the end, which seemed unbelievable and I just didn't really enjoy it.
I think that with a little bit tighter editing, this could have been a much better book. There were a few contradictions, some things were a little repetitive and not needed and some aspects of the plot needed tightening up. If you are after a fairly light romantic read with lots of sex, then this might be for you. It just wasn't for me.
The main characters Maton and Kendall seem to fall quickly for one another and despite Kendall's frequent crisis of conscience, they become serious very quickly. The relationship between the two seems quite immature. Both of them react like young teenagers, albeit very horny young teenagers. There is lots of bedroom activity in this book.
This book just wasn't for me. I didn't really buy into the romance aspect, the supposed threat, which seemed to be left up in the air at the end, which seemed unbelievable and I just didn't really enjoy it.
I think that with a little bit tighter editing, this could have been a much better book. There were a few contradictions, some things were a little repetitive and not needed and some aspects of the plot needed tightening up. If you are after a fairly light romantic read with lots of sex, then this might be for you. It just wasn't for me.
September 24, 2018
I was on a roll this past week of books that were just not for me. This is one of them.
First, you lose me on concept that she's his"Psychologist," which I put in quotes because she's a student. This crosses so many ethical boundaries, but even if I could put that aside the maturity of the characters could not. They were both incredibly immature, acting like teenagers rather than adults.
DNF
First, you lose me on concept that she's his"Psychologist," which I put in quotes because she's a student. This crosses so many ethical boundaries, but even if I could put that aside the maturity of the characters could not. They were both incredibly immature, acting like teenagers rather than adults.
DNF
September 16, 2018
My thanks to the Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story in exchange for an honest review. I gave this an enjoyable 4 stars or 8/10.
Maton Lee is a successful Business man, following being shot mistakenly he turns into a recluse. His Mother Vanessa, regularly sees a psychiatrist and enlists him to see Maton as a patient. However, the psychiatrist fails to form a great patient/doctor relationship.
Kendall Atherton is studying to be a psychiatrist, she is a trainee of Vanessa Lee's psychiatrist. Vanessa sees something in Kendall, more than just her good looks. She offers to pay for Kendall's tuition if she will visit her son, with a view to helping him cope with the aftermath of the shooting. Vanessa also has another offer for Kendall, but this is one that she is reluctant to act upon.
What ensues is a developing patient/trainee psychiatrist relationship that goes off in other directions that could lead to big problems for Kendall if it ever comes out. Her future could be in jeopardy in more ways than one.
I enjoyed this erotic romance and found it reasonably well written on the whole. It had me hooked early on and kept me swiping the Kindle screen to see how it all ended.
Maton Lee is a successful Business man, following being shot mistakenly he turns into a recluse. His Mother Vanessa, regularly sees a psychiatrist and enlists him to see Maton as a patient. However, the psychiatrist fails to form a great patient/doctor relationship.
Kendall Atherton is studying to be a psychiatrist, she is a trainee of Vanessa Lee's psychiatrist. Vanessa sees something in Kendall, more than just her good looks. She offers to pay for Kendall's tuition if she will visit her son, with a view to helping him cope with the aftermath of the shooting. Vanessa also has another offer for Kendall, but this is one that she is reluctant to act upon.
What ensues is a developing patient/trainee psychiatrist relationship that goes off in other directions that could lead to big problems for Kendall if it ever comes out. Her future could be in jeopardy in more ways than one.
I enjoyed this erotic romance and found it reasonably well written on the whole. It had me hooked early on and kept me swiping the Kindle screen to see how it all ended.
January 22, 2019
I received an ARC from netgalley and Lulu Jones in exchange for an honest review.
“Side effect” is a fascinating book. The plot was fantastic. In books, most of the times it’s the woman who is weak and needs the help of a man but I am glad that wasn’t the case here. Kendall helps Maton when there is little to no chance of him returning to normal. She forgives him even when he destroys her dream of being a psychologist. I read the book in a day; it was that amazing. I wish a book about Archer and Blair comes too.
“Side effect” is a fascinating book. The plot was fantastic. In books, most of the times it’s the woman who is weak and needs the help of a man but I am glad that wasn’t the case here. Kendall helps Maton when there is little to no chance of him returning to normal. She forgives him even when he destroys her dream of being a psychologist. I read the book in a day; it was that amazing. I wish a book about Archer and Blair comes too.
