The Guy on the Left

The Underdogs #2

by Kate Stewart

It started with a lie. A night of blurred lines between a teacher and a student.

I wasn’t her student, yet it was the single most defining night of my life.

I’ve never been the man she thinks I am.

Most people have no idea about the life I’ve lived or the words that ring true when it comes to me—still waters run deep.

But you’d be hard-pressed to find a coed on the TGU campus who knows otherwise…because I’ve never corrected them.

The clock is ticking down, it’s Fourth and Inches with the ball inside the one-yard line and the focus is on me, The Guy on the Left. I’ve never felt like a football god, inside I’m…just Troy.

It’s time to set the record straight.

For my son, I‘ll find the strength.

In her eyes, I’m determined to gain redemption.

I will have them both, even if I have to take my eye off the ball.

All books in the series can be read as a stand-alone.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Sports Romance, College, Second Chance, Sports, Contemporary Romance

430 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 6, 2019

About the author

New York Times, USA Today, Amazon Charts, and Internationally bestselling author Kate Stewart, a Texas native, lives in North Carolina with her husband, Nick. Nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains, Kate pens messy, sexy, angst-filled contemporary romance, as well as romantic comedy and erotic suspense.

The Ravenhood Trilogy, consisting of Flock, Exodus, and The Finish Line, as well as the spinoff series, Ravenhood Legacy, have become NYT, USA Today, and International bestsellers as well as TikTok sensations. The Ravenhood was recently acquired for film adaptation with Kate set to co-write the script, as well as executive produce, which will kickstart her lifelong dream of becoming a filmmaker.

Amongst Kate’s other bestselling works, The Bittersweet Symphony Duet, specifically Drive, was a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist for best contemporary romance of 2017. Stewart’s works have been featured in USA Today, BuzzFeed, The New York Daily News, Huffington Post, Glamour Magazine, and translated into over twenty languages.



More info: https://geni.us/katestewartbooks

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read 'The Guy on the Right' earlier this year, I fell in love. That book was all kinds of epic and I was instantly intrigued with Troy, who was Theo's roommate. Then we found out the connection between Troy and Dante and I knew I had to have his book. I loved TGotR so much, I didn't know if this would be quite as good for me. Well... it was. In fact, I think it was a tiny bit better. Because along with being hilarious and a blast to read, it gave me all the feels. And Troy Jenner... Troy is Kate's best hero to date. I was obsessed with this book!

Troy Jenner told a lie one night to a pretty girl, and his life was forever changed. Troy and Clarissa meet at a bar and really hit it off. Clarissa is a new teacher, and she believes Troy is one too. A few months later, she finds out she's pregnant. And then she finds Troy. And then... she finds out Troy is not a teacher. No, he's not a teacher at all. He's an 18 year old high school student. Clarissa is devastated and more than a little upset, which is understandable. This puts her entire career, her entire life in jeopardy. She shuts Troy out and never wants to see him again.

Fast forward 5-6 years later. Even though Troy has never met his son, he's always done the best he can for him. He's been on the sidelines, watching out for them and helping when Clarissa will let him. But now that he has his life together, he's a senior in college and headed to the NFL, he feels like he can approach. Things are about to get hella complicated for all parties involved...

He’s so smart, my son. My son. He wasn’t a mistake. I refuse to believe it. I will be whatever he needs. For my son. It’s time to be a father.

My absolute favorite thing about this book was Troy and Dante's relationship. Troy really stepped up for him, and not only became a constant present in his life, but also his best friend. It was truly the sweetest, most heartwarming thing to witness. There were so many scenes between these two that made me laugh hysterically. I adored them together. I have to admit, it took a little while for me to warm to Clarissa. But I do understand why she made the choices she did.

Not only was the familial aspect of this story fantastic, but the romance was great as well. It was steamy, sweet, and messy at times, but it was still beautiful. Kate Stewart does the best job of writing love story's that are a bit of a mess, but still perfectly imperfect. I know I've said it once, but it bears repeating. Troy Jenner is the best hero Kate has ever written. That's hard for me to say because I love her Jack and Reid, but Troy truly takes the cake for me.

“I’m lucky you’re mine.” He turns to me, his eyes filling with emotion as I tell him my truth. “You’ve surprised me, Troy. In the best way.”

I loved that The Guy on the Left wasn't a carbon copy of TGotR. They are totally different books in a lot of ways, but both of them are equally wonderful. If you're looking for a heartwarming story that has a little angst, a lot of laughs, and a ton of heart, pick this book up! It's definitely one of my top top favorites of the year!!

“You and Dante, you redefined my dreams. My everything is yours.”

[Shabby -BookBistroBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

It pillaged my HEART, it devoured my SOUL, it has permeated in all my SENSES. It's NOT just a story, It's designed specially to give hope to common people like US, that Underdogs DO get their place in the sun. The Meek SHALL inherit the Love one day!
Oh my Achey Breaky Heart, be still...it swooned so fast and so often at Troy Jenner, it's dislodged from my chest and is lying panting between the pages!!!



“There’s no story if you give up.”
I have the privilege of calling Kate my friend and her integrity and sensitive personality is what first attracts you to her. That same honesty and subtlety mirrors in her writing. Very nuanced and refined, her penchant for picking up characters who are back benchers, stand in the second row, often invisible to Supple Coeds or cheerleading groupies and bringing them in the forefront is not boxed in any trope and Genre.
This could be a second chance, could be student- teacher or could be a sports romance...but it's NONE OF THE ABOVE.
Its more...so much MORE. Love, endurance, persistence, redemption, absolution & loyalty
“There’s no story if you give up.”



Only in her skillful hands can an underdog rise up to dislodge all the Alpha Macho Men and win the readers' hearts with their sincerity, their passion and their earthiness.. I'd fall in love with a Theo or a Troy any day cause they're REAL. They're struggling, they make mistakes, commit blunders, they lie, they omit truths....BUT they know a good thing when they see it and clasp it with both hands and never let go!
Tell me that isn't the man of your dreams, who'll be there for you in sickness and in health, in babysitting and child support, in fending off scowling besties and smarmy Co-workers.
Simplistic in detail, yet so deeply immersed in sentiments, it's a coming of age and coming to senses story of a lustful night that gets a bit colorless and stark in the daylight.



Troy Jenner, who we met as Theo Houseman's roommate in The Guy On The Right, gave an impression of being a happy-go-lucky, skirt chasing Jock and it's true to a certain point. But this book reveals his personality in full 3D.
"Love requires a little bit of idiocy and a hell of a lot of bravery,"
I wallowed happily in the puddle of his chin dimple, lived for his smirk smile and my heart went twirling merrily at his tight, sexy Ass on full display when he wore a leaf blower's costume!!
**screeeeeech**...wait whaatt??!!
Yep Kate is in Full On quirky and weirdo mode here.
"Weirdo means you'll never be boring, right!"