August 16, 2019
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Title: Side Effect
Author(s): Lulu Jones
Character(s):
― Kendall Atherton: 23 years old, Brunette, Blue Eyed
― Maton Lee: 30 years old, Brunette, Blue Eyed
Setting: Sydney, Australia
Tag(s): Romance, Contemporary
Content Rating: R
POV: Third Person
Smexy Level: Hot
Favorite Quote(s):
― “Everyone has some baggage in their lives, Maton. It just depends how you choose to deal with it.”
Overall Opinion:
First thing first I should have really listened to the previous reviews of this story and dropped this story before I got in too deep but whoops, too late. The blurb was interesting enough to give this a go yet there wasn't anything preventing me from dropping this. The relationship between Kendall and Maton escalated way quicker then what I would have liked it (0 to 100 is putting it lightly), the stalker like tendencies and possessive behavior between them was a major turn off and lastly the many plot holes were too great to ignore. I couldn't find any real appeal about their relationship and honestly this series was a letdown. Definitely not worth the time and energy I put into and sadly to say as much as I appreciate the ARC, Lulu Jones “Side Effect” wasn't for me. In conclusion, this properly would've have worked better if the author written the series as a erotica instead of this mess some would call a romance novel.
January 31, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley, which provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Side Effect, by Lulu Jones, follows psychology major Kendall Atherton, who is interning for accomplished psychologist Dr. Isaac Selwood. Dr. Selwood is pleased with Kendall's excellent grades and genuine concerns for his patients, but he isn't the only one to notice her talents.
Vanessa Lee, a meddlesome mother and bitter divorcée, approaches Kendall with a tempting offer - all of her final tuition fees paid in full. All Kendall has to do is attempt to treat Vanessa's son, Maton, who has become a paranoid recluse.
Kendall knows it isn't ethical, especially since she isn't a licensed psychologist yet, but Vanessa won't take no for an answer and an entire semester entirely paid for is far too tempting to disregard. When she goes to visit Maton for the first time, she's taken aback at everything Vanessa hadn't shared, such as how devastatingly handsome Maton is - and how negatively he views psychologists.
Unable to simply give up, Kendall attempts to help the man who has built a small sanctuary for himself and has lost all hope of ever recovering from the traumatic incident. She knows she's got a lot to handle with his snarky comments and impossibly perfect body, but what she doesn't know is how far she's willing to go just to keep him by her side.
Side Effect is an entertaining read chock full of steamy moments, all of which provide realistic and refreshingly varied descriptions. The characters are believable and their struggles are relatable - to a degree. Unfortunately, as well as Side Effect has been written, there are a few plot holes that keep this tale from an otherwise well-deserved fourth star.
WARNING: SPOILER ALERT
Once Kendall and Maton are engaged, she learns Maton wasn't the target of the shooting. He jumped in front of his business partner and saved his life, so why was he so terrified of being Dexter's target?
Dexter's character, who had thus far remained safely hidden from the reach of authorities, suddenly takes a selfie with Kendall and sends it to Maton, then is surprised Maton immediately contacts Kendall. If Dexter is so intelligent, why would he do something so ridiculously stupid?
He also provides Maton, who of course will show authorities, with a picture of his face; this makes finding him significantly easier. Also, if he wasn't interesting in taking out Maton, why would he bother getting so close to Vanessa?
Unfortunately for Dexter, his character just doesn't add up.
Later, when Maton learns Dexter isn't after him anymore (when Dexter was never really after him in the first place), he discovers the shooter has moved on to his brother, but decides not to warn him at all. That is the last the reader hears of Dexter, this insane person with impressive marksmanship. That's it. He's never apprehended, he's simply moving on to a new target, one who isn't a main character, so why worry about him, right?
These plot holes were too great to ignore, as was Kendall's overly-simplified return to the psychology program. There were several moments throughout the story in which the ethical lines are blurred, leaving the reader questioning whether Kendall and Maton's relationship can be viewed as anything near healthy.
Though the conclusion was ultimately satisfying enough, it did come with a salty aftertaste.
Side Effect, by Lulu Jones, follows psychology major Kendall Atherton, who is interning for accomplished psychologist Dr. Isaac Selwood. Dr. Selwood is pleased with Kendall's excellent grades and genuine concerns for his patients, but he isn't the only one to notice her talents.
Vanessa Lee, a meddlesome mother and bitter divorcée, approaches Kendall with a tempting offer - all of her final tuition fees paid in full. All Kendall has to do is attempt to treat Vanessa's son, Maton, who has become a paranoid recluse.
Kendall knows it isn't ethical, especially since she isn't a licensed psychologist yet, but Vanessa won't take no for an answer and an entire semester entirely paid for is far too tempting to disregard. When she goes to visit Maton for the first time, she's taken aback at everything Vanessa hadn't shared, such as how devastatingly handsome Maton is - and how negatively he views psychologists.
Unable to simply give up, Kendall attempts to help the man who has built a small sanctuary for himself and has lost all hope of ever recovering from the traumatic incident. She knows she's got a lot to handle with his snarky comments and impossibly perfect body, but what she doesn't know is how far she's willing to go just to keep him by her side.
Side Effect is an entertaining read chock full of steamy moments, all of which provide realistic and refreshingly varied descriptions. The characters are believable and their struggles are relatable - to a degree. Unfortunately, as well as Side Effect has been written, there are a few plot holes that keep this tale from an otherwise well-deserved fourth star.
WARNING: SPOILER ALERT
Once Kendall and Maton are engaged, she learns Maton wasn't the target of the shooting. He jumped in front of his business partner and saved his life, so why was he so terrified of being Dexter's target?
Dexter's character, who had thus far remained safely hidden from the reach of authorities, suddenly takes a selfie with Kendall and sends it to Maton, then is surprised Maton immediately contacts Kendall. If Dexter is so intelligent, why would he do something so ridiculously stupid?
He also provides Maton, who of course will show authorities, with a picture of his face; this makes finding him significantly easier. Also, if he wasn't interesting in taking out Maton, why would he bother getting so close to Vanessa?
Unfortunately for Dexter, his character just doesn't add up.
Later, when Maton learns Dexter isn't after him anymore (when Dexter was never really after him in the first place), he discovers the shooter has moved on to his brother, but decides not to warn him at all. That is the last the reader hears of Dexter, this insane person with impressive marksmanship. That's it. He's never apprehended, he's simply moving on to a new target, one who isn't a main character, so why worry about him, right?
These plot holes were too great to ignore, as was Kendall's overly-simplified return to the psychology program. There were several moments throughout the story in which the ethical lines are blurred, leaving the reader questioning whether Kendall and Maton's relationship can be viewed as anything near healthy.
Though the conclusion was ultimately satisfying enough, it did come with a salty aftertaste.
December 13, 2018
When Vanessa, Maton Lee’s mother decides to get involved with his recovery she uses the intern in her doctor’s office to do that. She gets her to help even though she has reservations on how she could or would be of any help but Vanessa is a hard woman to say no to.
You see Kendall Atherton was a stone throw away from becoming a therapist herself but she needed to finish her last classes and pass. Yet, Vanessa knew Kendall had what her son needed to become an active member of his own life again.
You would have had to have known this computer geek as Kendall would eventually tease him of being. He was raised as a child of means. Yet, he and his best friend and younger brother turned the IT world on its ear making them even richer. Even more popular with the ladies. Not at all the normal cave geeks.
Yes, you heard me right not your typical hold up in their cave geeks. They partied and did the whole one and done. That was until six months ago when they were together and Maton was shot turning his world upside down. While he was in the hospital the building, he bought that had a slamming penthouse into a to die for, in Sydney, reinforced the highest security possible prison for himself.
With checkpoints, glass enclosures, cameras, and so much more. But once he came home, he found he couldn’t allow himself to leave without panic attacks. His meds were not always the right ones. So, he had to do trial and errors sometimes making matters worse.
Vanessa encouraged him to speak with the doctor that would come once a week. But he was hostile toward him verbally. He just couldn’t get anyone to understand his point of view. That the majority of the problem with him going out is they hadn’t caught the shooter.
When his mother sneaks Kendall into his apartment things don’t go well but there is an instant attraction between Kendall and him. Surprising for Maton because that has not been an idea or even a thought at all. The thought is quickly shot down by him, but his negative sexual banter to scare her off amps him up. Until he remembers his confidence has been shattered.
Rather than have an anxiety attack in front of Kendall he gets sexually cruder by the second talking about her tits. Which gets her to finally leave threatening to never come back. Once she leaves, he realizes he misses her and the banter they had. His mom pays her more money to go back. She does to his surprise.
You will have to read to see where this wild crazy adventure takes you. But it is not dull at all that is for sure. You won’t want to put it down because you will want to see what he will do or think up next to shock Kendall.
I give this: 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com.
us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
You see Kendall Atherton was a stone throw away from becoming a therapist herself but she needed to finish her last classes and pass. Yet, Vanessa knew Kendall had what her son needed to become an active member of his own life again.