Yup it's the MOST INTERESTING and ENTERTAINING series ever!!
Troy surprised me with his genuineness, his dedication and loyalty
Clarissa turned out to be the strong woman, who instantly took upon the Mama Bear person and stuck to her guns. She's smart, independent, hardworking, although a bit lacking in self worth.
I got frustrated at times at her, wanted to shove her aside and go jump on Troy like a spider monkey and he could take me...the guy is a buffed up Footballer, so.....



But the HERO of the story is #LegitLife Dante Arden!!. He's sassy, super smart, a genius techie and downright adorable!!! He sees all, feels all and hears all and he has no filter...duh!!!😂😂😂
“Is Troy your boyfriend?”
“No.”
“Because you’re too old?”
“Yes, because Mommy is old, and her skin’s no longer supple.”
“What’s stupple mean?”
“That’s supple. It means I’m a weathered old fart who has nothing on the coeds.”
“What’s a coed?”
“Eat your breakfast.”
I can sit here all night singing it's praises or I can shove it in your faces and nag you till you read it, and I will
The Guy On The Left was definitely NOT Batman
The Guy On The Right is definitely NOT a Kid anymore
Wonder what The Guy In The Middle will be...🤔
"guess Gotham isn't safe tonight!"
6 stars for Fourth and Inches
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[chan ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

one too many conflicts but so so sexy and sweet. kate stewart has cemented herself as a new favorite for me.

[Bibi · Rating 5 out of 5]

*5 Exceptional stars*

When it comes to writing multi-dimensioned characters and stories with emotional depth, there are only a handful of authors that are on my list. Colleen Hoover, Penny Reid, JT Geissinger, Kate Stewart and Alessandra Torre, to mention a few.

After The Guy on the Right, I couldn't imagine how Stewart would redeem Troy or that his story could surpass Theo's.

But, wow.

WOW.

I was blown away, crying one minute yet dissolving into hysterical laughter the minute Dante opened his mouth (and what a mouth).

I fell in love with almost all the characters: Clarissa, Dante, Troy's mom, Parker...everyone. It takes a special kind of author to make you committed even to the most minor character. Stewart's talent is incredible. Bravo

[mel ☽ · Rating 3 out of 5]

#1: the guy on the right ↠ 5 stars
#2: the guy on the left ↠ 3 stars
#3: The Guy in the Middle ↠ tbr

3 stars

hmm not sure how or what to feel after reading this.

so from the previous book, we found out that Troy is actually the dad of Clarissa’s son (their neighbour), and i was kinda hesitant to read this because of how Troy was portrayed in Theo's book but i'm so glad i read this though.

Troy is your typical popular, man ho jock but... is he really? yeah sometimes. but his relationship with his son, Dante was what won me over. but his relationship with Clarissa? ehhh that's debatable.

and a side note: you really have to read The Guy on the Right before this because there were some key scenes there that wasn't shown here.

what i liked:
↠ Dante and Troy. they were just sooo CUTE
↠ Dante's successful career as a vlogger. i stan this. if he was real, i would totally buy his merch in a heartbeat even though they cost 60 bucks.
↠ Theo and Laney snippets. i miss these two dorks.
↠ ... and did i mention Dante? i feel like i need to mention him a few times because that kid was the highlight in this book. without him, i would've been bored as hell.

what i disliked (SPOILERS):
↠ Troy sleeping around for the first 3 months (first 30-ish%) they started talking, while Clarissa stayed "innocent".
truthfully, i didn't care about this because I didn't connect with Clarissa so i didn't feel the usual anger i feel whenever this is a trope. i just hate how he has feelings for her but still sleeps around and Clarissa basically stayed celibate the entire time. she dated this dude Brett that we didn't even meet till the last part of the book but there was no development there whatsoever. but Troy's reasonings about sleeping around were so confusing and jumbled up. one time he says he does it because he's stressed and then another time he said that he was afraid of commitment?

i don't know... this whole ONS/OW in the beginning just lessens the credibility and genuineness of his claims that he only "wants" her. and again, actions speak louder than inner monologue!! his actions were louder when it came to being a dad to Dante but not as a boyfriend to Clarissa.

↠ the drama at the end.
Troy was being unfair here. i really don't like when a heroine is the one who's begging for forgiveness, grovelling, or moping when they had the right to not trust the hero. i mean, i understand both sides but Troy literally blamed everything on her and didn't own up to HIS own mistakes. and he's also kind of a hypocrite. when heroine rejected him or was mad at him, he quickly had a ONS with Theo's ex (this scene was in Theo's book but it was glossed over here) but when he got mad at her because she needed OM's help since she needs to work TWO jobs, he broke up with her and basically ignored her while she moped around?? i dislike that.

↠ didn't connect with Clarissa at all.
even though i've been going on and on about how annoying Troy's actions were, i just didn't care about Clarissa. honestly, all i care about is Dante. THAT'S IT.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

i realllyyy wanted to like this one but it was honestly just meh compared to The Guy on the Right. nothing really happened here and i didn't feel any giddiness when it came to the romance because was there even one?

but nevertheless, Troy was still a good character/person in my opinion, and both characters definitely have plenty of flaws and imperfections but im all for that. so, if you're interested in reading characters who aren't right or wrong, then i recommend this.

[Nayeli ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

✨1.75 - 2 Stars✨
☆ Unpopular opinion just entered the chat ☆

BR with Lau 💗


This book was a total disaster! 😭
Although it had potencial, it wasn't executed well at all. Also, I couldn't connect with the characters, so that was my main issue.

➥ Summary -maybe not the best, lol-:
After a night together, Clarissa (h) and Troy (H) don't see each other again until she realizes she's gotten pregnant. The main problem is that Troy lied about his age by telling her that he was older when the truth is that he was a senior, while she was already working as a teacher -not at the same school-.
So, Clarissa upon learning the truth, gets upset, complains about the whole situation and decides to get away from him by not giving him the chance to be with his son. Six years later, Troy decides to look for her to finally meet his son (Dante) and begin to be part of his life, so little by little he looks for a way to get closer to him even if Clarissa doesn't want him.

And from here the drama begins...😂


THIS REVIEW WILL BE FULL OF SPOILERS‼️


➥ What I didn't like:

1. Lau and I were outraged and upset throughout the book because of the stupid decisions of the MCs, seems like they don't know what COMMUNICATION means🙂👍🏻
And all I could think was 'omg noo, poor Dante' 🥺🥺

2. I'm just going to say that Dante deserved better😪 I wanted more scenes of him so I can get to know him a little bit more, but all we had was Clarissa and Troy being such an immature adults who couldn't get their sh*t together for their son.

3. That being said, another thing that I didn't like was them being horny ALL THE TIME, WHY??!! I know is a romance book, but the whole situation about Dante was super important for me, and all they did was either fight (a lot) or just fuck.

4. The epilogue🤐...uhm, just why? Cringeee.

➥ Honorable mention for Parker, such a great friend... 🙃🎖️
Parker was Clarissa's best friend and she was very annoying, I don't even understand why she was there, sorry not sorry.