You would have had to have known this computer geek as Kendall would eventually tease him of being. He was raised as a child of means. Yet, he and his best friend and younger brother turned the IT world on its ear making them even richer. Even more popular with the ladies. Not at all the normal cave geeks.
Yes, you heard me right not your typical hold up in their cave geeks. They partied and did the whole one and done. That was until six months ago when they were together and Maton was shot turning his world upside down. While he was in the hospital the building, he bought that had a slamming penthouse into a to die for, in Sydney, reinforced the highest security possible prison for himself.
With checkpoints, glass enclosures, cameras, and so much more. But once he came home, he found he couldn’t allow himself to leave without panic attacks. His meds were not always the right ones. So, he had to do trial and errors sometimes making matters worse.
Vanessa encouraged him to speak with the doctor that would come once a week. But he was hostile toward him verbally. He just couldn’t get anyone to understand his point of view. That the majority of the problem with him going out is they hadn’t caught the shooter.
When his mother sneaks Kendall into his apartment things don’t go well but there is an instant attraction between Kendall and him. Surprising for Maton because that has not been an idea or even a thought at all. The thought is quickly shot down by him, but his negative sexual banter to scare her off amps him up. Until he remembers his confidence has been shattered.
Rather than have an anxiety attack in front of Kendall he gets sexually cruder by the second talking about her tits. Which gets her to finally leave threatening to never come back. Once she leaves, he realizes he misses her and the banter they had. His mom pays her more money to go back. She does to his surprise.
You will have to read to see where this wild crazy adventure takes you. But it is not dull at all that is for sure. You won’t want to put it down because you will want to see what he will do or think up next to shock Kendall.
I give this: 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com.
us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
August 27, 2018
Maton Lee cannot leave his apartment after he was involved in a shooting he has severe anxiety if he steps a foot out the door. Enter Kendall, a trainee psychologist who Maton's mother has offered to pay Kendall's whole semester's tution if she can treat Maton in his home and help him get better. Maton is attractive but rude and obnoxious to Kendall at their first meeting. Kendall is just another psychologist that his mother has paid for. She leaves, never wanting to return. Trouble is she has accepted his mother's money and something about him lures her back to try again. They have an attraction to each other and if the psychology department were to find out she was sleeping with a client she would be kicked out of her course. The man that shot Maton then prays upon Kendall, can he protect the woman that he loves, or will he lose her?
I really enjoyed this story. It was interesting from the beginning and only took me a few nights to read. I was always wanting to read 'just one more chapter' to see how the story would unfold. The characters are likeable and are build upon well. The chemistry between the main characters is enjoyable. The story when it starts, with Maton in his apartment unable to leave and his arrogance that he shows Kendall, reminded me of the movie 'Me before you.' As that too started off with a young girl being employed to help a man that couldn't help himself and he too was arrogant and conceded at the beginning. Maton has gone through many therapists and his mother is at her wits end trying to find someone that he will respond too. Maton is a very rich man due to his IT buisness, but he is very vulnerable and he shows a different side to the one he portrays once his lets his guard down, I liked how the story flowed and the attraction that built between the two main characters. There is some mystery behind the who the shooter is, that will leave you guessing for sometime before it is revealed. I highly recommend reading this book.
I really enjoyed this story. It was interesting from the beginning and only took me a few nights to read. I was always wanting to read 'just one more chapter' to see how the story would unfold. The characters are likeable and are build upon well. The chemistry between the main characters is enjoyable. The story when it starts, with Maton in his apartment unable to leave and his arrogance that he shows Kendall, reminded me of the movie 'Me before you.' As that too started off with a young girl being employed to help a man that couldn't help himself and he too was arrogant and conceded at the beginning. Maton has gone through many therapists and his mother is at her wits end trying to find someone that he will respond too. Maton is a very rich man due to his IT buisness, but he is very vulnerable and he shows a different side to the one he portrays once his lets his guard down, I liked how the story flowed and the attraction that built between the two main characters. There is some mystery behind the who the shooter is, that will leave you guessing for sometime before it is revealed. I highly recommend reading this book.
December 22, 2018
***ARC was provided to me for a fair and honest review***
Overall rating: 4/5 Beauty and the beast if all the beast’s issues that he had to work through were mental disorders.
Heroine (Kendall): 4/5 23 year old graduate student who is studying to become a psychologist.
Hero (Maton): 4/5 29 year old tech genius who was targeted and shot at by jealous competition. He is a recluse who won’t leave his apartment due to the trauma.
Plot: 4/5 Maton refuses to leave his posh apartment since the shooting. The shooter is still on the loose. He needs to work out his problems in therapy but his therapist is at his wits end so Maton’s mother hires Kendall the therapist’s intern to visit with Maton. Sparks fly but Kendall is desperate to keep things professional or her spot at the university and her chances of graduating will be in jeopardy.
Personal Review: I enjoyed the story and seeing Maton evolve through the book and recover with Kendall’s help was sweet. Maton’s disorders and their origins are believable and handled well. I can’t say I don’t agree with Kendall though; Maton does become very dependent upon her emotionally by the end. Yes, he loves her but he also needs to medicate himself into a stupor if Kendall isn’t there to share his bed. Other than that unhealthy part of the relationship that Kendall addresses and wants to work on the pair are an adorable couple.
I was hoping Dexter was going to be more of a threat in this story. He just kind of does a lot of looming and not a lot of acting. If you cut him out of this book completely nothing about the plot really changes.
I don’t know if the intention is for Archer to get with Blair or not for the third book but I’ll definitely be reading it when it comes out!
Overall rating: 4/5 Beauty and the beast if all the beast’s issues that he had to work through were mental disorders.
Heroine (Kendall): 4/5 23 year old graduate student who is studying to become a psychologist.
Hero (Maton): 4/5 29 year old tech genius who was targeted and shot at by jealous competition. He is a recluse who won’t leave his apartment due to the trauma.
Plot: 4/5 Maton refuses to leave his posh apartment since the shooting. The shooter is still on the loose. He needs to work out his problems in therapy but his therapist is at his wits end so Maton’s mother hires Kendall the therapist’s intern to visit with Maton. Sparks fly but Kendall is desperate to keep things professional or her spot at the university and her chances of graduating will be in jeopardy.
Personal Review: I enjoyed the story and seeing Maton evolve through the book and recover with Kendall’s help was sweet. Maton’s disorders and their origins are believable and handled well. I can’t say I don’t agree with Kendall though; Maton does become very dependent upon her emotionally by the end. Yes, he loves her but he also needs to medicate himself into a stupor if Kendall isn’t there to share his bed. Other than that unhealthy part of the relationship that Kendall addresses and wants to work on the pair are an adorable couple.
I was hoping Dexter was going to be more of a threat in this story. He just kind of does a lot of looming and not a lot of acting. If you cut him out of this book completely nothing about the plot really changes.
I don’t know if the intention is for Archer to get with Blair or not for the third book but I’ll definitely be reading it when it comes out!
July 16, 2018
Side Effect by Lulu Jones is a standalone Contemporary Romance Mystery told in dual perspectives of the two main characters, Maton and Kendall. Kendall is given the job of working with Maton in a pseudo therapy setting. Having been through therapy with over a handful of different types of therapist, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, this is an interesting story to follow in a behind the scenes way with both perspectives. The reader gets a glimpse in how the professional approach the patient to get the information to work through what the patient needs to work through and how the patient resists and works through the therapy. What is it that Maton is struggling with, what does he need from Kendall, how does he want his life to change? The reader gets an inkling of what the numbing of the trauma and the medication can do to a person and how that effects the rest of their life and how when they start to feel again and what that really means, This is an intriguing story that had me wanting to finish it to see how this experience changed them both and the relationship between the two is affected by the grey area this whole thing started and how that translates into what they feel for each other. Recommend to fans of contemporary romance readers. I was provided with a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2018
3.75stars
An interesting story about what can trauma does to a peoples mind. Kendall and Maton meet because his mother pays her to help him with his problems. Maton doesn't want help at first and is toward Kendall very rude but he cannot escape from attraction toward her. After a few unpleasant meetings, they are starting to communicate like normal people and soon the attraction is stronger and they start a relationship. But Kendall is hiding something important from him which can ruin everything. Both Kendall and Maton are ok. We see Maton that he really struggles and we see the reason. It is also great that with Kendall help his condition was improving. I just got a feeling that he had her from time to time on emotional level used her, her fear that he will do something and I was shocked because once he was out he seemed like his problems had vanished, It was also not OK from him to do what he did when he finds out about the secret. By Kendall, I didn't like that she kept the truth from him, and I didn't saw her as weak because she was determined to end all but was easily persuaded to continue with the "treatment". There were a lot of sexy times between those to a little bit of suspense a little bit of secret. I am curious about the next book if it will be about his brother and her best friend.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly
An interesting story about what can trauma does to a peoples mind. Kendall and Maton meet because his mother pays her to help him with his problems. Maton doesn't want help at first and is toward Kendall very rude but he cannot escape from attraction toward her. After a few unpleasant meetings, they are starting to communicate like normal people and soon the attraction is stronger and they start a relationship. But Kendall is hiding something important from him which can ruin everything. Both Kendall and Maton are ok. We see Maton that he really struggles and we see the reason. It is also great that with Kendall help his condition was improving. I just got a feeling that he had her from time to time on emotional level used her, her fear that he will do something and I was shocked because once he was out he seemed like his problems had vanished, It was also not OK from him to do what he did when he finds out about the secret. By Kendall, I didn't like that she kept the truth from him, and I didn't saw her as weak because she was determined to end all but was easily persuaded to continue with the "treatment". There were a lot of sexy times between those to a little bit of suspense a little bit of secret. I am curious about the next book if it will be about his brother and her best friend.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly
August 14, 2018
A medical romance novel with a bit different set up.