There was a scene where she answered some texts as if she was Clarissa just because she was angry with Troy after a huge fight -yes, again-at this point, I don't even know how many times they screamed at each other. So, Parker answered the texts for her to make Troy see that everything was fine between them, and he, thinking it was Clarissa, sent her a dick pic. After this, Troy learns the truth and becomes angry. All of this just to add more unnecessary drama to the book as if there wasn't enough already.




➥ Now what I liked:

♡ I LOVED the note Dante wrote were he was accepting Troy as his father even though in that moment he didn't know the truth.

♡ The conversation between Troy and his mother was everything I needed to be happy.

♡ The best character of the book: Dante, Dante, Dante, Dante, Dante!! I just wanted to give him a big hug, awww😍😍




♡ The last 10% of the book was completely different, and I have to admit that I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. What a huge difference! The communication between Clarissa and Troy finally worked out haha


➥ By the way: I enjoyed the recipes at the end of the chapters more than their immature relationship. There you go, I said it!


➥ Graciass Lau por haber leído este libro conmigo, de verdad que no sé cómo hubiera descargado todo mi enojo jaja😂🥰 discutirlo contigo fue demasiado chévere, we did it! 🥳

[Lau ♡ · Rating 1 out of 5]

⛔ UNPOPULAR OPINION AHEAD ⛔

The Guy on the Left is the perfect example of how important it is to have well-written characters in a story. The idea could have been great but, in my opinion, it was poorly developed. This is my first 2 star reading of the year, and it hurts to give this rating after loving the first book so much, but I would have dnf it if it wasn’t a BR. I was suffering along with Nayeli so at least we could complain about how nonsense everything was, which was a lot more fun than reading it.


The book starts when Clarissa gets pregnant after spending a night with Troy. But when she goes to the school he said he worked in, she discovers he is not a teacher, but a student. Angry at him, she demands him to stay away from her and the baby, and Troy respects her wishes for ages. Until, six years later, he decides he's done stalking them from the shadows.

I will be whatever he needs. It’s time to be a father.


I can’t remember the last time I disliked so much the main couple. First, we have Troy, who has some endearing moments, but spoils every one of them because he doesn’t have any sense. He says/thinks something, and he does the complete opposite. I don’t know if he is lying to the reader, to himself, has a bipolar disorder or just enjoys being annoying.

For example, in the beginning, Troy tells you that his father left them when he was little. Because of that, he is sure that it would be better for his son to have him as his father than not having a dad at all. He tells you how much he wants to be Dante's father, how much he loves his son.


I had nothing to offer, but something inside me was dying to try and fill those shoes, at least in the sense of being present. In my eyes, any father who tried was better than none at all, which was the hand I got dealt.


What did he do instead? Respect Clarissa's wishes and stay away from him. Like we weren’t in the 21st century where he has the rights to see his child, despite what Clarissa says. I understand that Clarissa was trying to do what she thought was better for his child, but she could make mistakes, and if Troy was so sure and loved his child so much as he said he did, why did he prefer to let her do whatever she wanted? He chose to 'respect' the decision of a woman he knew for one night, over what he thought was better for his child. I’m sorry, but having in mind his thoughts and background, I don't think his actions were logical.

But it’s not only that, I could put several examples of him doing that all over the book. There is a scene where he says Dante is the love of his life. Next chapter, after not being able to see Dante for more than a week, instead of going to see him, he calls someone to take care of him, so he can go directly to Clarissa’s job -he actually enters in the class while she is teaching- and they have all the house empty to have sex. Maybe it's me, but wouldn't it make better sense to go see your beloved child, the one you couldn't be with for six years, and then have sex with his mother? Just saying.


Clarissa was not better. She was a drama queen and the most annoying character I’ve read this year. I understand her being angry with Troy because he lied to her. She has the right to do that. For a month, maybe two. But for SIX YEARS?? Are you kidding me? Troy lies and your mature, rational answer is to steal his son from him forever?? Not only that, but she decides to complain about how hard it was to raise the child alone to make Troy feel bad. Raising a child is really hard, but Troy wanted to be there, and she didn’t let him. I couldn’t stand her playing the victim for being alone when she was the one to blame for that. Troy lost six years of Dante’s life because of her, sorry but not sorry, I don’t pity her.


“The whole time I was just...sad. Sad for myself, sad for my baby who didn’t have a chance at normalcy because his father told a selfish lie.” Her voice is shaking, and I clench my fists, itching to pull her into my arms. She lifts her chin defiantly.“So, while you paint me the bad guy for all you’ve missed, and all the effort you’ve put in, just remember that you deprived me of what was supposed to be one of the happiest times of my life.” (....)

“I would’ve been there. I wanted to be there. If you would have just reached out, I would have been there.”

“I didn’t want you there.”




I could be complaining about them all day, but I think I had enough. I’m so sorry for the child. Neither of them deserve Dante, he is such an unique, great character, and a lot more mature than both his parents together. Dante and his grandmother are the only things I liked in this book, but I didn’t enjoy him as I’d have wanted because I was too busy being angry at his parents.



Muchísimas gracias Nayeli por el BR!! Fue un alivio poder quejarse de lo frustrante que eran los personajes, aunque siento mucho que tuviéramos que sufrir las dos sus dramas. Espero que el siguiente nos guste más, aunque la verdad es que Troy y Clarissa lo han dejado fácil de superar...

↬ Series:

1.The Guy on the Right: 4.25 stars❤️

2. The Guy on the Left: 1.5 stars.

[Hulya Kara Yuksel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally devoured this book. It was so good! :)

And I need a book about Dante in the near future! Please, Kate Stewart. Just hear me out, ok? :D

[Patty ~ Wrapped Up In Reading Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****FIVE +++++++ STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}


I’ll never let her be alone again in the way she described to me. Instead of useless words of assuring her of it, I’ll prove that promise. And that’s going to take time. The more I become integrated into their lives, the more I feel like I can do anything, everything, for them both.






The ”Underdog” series is by far, one of Kate Stewart’s best. Each installment is as amazing as the last. ”THE GUY ON THE LEFT” pulls you in from page one. Towards the end of ”The Guy On The Right”, we were given a big reveal as to the connection between Troy, Clarissa, and Dante, but nothing could have prepared me for the bomb that was dropped in the prologue. From then I knew this was going to be nothing short of a STELLAR read. For those of you with weak hearts, who avoid angst at all cost, this is not the book for you. But, if you’re like me, and ANGST is your middle name—get ready to have your hearts completely annihilated. Don’t worry, it will all be worth it in the end.








What I’ve learned from this one is that Troy may be the Hero with the most depth and biggest heart of all the characters thus far. His unforgivable lie set the couple down a path that would bring them so much pain but one beautiful outcome was Dante. Dante just about stole every scene that he was in. Troy and Dante’s relationship will pull at readers’ heartstrings! Troy’s determination to do right by Dante and Clarissa made him my new top favorite Kate Stewart Hero!!





Here are my overall ratings:

Hero: 5++++
Heroine: 5
Plot: 5++++
Angst: 5
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5




”THE GUY ON THE LEFT” is currently available! It could be read as a standalone, but do yourselves a favor and read ”The Guy On The Right” and ”The Guy in The Middle”, which you can find in the ”Team Player 2 Anthology”. You get to meet Theo and Lance in those two and there’s a healthy dose of Troy in them as well!!




AMAZON US: https://amzn.to/2PmwlRs
AMAZON UK: https://amzn.to/38j4dHh
AMAZON CA: https://amzn.to/351VsPQ
AMAZON AU: https://amzn.to/2YpMhXf

[Astrid - The Bookish Sweet Tooth · Rating 3 out of 5]

TITLE: THE GUY ON THE LEFT
AUTHOR: Kate Stewart
SERIES: The Underdogs #2
RELEASE DATE: December 8, 2019
GENRE: Sports Romance, New Adult
THEMES & TROPES: Surprise Pregnancy
RATING: 3 Stars
CLIFFHANGER: No

READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG






I has sad. After finishing THE GUY ON THE RIGHT I was so looking forward to Troy and Clarissa's story but this didn't wow me the way I expected.

I see the safety gang is throwing a shitfit over Troy - I wish they'd get the facts straight. After so many books they should be aware that Kate Stewart doesn't write "safe" stories. Her characters are REAL, messy, chaotic and full of flaws. It's why I love her books. Sure, some of the drama we saw in Theo's story spills over into this one but I can't emphasize enough that Troy never knew that he'd slept with Theo's ex or hit on Theo's girlfriend until after the fact. So please make sure you have your facts right before casting judgment.

Troy lied about his age when he knocked up Clarissa and has been paying for it for six years. Six years of missing his son grow up. Missing all his firsts.
This in itself is unforgivable but six years holding a grudge for something a teenager did is a completely different universe of unforgivable. I was hoping for Kate Stewart to come through again and make it work. I wish I could say she did - I love her stories so, so much and it pains me to say that THE GUY ON THE LEFT wasn't the book for me.

The way Clarissa treated Troy was rotten. She went so far as to not tell her best friend how Troy had been trying to support his son and his son's mother because she wanted her to hate him too. So suffice to say, Clarissa and I weren't off to a good start. There were so many situations where I thought that this heroine went out of line but the last abuse of Troy's trust got to me the most. He had proven again and again to Clarissa that he was a good man and could be trusted. So when Troy was counting on her to believe him and needed her support more than ever she let him down. Big time.

“You’re the only one who’s seen me, in years. You’re the only one who’s seen me, and you”—tears glide down his face—“ you still couldn’t believe me. You’re the one person in the fucking world I needed to believe me.”

Here is where I never wanted to forgive Clarissa - it's a bad sign when you want the hero to end up with someone else, someone who deserves him. The author did make me come around in the last 10-15% because Clarissa knew how badly she messed up and started to fight for Troy but I couldn't completely forgive how she treated him until then. In her selfishly holding on to her grudge she not only took those precious first years away from Troy and Dante but also caused heartbreak to other people.

It’s my time to prove I will fight for him, as he has for me. It’s time to show him that words aren’t a fool’s gold when spoken from the right heart. I love him. I believe in him. I believe in us, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make him see what I do, a future, together. Love requires a little bit of idiocy and a hell of a lot of bravery, and I’ll be the fool for him.

Ms Stewart's portrayal of Troy compensated me for the frustration with Clarissa. He was so much more than this cocky, funny guy let on in THE GUY ON THE RIGHT. He had so much depth and sweetness and he and his son Dante were the reasons why I still look at this book in a positive light. Troy loved Dante with all his heart and wanted to do right by him and his mother. He was a hardworking man who was punished for a single mistake for years that, yes, could have been a big issue for Clarissa but the point is it wasn't and Troy apologized for it so many times.

Now I've talked a lot about what didn't work for me so now I'll let you in on why I still loved some of it. The writing. Oh my god, this author's words are everything. So many beautiful, poignant quotes I marked because they just settled in my heart. There was also humor that took the weight of the angst off of this story. And then there was Dante who made me smile so many times. He was such a cute little smartass.

“I’ve memorized you, Clarissa, the shape of your lips, the lilt of your voice, your every smile, every mood, your everything."

Kate Stewart is one of those authors I trust implicitly and don't get me wrong - I still do. There is also a huge number of high-starred reviews so please don't take my word for it. Everyone experiences books differently and there is a good chance you will love THE GUY ON THE LEFT. Make sure to check them out and go from there!

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

Wanting this woman is torture. Loving this woman is fucking humiliating.

I feel like I've been waiting forever for this book. But nothing could have prepared me for the impact Troy's story would have on me. When I first met him as a secondary character in The Guy on the Right, he was the ultimate hottie. A jock, a womanizer, a guy that had the world handed to him and took full advantage of it. Well ha! The joke is on me. Because while he may exude the typical hot jock vibe, he's anything but. He's truly the underdog, because beneath the good looking exterior is the broken heart of a boy just looking to belong and have love. He longs to be seen for who he is, but life hasn't always been easy on him. What makes it all the more excruciating is everyone's perception of the easy going playboy that gets everything handed to him when he's had to work for everything he has.

Troy's story runs parallel to the events in The Guy On The Right, but also takes you back to the beginning to the night that set everything in motion. The night when Troy told a lie that irrevocably changed his and Clarissa's life. What was supposed to be a hot one night stand, turned into something different. But then Clarissa gets the surprise of not only a pregnancy, but also that Troy's not exactly as old as he said. While he's 18 because he was held back a year in middle school, he's still a senior in high school and she's a high school teacher. The lie causes the ultimate rift and causes Clarissa to cut Troy out of her life to raise their baby on her own.

Now I have to admit, I really, really disliked Clarissa for large parts of the book. I understood why she did what she did, but at the same time, I hated everything she puts Troy through four years later. Troy never abandoned them and was contempt of watching from afar while still trying to be a part of his son's life in a silent help sort of way. I think being in Troy's head made it that much more difficult to like Clarissa through some of the more painful parts.

My heart broke for them and for Troy. I loved their adorable little boy Dante, and the way he forms a bond with his father unknowing of their connection. He was the sweetest secondary character and I couldn't get enough of his cute and sassy personality.

This was a slow burn of epic proportions with enough angst to make you want to rip your heart out. Kate Stewart is truly the queen of feels, and she tugs at every single heartstring with this book. It was a beautiful, emotional, and utterly unforgettable story of forgiveness and second chances. I can't wait for more in this series.

ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

Find me on:

[Kate Stewart]

★The Guy on the Left is NOW LIVE & FREE to read with KINDLE UNLIMITED! ★

Grab your copy here!

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★ABOUT THE BOOK ★

It started with a lie. A night of blurred lines between a teacher and a student.

I wasn’t her student, yet it was the single most defining night of my life.

I’ve never been the man she thinks I am.

Most people have no idea about the life I’ve lived or the words that ring true when it comes to me—still waters run deep.

But you’d be hard-pressed to find a coed on the TGU campus who knows otherwise…because I’ve never corrected them.

The clock is ticking down, it’s Fourth and Inches with the ball inside the one-yard line and the focus is on me, The Guy on the Left. I’ve never felt like a football god, inside I’m…just Troy.