If you like a romantic story with a lot of bedsport and no huge twists this is the novel for you. I was given an ARC so I could read an review it.
Unlike most of the "rich tycoon"-novels here the man is not a powerful alpha male but an insecure man suffering from agoraphobia after being shot by someone. (Nevertheless he is still super handsome and wealthy). His mother asks the intern of her psychiatrist to try and treat him as he does not cooperate with that psychiatrist and has not left his apartment for six months. When mum also puts a lot of money in Kendall's account and suggests to sleep with him in case that will help, the young student starts to worry that this will be seen as grooming of a vulnerable patients and have her kicked out of university and banned to practise. All the while there is the threat of the shooter who is still on the loose.
I discovered four timeline mistakes in the novel. No big messing up ones but like for instance when Kendall meets Zander it is mentioned as the first time she meets Zander but in fact she has met him before.
http://www.dutchysbookreviewsandfreeb...
If you like a romantic story with a lot of bedsport and no huge twists this is the novel for you. I was given an ARC so I could read an review it.
Unlike most of the "rich tycoon"-novels here the man is not a powerful alpha male but an insecure man suffering from agoraphobia after being shot by someone. (Nevertheless he is still super handsome and wealthy). His mother asks the intern of her psychiatrist to try and treat him as he does not cooperate with that psychiatrist and has not left his apartment for six months. When mum also puts a lot of money in Kendall's account and suggests to sleep with him in case that will help, the young student starts to worry that this will be seen as grooming of a vulnerable patients and have her kicked out of university and banned to practise. All the while there is the threat of the shooter who is still on the loose.
I discovered four timeline mistakes in the novel. No big messing up ones but like for instance when Kendall meets Zander it is mentioned as the first time she meets Zander but in fact she has met him before.
http://www.dutchysbookreviewsandfreeb...
June 13, 2019
Okay, so the blurb is way too revealing, we can all agree with that. It’s basically like one of those movie trailers that reveal too much so you don’t have to actually watch the movie.
I don’t know why but lately, in all e-books I have this feeling that’s it’s all happening too soon. For example, in this book, they were basically in love with each other at half of the book, so when he asked her to marry him, I internally cringed. He can’t even get out of the apartment, how does he expect to make this relationship work?? Then suddenly, he can overcome his fear and he goes out easily. Like he never feared anything. How can he do that? Forget his fear so easily?
I think the characters didn’t know what they wanted. Kendall wanted one thing, Maton another. Maton wanted to marry even though he had like a thousand issues but Kendall agreed either way.
The beginning of the book was well written but farther I was reading, the more I felt like the flow is missing. There was no more connection between me as a reader and the text. I just cringed more and more till the end. Also, couple mistakes in the story were present but since it’s an arc maybe they got deleted later.
We got a HFN ending. The man who threatened Maton never get caught, instead we’re told that his focus has shifted and he’s done with Maton. Um, okay? So, you’re just going to be happy the man is not targeting you anymore but you’re not even slightly concerned about your friends? I would have liked this book more if this was solved not that I need to read other books to find out what happened to this man.
3 stars.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Slovenian review and full post here: https://slovenianbookworm.wordpress.com/
I don’t know why but lately, in all e-books I have this feeling that’s it’s all happening too soon. For example, in this book, they were basically in love with each other at half of the book, so when he asked her to marry him, I internally cringed. He can’t even get out of the apartment, how does he expect to make this relationship work?? Then suddenly, he can overcome his fear and he goes out easily. Like he never feared anything. How can he do that? Forget his fear so easily?
I think the characters didn’t know what they wanted. Kendall wanted one thing, Maton another. Maton wanted to marry even though he had like a thousand issues but Kendall agreed either way.