It’s time to set the record straight.

For my son, I‘ll find the strength.

In her eyes, I’m determined to gain redemption.

I will have them both, even if I have to take my eye off the ball.

[Andrea Fleury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored troy.. So sexy.. So sweet. This book was a hot to me. I was disappointed when it ended. I could of kept reading for days.This whole series is the best.

[Ana Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Same as always: while she has to deprive herself of other relationships to raise her child he certainly had no problem moving on with other women. I don't know how long these authors will persist in these ridiculous double standards. Women today may well have time to raise their children and enjoy male company. WE ARE NO MORE IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY FOR GOD'S LOVE! And "Zero" might well have waited less time to take approach with his son, but he was certainly too "busy" to take on its real responsibility. And he is a "book boyfriend"? Definitely not for me. Too much sexism? See for yourself:

"Zeroin":

"I take the streets that lead toward home thinking of how long it’s been since I’ve been on a date. A year? Longer? I tell Parker all the time to take a chance and put herself out there, all the while not taking my own advice. It’s a lot harder to simply date around with sensitive ears and an impressionable boy to keep in mind. For years it’s been just the two of us, and I’ve been content with that."

........
"Zero":

"I know that my verbiage at times may be a bit harsh with the ladies, I can see it in the faces of the women I bed. That, in and of itself, has given me my reputation. But I live with my guilt, and my regret daily, so the words tend to come easy when it’s time to speak up."

"I fuck like there is no tomorrow because there isn’t."

........

"During my morning coffee on the porch yesterday, I’d caught him escorting a girl out on her walk of shame. She looked melancholy as he bid her goodbye. He might be capable of fathering as he claims, but he’s still a wildly sought-after college senior, apparently still getting where the getting is good. And I can’t exactly blame those women, Troy is ridiculously appealing, with his athletic build and natural swagger. I’m sure to women of all ages and types, Troy’s that guy. "
.........

"I don’t expect Clarissa to catch wind of any rumors on campus, but she’s caught me once or twice bidding farewell to a couple of girls on the way out, even though I’ve taken special care to get them gone before Dante wakes. "


So he moved into the next apartment to continue fucking around (and spends more than a half of the book doing that) and make his son's mom witness it? And at the end who do you think had to crawl and beg for forgiveness??????


“I tell you I hit on another woman, and you tell me you love me.” He shakes his head, his eyes incredulous. “Can’t you see how fucked up we are?”

.........

“I don’t want to live like this anymore.”

“Me neither.” She slides a hand down my jaw. “I’m so sorry I hurt you. You did everything right. From the minute you stepped up to my door. You’re right. I gave you hell and not enough of what you deserved. But I do respect you, Troy, and I trust you, for whatever it’s worth.”

.......

“Hey, when did you get in?”

I stifle my cries in my hand, knowing I’m taking too damn long to reply.

“J-j-just a minute ago…I wanted to take a quick shower before I tucked him in,” my voice cracks and I wince hoping he didn’t hear it. He pauses outside the door, and I know I’ve given myself away. He’s still punishing me, and for him, I’ll endure it, in hopes one day he’ll forgive me. In hopes that one day, he’ll look at me the way he did just weeks before. Parker told me today that he waited over six years for me to see him for who he really is. It’s now my loyalty in question and my own redemption I’m after.

.......

Are you kidding me right?! My goodness! I give up on this shit.

[Arini · Rating 5 out of 5]

#1 The Guy on the Right — 4 Stars
#2 The Guy on the Left — 4.5 Stars
#3 The Guy in the Middle — 4.5 Stars

Dante is my kryptonite. Gah! I love him with all my heart. He stole the spotlight in this book, and I would like to fervently dedicate my rating to him. This book was still as hysterically funny as the first one, but it was also heavier and felt more ‘mature’ on some level. The #redemptionlovestory in this was so gratifying.

Due to the preconceived notions I had on Troy in the first book (thanks to Theo and his insecurities), I was pretty bummed to know that he was the H in this book. Praise the Lord, I was so wrong to have misjudged his character. I was still not proud with his habit of sleeping around, but he’s also proved that he was more than a ‘stereotype’.

I admired his determination to right his past mistake, to take charge and be a responsible father, and his hardworking nature. I was honestly annoyed with Clarissa for ‘making things difficult’ for Troy, but it only made all of Troy’s efforts in gaining her trust even more satisfying to read. The HEA epilogue was absolutely one of my favorite moments.

Overall, this book for me was more emotional and had more drama compare to the first standalone. I definitely loved this even more too just bcs ‘babies and kids’ is my favorite trope. I didn’t care much about the romance as I did the parents son relationship and the family dynamic in this book. I can’t wait to read the broody, quiet, and mysterious Lance’s story in the next book.

[Jessica Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be perfectly frank, Troy's book has been one of my most highly anticipated reads of this entire year. I have been literally dying for the story of the Texas Grand football superstar and his single mom neighbor since I was first introduced to him in The Guy on the Right. I was DESPERATE for the story behind this guy, this womanizing athlete with a reputation that preceded him but who definitely seemed misunderstood by the time I'd finished Theo's book. 

Well. 

Let me just say, Kate Stewart brought it with The Guy on the Left and I was here for all of it. This book took every expectation I had for Troy's book and BLEW THE HELL OUT OF THEM. This was a story of second chances. This was a slow burn enemies to lovers romance. This was a story full of angst and push and pull and the most EPIC, LUSH ROMANCE. This was a book that was so SEXY, so STEAMY, so PERFECTLY PACED. The fierce attraction and the palpable tension and the relentless war of emotion had me feeling like it was 2012 all over again and I'd just discovered why the romance genre was my jam. I didn't want to go to work. I didn't want to go to sleep. I never wanted out of Troy's orbit. I'm still desperate to go back. 

I honestly don't even have words. Troy stole my heart in this book for every single unquantifiable reason. For his dynamic with Dante. For his selflessness and his devotion and his sweetness and for all the ways he was never what we thought he was. For how determined he is to deserve a shot. For how much he loves his mother. For the way he blows leaves. For the way he stands up for himself, for what he wants, for people that deserve it. For the way he demonstrates who he is and, later, the way he says it out loud. For the way he grows up into exactly what Clarissa doesn't even know she needs. I can't fully describe how much I loved him but he came through and just ended wayyyyyyyy high up on my list of top favorite romance heroes everrrrrr.

Kate Stewart slayed with this book. She can't write the same book twice so you never actually know what you'll get when she delivers a new story. She upped her game yet again with The Guy on the Left and I could not have possibly loved this book more. I laughed my ass off on every page. This book mixes angsty, heart wrenching romance with the smart hilarity of a rom com and the result was nothing short of SUPERB. Parker's dialogue, Dante's one liners, the antics these characters get up to amidst the most complicated, deliciously painstaking love story was everything I could've ever wanted. 

I was head over heels in love and lust with every page of The Guy on the Left. It's not only one of my top favorite reads from this author but it's one of my favorite romances of the year. I can not say enough about Troy and I wouldn't want to if I had the words. Read it. Feel it. Fall in love with him as I did. Let Kate Stewart's absorbing storytelling take you through the most unforgettable story of forgiveness and determination and just feel all the things. You HAVE to read this book and I highly recommend reading Theo's book first just so you can fully appreciate Troy's journey. It's phenomenal. It's epic. It's unbelievably romantic, the kind that cracks your heart and melts it and claws it's way in and never relents. Start there and then brace yourself for The Guy on the Left because Troy's story is one that will MAKE YOUR ENTIRE YEAR. 

[Malene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Stewart writes the best heroes. I didn’t think she was able to top Theo Houseman from The Guy On The Right but she did. Troy motherfucking Jenner! Lord my ovaries were working overtime while reading TGOTL. Troy knocked Theo off the number 1 spot and claimed it. Phew... what a man indeed.
After being introduced to Troy in The Guy On The Right I just knew and hoped I would get his story cause there was so much potential and I was intrigued as hell by his behavior and his interaction with his female neighbor Clarissa and her son Dante. Yes, Dante is Troy’s kid but how he was conceived and was transpired between Clarissa and Troy are a whole different matter. A lie that caused a friction between the two of them but Troy wants to make amends. To prove himself worthy. Not only to his son and Clarissa but also to himself. He succeeds! Big time.

The Guy On The Left is an emotional, honest and angsty slow burn redemption story. I appreciate the author for making Troy and Clarissa take their time getting together, cause a lot of unresolved issues and fears had to be resolved before anything serious could happen between them. They had to get to know one another from scratch and that takes time. Along with Troy slowly getting to know and spend time with his son. His and Clarissa’s friendship turned into a beautiful courtship where trust and their son were the primary focus. Yes, it’s Troy’s redemption story but it takes two to tango and Clarissa is not without blame. They both made mistakes and she too had to prove herself.
I fell hard for Troy, Dante and Clarissa. Also her bestie Parker was terrific. A wonderful ensemble of characters.

TGOTL is different from book 1 in the Underdog series and that’s what makes it even more special to me. It’s witty, angsty and so romantic. The perfect mix and with Kate Stewart’s flawless writing and humor to boot it’s a winner. She delivers every time. I want to be MRS Jenner!

5 Pretty Fucking Mess Stars

[preoccupiedbybooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved The Guy on the Right so was looking forward to this sequel, but I didn't really like this.

I liked Troy, he was immature but then again he was 18 at the start of the book and only 24 for the rest. He tried hard to be a good dad and was pretty likeable. I didn't have an issue with his one night stands because him and Clarissa were not together.
I liked Parker, Clarissa's best friend, she was a lot of fun.
I liked Dante, he was a cute and funny kid.

I detested Clarissa though. She withheld Troy from his son for almost seven years. She deprived him of that relationship with his son, of Dante having a father, of Troy's mum having a grandchild. Yes he lied when he was 18, but to not give him access for all that time was awful and I didn't enjoy reading about it. Their relationship was so dysfunctional and juvenile, and there was no trust.
I'm not having much luck with romance books at the moment, and this makes me sad ☹️

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars ⭐️

[GimmeAllTheWerdssss]

Scanned to just see if the Hero could be celibate while pursuing the heroine...NOPE!

He lives next door to her and his son and the heroine has seen him escort numerous women out of his door (in less than 3 months)...while all the time saying he wants a chance with the heroine,

Not once did she throw in his face all the OW, yet he couldn't handle the fact that she took an internship with her ex boyfriend (she wasn't even working directly under the ex...she was interning with one of his employees) so that she could provide a better life for her child??!! Yeah...real fatherly material here people.

And the final straw...him blaming her for everything. She confesses her love but he just can't be with her anymore because she's taking time to trust him. He's always planned on playing pro ball and moving away. Add that to his past and why the hell should she believe him??!! God forbid she protect her child!

Last note....if it acts like a fckboi, talks like a fckboi, and fcks like a fckboi then you sir are a fckboi!
The hero stated that no one saw him any differently therefore wouldn't give him a chance...well, how about you take some ownership of your actions and not be a fckboi anymore??

[MELISSA *Mel Reader* · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!
(ARC provided by Wordsmith Publicity)



Troy Jenner is a college senior at Texas Grand University. He plays football for the Texas Grand Rangers, and is one of their star players. He has a reputation as a playboy athlete, and is the golden boy of TGU. School and football have been his life for years. He has dreams of the NFL, but the one thing that consumes his thoughts is a moment from his past that would shape, change, and define his life. A lie he told that would forever haunt him. It’s been tearing him apart for years, and he��s finally ready to do something about it. The only thing that matters to him are playing ball, and making a connection with his boy. He’s no longer an immature teenager, and he needs to know his son.

Clarissa Arden is a high school teacher in Texas who becomes a single mom at the age of 23 when she has a no strings hook up with a gorgeous guy. She later learns he’s a student. Not her student, but still a teenager. She’s angry and feels betrayed. She vows to never forgive him for putting her in this position. After almost six years he shows up on her doorstep. She’s leery of his intentions, and used to doing things on her own. She tries to ignore how ridiculously sexy he still is, but no matter how hard she’d tried, she’s never forgotten the hottest night of her life.



Now 29, Clarissa is still just as stunning as Troy remembers. He is suddenly infatuated with her, and soon realizes he wants to be a part of her life too, but she doesn’t trust him. Actions speak louder than words, and he plans to prove himself. It will take time, but he’s determined not to give up. He just wants a chance. He’s never felt this way before. Could he actually be more to Clarissa than the neighbor, or her baby daddy? Will she let him close enough to capture her heart?



-“You’re the only one who’s seen me, in years.”

-“You’re all I see, all I can feel.”

-I’ve never in my life felt so worshipped, so intoxicated by a man’s touch. I’ve never, ever, been kissed like this.



The Guy on the Left (An Underdog Love Story, book 2) by Kate Stewart is a heartwarming, emotional, unforgettable story about love, redemption, and second chances. It’s a hilarious enemies to lovers romance about a misunderstood guy who is nothing like he appears to be. Everything about this book was perfection. My new Kate Stewart favorite book and book boyfriend! I fell in love with all the layers of this beautiful man. I didn’t think it was possible to top Theo from The Guy on The Right, but OMG, then Kate gives us T-R-O-Y!!! This character will check all your boxes. The way he loves with his whole heart and soul is breathtaking! I can’t quit thinking about Troy Jenner!!!



***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2LHhVu8

[lazybookconqueror · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I give this book 10.000 stars?
I thought The Guy on the Right was a great book, but I was NOT prepared for Troy's book at all.
It was a perfect combination of sweet, funny, heartbreaking, endearing, steamy, and real.

Clarissa is a high-school teacher that hit it off with a crazy good looking guy in a bar and had a one night stand. Three months later and she's pregnant and trying to figure out how she's going to break the news to him. Troy told her he was a teacher as well, but when she goes to his ''work-place'' she finds out not only that he isn't a teacher, but an 18-year-old student. Devasted about the lie and scared not only for the child but that this can actually be portrayed as a crime, she tells him to stay away from her and the kid and that they can never be seen together, ever.