The beginning of the book was well written but farther I was reading, the more I felt like the flow is missing. There was no more connection between me as a reader and the text. I just cringed more and more till the end. Also, couple mistakes in the story were present but since it’s an arc maybe they got deleted later.
We got a HFN ending. The man who threatened Maton never get caught, instead we’re told that his focus has shifted and he’s done with Maton. Um, okay? So, you’re just going to be happy the man is not targeting you anymore but you’re not even slightly concerned about your friends? I would have liked this book more if this was solved not that I need to read other books to find out what happened to this man.
3 stars.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Slovenian review and full post here: https://slovenianbookworm.wordpress.com/
January 8, 2026
Effect by Lulu Jones is a difficult book to engage with, not because of the writing itself, but because of the ethical line it crosses and asks the reader to accept. Fiction often pushes boundaries, but when the core of the story revolves around a psychologist crossing professional lines, it becomes hard to separate “fictional tension” from something that feels fundamentally wrong.
Even with the caveat that the psychologist is still in training and a student of psychology, the power imbalance remains — and that’s where the story lost me. Instead of feeling provocative or complex, the relationship felt uncomfortable in a way that undercut any emotional or romantic investment. It’s challenging to suspend disbelief or root for a dynamic that mirrors real-world ethical violations, especially in a field built on trust and responsibility.
Overall I definitely should've read a blurb first, but something was just missing to make me fictionalise the story. DNF at 70-ish%.
Even with the caveat that the psychologist is still in training and a student of psychology, the power imbalance remains — and that’s where the story lost me. Instead of feeling provocative or complex, the relationship felt uncomfortable in a way that undercut any emotional or romantic investment. It’s challenging to suspend disbelief or root for a dynamic that mirrors real-world ethical violations, especially in a field built on trust and responsibility.
Overall I definitely should've read a blurb first, but something was just missing to make me fictionalise the story. DNF at 70-ish%.
January 14, 2019
I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for my review. Kendall Atherton is a psychology student who has been invited to observe Maton Lee, a very successful business man who is suffering from PTSD and is unable to leave his apartment. Maton Lee's mother senses a special connection between Kendall and Maton and requests that she continue to work with Maton even though she is not quite done with her schooling. She agrees and slowly she is able to make progress with his PTSD, but she makes a terrible career choice by getting involved with a patient. The bigger risk is that the person responsible for the violence that caused Maton's trauma is on the loose and Kendall may be his next victim.
This was a very quick read, and I can suspend some degree of reality if the story is great, but there were just too many holes in this plot for me to buy into it.
This was a very quick read, and I can suspend some degree of reality if the story is great, but there were just too many holes in this plot for me to buy into it.
February 1, 2019
Kendall is a student psychologist who is hired by Martin's mother to help him after a traumatic experience. He's initially very rude and obnoxious but they form a relationship.
I had a few big issues with this. First the whole doctor patient grooming and inappropriate relationship thing. I know it's fiction but the solution the author has for this isn't great. Second the instalove - from 0 to I love you in 2 seconds flat. Third is possibly down to the marketing - the 1st 20% of this book I enjoyed. It was building up well, but then it took a sudden turn and there were sex scenes every other chapter. I don't have anything against erotic romance but there was no suggestion of the large role these scenes would play in the description of the book and within the text the 1st one came from nowhere.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC
I had a few big issues with this. First the whole doctor patient grooming and inappropriate relationship thing. I know it's fiction but the solution the author has for this isn't great. Second the instalove - from 0 to I love you in 2 seconds flat. Third is possibly down to the marketing - the 1st 20% of this book I enjoyed. It was building up well, but then it took a sudden turn and there were sex scenes every other chapter. I don't have anything against erotic romance but there was no suggestion of the large role these scenes would play in the description of the book and within the text the 1st one came from nowhere.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC
July 18, 2018
I am not sure how to feel about this book! It's a bit taboo. Kendall (a psych student) is approached by Vanessa to help her with her son. Vanessa offers her lots of money to help her even though Kendall will have to go behind her mentor's back to help Maton.
Problem is they did not expect the attraction between them. Maton has so many issues that Kendall has to help him work through due to a traumatic incident. It's an interesting plot with a little bit of suspense. The chemistry between Maton and Kendall is sizzling, but I feel like it was an unhealthy relationship. I agree when Kendall said that Maton was dependent on her. Other than this I really enjoyed reading this book. I feel like there is gonna be another book, because the element of suspense was not resolved.