Troy is devasted, yes, he is a sweet-talker that takes what he can get, but he grew up with a single mom, and abandoning his son is not ok with him at all. But, he's young and really doesn't know what to do. So he keeps his distance but is always lurking and stalking Clarissa through social media, trying to see his son's first steps, watching them in the park and sending checks that she never uses. Clarissa notices him and doesn't do anything. She never invites him in, but never properly sends him away.



That's until Troy is in his senior year of college, it's five years later and he is finally in a position to man-up. He rents a room in the house next to Clarissa and their son Dante. If you read The Guy on the Right you know that he starts living in Theo's house. And that's just another great thing about this book, how it perfectly intertwines with TGOTR and gives you all the explanations the first book didn't. We all thought we would never like Troy when seeing him through Theo's eyes, but it happens that we just didn't have any context at all, and seeing how both stories complement each other is just another example of Kate Stewart's perfect writing.

Now, it's time for Troy to try to make up for lying and not being present. But, he's not the only one who's guilty, and in trying to construct a family he in Clarissa understand that loving someone is complicated and it takes so much effort, but also, it's worth it. They embark on a rollercoaster slow-burn romance where there's so much to overcome, but the payoff is beautiful. Especially, because it just seems so real.



But truly, TGOTL won my heart in showcasing Troy's relationship with his son Dante. Troy's commitment to being a good parent, the way he just noticed and guided his son was so beautiful and had me teary-eyed half the time. It was just an amazing thing to read, and Troy was not only redeemed he probably became Kate Stewart's best hero to date.



I will keep this book in my heart for a long time.
It's everything that I want to find in a contemporary romance, full of depth, compassion, drama, and a heartfelt resolution.

.Thank you to Kate Stewart and WordSmith publicity for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[h o l l i s · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was warned by some that book two in this series wasn't on par with book one. But I'm not sure I expected it to be.. this.

I'm sorry to say there wasn't a single thing in this that I enjoyed. Not the drama (of which there was a lot), not the characters, not the soap opera-style dialogue without any sense of actual emotion fueling them, just words thrown around, not the stalking-because-I-care behaviour that no one ever acknowledged was a problem (seriously he did this for years and at one point references hanging outside a window to listen to a baby cry.. like, wow, no), the back and forth rehashing of the same problems over and over again even though you thought you'd kind of resolved it the chapter before but surprise nope, the really annoying child character (I swear I got over this and found myself enjoying the young precocious child character concept but this one? nah..) .. I could go on.

Troy has always been diligent with his stalking. But can it really considered stalking when it's your own child you're watching over? I decide it can't. <-- this is from the female protagonist's perspective. I hate it.

Everything I liked in book one was missing to the point that I truly don't understand how this is the same series much less the same author. Was I drunk? Punked? I'm mostly being a shit but honestly, it makes you wonder.

I've already deleted this off my kindle and we're just going to pretend it never happened. I think the third book is the final in this series but I've already side eyed some reviews, one from someone who warned me about book two but more telling are reviews by those who loved books one AND two, so that's not reassuring. Completionist in me wants to wrap this up but considering I wanted to DNF this like twelve times.. the odds don't look great. We'll see. It won't be soon, that's all I'm saying. I would still recommend book one. But, as of right now, treat it as a one and done.

1.5 stars

----

This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for the awesomeness that is Troy Jenner

Oh wow, I loved this book! A second-chance book in more way than one as a single father fights for his family, and the one that got away. Told with emotion, humour, angst and a whole lot of heart, this book had me absolutely captivated and I freaking loved it!

The Guy on the Right was the first book in this series, and it was a funny and romantic read that I loved! It also dropped a massive bomb when it was revealed that Theo’s roommate, Troy – star football player and all-round party boy – was a father. Dun dun duuuuuuun! It was a fabulous twist, and I have been SO excited to get my hands on this book which, in my opinion, was even better than the first.

Troy and Clarissa met in a bar and shared one life-changing night together. Life-changing in more ways than one, because not only was their connection (and the sex) truly unforgettable, but it also resulted in an unexpected pregnancy. When Clarissa goes to share the news with Troy, she’s dreaming of all that they could be together as a family, only to learn that he lied to her when they met and he’s an 18 year old high school student. Clarissa has just gotten her first teaching job, which puts her in a seriously difficult position so, heartbroken and terrified for her future, she pushes Troy away with a demand to stay out of her life for good.

Six years later, and Troy is now a College senior with plans for a career in the NFL. He’s never actually met his son, but he has watched him in secret, and has contributed whenever he can, staying as close as he can without interfering. When he discovers that Clarissa has moved, and he sees an ad for a room to rent right next door, it seems like fate, which is how he ends up boarding with Theo, and how he comes to finally meet the little boy he has loved from afar for so long.

I love, love, love this setup. And I very quickly learned that the image I had of Troy from what we see of him in the first book is so incredibly wrong. He’s so much more than I expected, and I absolutely adored him. He’s so sweet and so desperate to be a part of little Dante’s life, and the relationship that they forge as Dante gets to know Troy as his friendly neighbour is absolutely beautiful!

The smile on my son’s face and the awe in his eyes when he runs into the living room makes it worth it. He’s worth every sacrifice I could ever make.

His relationship with Clarissa is a lot more complicated. Neither of them have been able to forget their night together, and though they obviously have a lot of baggage to wade through, there is still an attraction between them and Troy makes it clear that he wants Clarissa in his life just as much as he wants Dante. But she’s still so very hurt, and the have some pretty significant issues to deal with.

“Troy, I can’t go down this road with you.”
“Why not?” He whispers hoarsely. “You could forgive me. We could start over. We could have something real this time.”

The truth becomes crystal-clear as I drink her in. She’s the only woman I want.
And if I want any chance with her, I have a lot more to prove.

It’s a long and angsty road, and OMG, my heart hurt watching these two figure out their feelings. There are ups and downs, tears and anger, and they both show their vulnerability as they work through their past and what they want from their future, and the feels are brutally intense!

I love you. It’s that simple and that complicated.”

It’s not always easy to read, and for me that was mostly because of Clarissa. She was left shattered by Troy’s deception, which I completely understand, and she’s wary of introducing Troy into Dante’s life, which I also understand, but she handled the situation so badly. I could rant on and on about how cruel she was to shut Troy out, and her continued bad decisions once he pushes himself back into her life, but I came to realise that it’s all a part of the journey, and this is Clarissa’s story as much as it is Troy’s, and she has a lot of learning and growing up to do. I think I dealt with it so well because Troy was just such a superstar through the whole thing. He doesn’t hold a grudge, his goal is his son, and on winning the trust of the woman he loves, and he fights hard for both of them. He has his own emotional journey to go through and my feels were all over the place right alongside both of them.

I stare at the man who spent months capturing my son’s heart and wholly taking mine in the process.