Problem is they did not expect the attraction between them. Maton has so many issues that Kendall has to help him work through due to a traumatic incident. It's an interesting plot with a little bit of suspense. The chemistry between Maton and Kendall is sizzling, but I feel like it was an unhealthy relationship. I agree when Kendall said that Maton was dependent on her. Other than this I really enjoyed reading this book. I feel like there is gonna be another book, because the element of suspense was not resolved.
January 8, 2019
Fantastic read! I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and would love to read a sequel. The intimate scenes were written well, with just enough detail. I loved that it was a story of finding love unexpectedly while maintaining some erotic heat. The ending was done in a fashion to the the story together as well as make the reader wanting more, perhaps a sequel is to be expected? I did find a continuity error and several editing mishaps that could be fixed, however I found myself not wanting to put the book down.
I received a free copy from Netgalley in return for my honest review. The views expressed above are those of my personal opinion.
I received a free copy from Netgalley in return for my honest review. The views expressed above are those of my personal opinion.
July 27, 2018
This book definitely held my interest, despite Kendall being a psychologist in training and completely breaking the rules, I still found it to be a to be a good story of two people who both have issues, finding love and strength in each other. I found some of the behaviour slightly unbelievable, but despite this I enjoyed it through to the end. I thought Mason's mother had way more issues she needed to deal with than her soon who she was paying Kendall to treat.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lulu Jones for a copy in return for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lulu Jones for a copy in return for an honest review.
October 4, 2018
This was an amazingly sweet story with a little suspense thrown in. I really liked watching Maton come out of his shell. He went through a traumatic event and was suffering from PTSD. At first, I thought he was an ass, but he turned into the sweetest guy. Watching Maton and Kendall fall in love was perfect. The only problem I have with this book is that I think there should have been an epilogue. An epilogue would have rounded out the story and provided a nice, tight ending.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.
October 13, 2018
This was a really interesting story and I really enjoyed getting to know both Kendall and Maton, these two meet when his mother hires her to help him with his anxiety as he no longer can leave his house since he was shot. At first, they clash and he is a complete jerk and she leaves but she cannot stay away not only has she taken the money but she is drawn to him. It is not long before they start to develop feelings for each other but what will happen if she is found out and what happens when the person who shot Maton goes after her.
October 4, 2018
I very much enjoyed this book and really liked the main characters and the chemistry between them was good to read. There was a few scenes in there that I didn't believe would happen and the ending very quickly tied up all the loose ends all very neatly. I would be keen to read more by the same author.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy to read in exchange for a honest review.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy to read in exchange for a honest review.
October 5, 2018
Very well written story that will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. He has anxiety from witnessing something. She is a highly educated psychology student. His mother pays her to try and help him. He is a brat to start with but they have great chemistry. If she gets caught sleeping with him it is game over. I was given a review copy by your new books and voluntarily review it.
August 15, 2018
Side Effect by Lulu Jones is a Contemporary Romance about Maton and Kendall. Kendall is a psychologist student who is given the job of working with Maton. He is a hard case, but Kendall is up for the task. Overall good book, easy story line to follow, It was a nice light read. I was provided with a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2018
I absolutely loved this book and was honored to have been able to read and review. It was such a phenomenal read and had amazing characters as well as an amazing story line. I just couldn't get enough of it and once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend that you read it.
July 30, 2018
I was grateful to receive a free copy of Side Effects in exchange for an honest review. This was a quick and easy read. Kendall and Maton were both likeable characters, and the story and plot we're well thought out and organized. The stroy got a little "long winded," but still worth the read.
July 31, 2018
Oh my goodness..... I absolutely loved this book......and fell in love with Maton with all his anxiety issues and Kendall, they seemed so perfect for each other if she could just get pass all his issues and fears......a must read....loved it
October 4, 2018
A story that drew me in from the very first page I enjoyed reading Kendall Atherton and Maton Lee's story. A book I will be reading again. I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
October 18, 2018
Just finished reading this book. I liked it so much I read it within a few hours. I couldn’t put it down. I enjoyed how the author wove the story arcs and kept you coming back until the end of the story. I realize it’s a stand-alone novel but I kinda want to know what happens next. We
October 23, 2018
I voluntarily read a advanced reader's copy of this book.
A new to me author Side Effect by Lulu Jones. A spicy enjoyable book with great characters. A author I look forward to checking out more books by.
A new to me author Side Effect by Lulu Jones. A spicy enjoyable book with great characters. A author I look forward to checking out more books by.
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