I loved the way this book played out. It’s well paced and is far from predictable - you never know what’s coming for these two. The romance builds beautifully, and it’s sweet and sexy with fantastic chemistry and intensity. The family themes are also beautifully written, and little Dante is a complete scene stealer. Funny, quirky and super smart, his relationship with Troy will melt you.

It’s a beautifully heartfelt read, and well worth all of the angst and drama because seeing these two find their HEA was truly very special. And Troy pretty much owned me through all of it.

“You and Dante, you redefined my dreams. My everything is yours.”

The book fits nicely alongside The Guy on the Right, with the stories playing out right alongside each other. This book has a completely different feel though, with so much more emotion and angst than the first, and while you can read this one as a standalone, beware spoilers for the first book. And through it all, we get to see the third roommate of the bunch, Lance, with hints of his story, and I’m so excited for his book.

I loved this one. Yeah, it’s messy and complicated, and it hurt, but there are some absolutely gorgeous moments throughout, and more than a few laughs, and it’s such a beautiful story.

5 stars for all the feels.

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Alba and Her Secrets..♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 'I'll give you everything' Stars!
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.


Troy Jenner. Troy, Troy, Troy. *sigh* He is more than enough reason to start reading this novel right this second because you’ll fall completely in love with this man and his story. This series is absolutely amazing and its heroes even more. Kate Stewart keeps making me fall in love with her amazing characters and you’ll understand why if you read any of her books. Troy is one of the best heroes Kate has ever written and that is saying a whole lot.

The Guy on the Left is the second standalone installment in Kate’s Underdogs series and we are finally getting the highly expected story of Theo’s “playboy” roommate, Troy Jenner. Troy had a one-night stand with Clarissa, and what he thought to be a little lie, changed his life forever. Clarissa gets pregnant and the adorable Dante becomes her (and Troy’s) life. But she is so hurt by the lie and now we are six years later. Troy wants to be in his son’s life (not on the sidelines), will Clarissa let him redeem himself and fight to become a real family?

Maybe I’m asking too much, but more than anything at this point, all I want is for Clarissa to look at me, just once, like I’m worthy.

Gah, this story! Angsty, funny, emotional, sexy, romantic. It has everything! But what I thought was the best is the relationship between Troy and his son Dante. He fights tooth and nail to be in Dante’s life, to provide for him, to protect him, to love him. It was beautiful to see them devolving a father-son relationship and such a strong connection. Dante is freaking adorable and so funny. My heart just melted for this little man and his father.

“Someday, maybe sooner, maybe later, someone is going to stop and take notice of how special he is and stake their claim in his life. Trust me. It’ll happen more than once.”

Of course, Troy also fights for Clarissa and what he always thought they would have as a couple. However, Clarissa does make it quite difficult for him. Sometimes I found myself not understanding her behavior because Troy was doing everything and so much more for them to become a real family. Still, I understood her reluctance for what happens after their one night together. Of course, when they do become an item, the tension is burning, the chemistry explosive and the angst! My god, the angst and the feelings are all over the place and I loved it. I loved how they finally accept their love for each other and for Dante and I loved the ending so much.

“Fucking worth it,” he murmurs. “Every fight, every struggle, the wait, the pain, the ache, loving you, needing you, wanting you, missing you— all of it— worth it to get us to this point, right here.”

Therefore, I am rating The Guy on the Left with 5 STARS because the Underdogs series, its heroes and their love stories just keep getting better (if that is even possible!). I adored Troy with all my heart, he is such a good man and his story just made me love him even more. I loved him with Dante and the romantic and protective side of him with Clarissa. I just loved everything! I literally cannot stop smiling after that ending and I now cannot wait to read the rest of Lance and Harper’s story because I am impatiently waiting for it!

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[B.B. Easton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Guy on the Left is stay-up-until-2:00-in-the-morning-even-though-you-have-to-get-up-at-6:30-to-get-your-kids-ready-for-school good! And I was rewarded for my sleep deprivation with the cutest, funniest, sexiest, happiest ending I've read in a long time. *dreamy sigh* *heart eyes* Can't wait to read the Guy in the Middle!

[☾ Nikki. ✿ SUGARVOGUE. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book soooooo quickly. I was hooked straight from the start.

This book was miles better than book one. Well for me, it was.

Really enjoyed reading about these characters!

Looking forward to the next book in this series..

A five star read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Noi (in & out) · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I’ve memorized you, Clarissa, the shape of your lips, the lilt of your voice, your every smile, every mood, your everything...”
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Loved the family story, loved the redemption, loved Dante, I even cried a little.
Did not love the romance. Did not love the FMC. Did not love all the back and forth.
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THE AUDIO IS A DUET?!
Age gap, and she is older? Color me curious.

[The Book Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW: 4 STARS
"Love requires a little bit of idiocy and a hell of a lot of bravery."

First and foremost - OMGosh. All. Of. The. Smiles. Troy's swagger (hot), Clarissa's anger (understandable but frustrating), his smirk (weak knees) and her glare (scary)....this one is full of piss and vinegar and everything that made me giggle and sigh. In the end, I walked away with a love for yet another book of Stewart's and all it does is make me want more....

Going into this book, I knew there was going to be some heavy to outweigh the humor that we originally saw in The Guy on the Right. I was sure of it, because the glimpses of Troy that we got - I feel he was the most misunderstood man, and with that comes a lot of emotion. I am so glad that I was able to read an early copy of this one. Kate Stewart did Troy good. She also showed a very tenacious and sometimes (often) bratty heroine that gave hard. I love that Stewart can infuse comedy into a subject so serious, but also retain the significance of the topic at hand. The seriousness. The truth. This one, while I loved it so much, will cause many discussions and pretty adamant thoughts - and I can't wait to discuss them!!!

"I'm drowning in resentment, teetering on the brink of love and hate."

Troy would not give up. He was a persistent little sucker. But with that came some serious heartache and pain. My heart hurt for Troy so much, and yet, his love was filled with determination and he refused to be sidelined. His determination and persistence was probably my favorite thing about the ENTIRE book. I realize that love makes us do crazy things, and I also understand that there needs to be a limit on how much pushback we are willing to accept...but it's almost as if Troy didn't have limits. On anything!! His humor was also head-shake-worthy. He took her bitterness and turned it around - and I could admire that more than anything. Troy made this book for me. He is a standup guy. He made sure he took care of his, and never let anything get in the way once his mind was made up. I love love LOVED him. Also, if that didn't show the true breadth of Troy’s love and devotion to not only Clarissa, but Dante as well, I don’t know what would. I loved the mixture of anger I felt at not only the situation, but at her....and to see it come full circle, that was a great read.

"You keep punishing me for something you won't let me apologize for."

Again, Troy made this book so much more than it had the potential to not be (all comedy with little to no seriousness), and I'm thankful for the dip into the heavy side with the funny highlights. His personality and his reality were woven into the storyline with a sort of comfort and not one bit of it felt out of character for him, nor did it feel forced at all. Having said that, I also had a really hard time with Clarissa's attitude and her responses to some of the ways she handled things. Having said that, I can also say with conviction that I can completely understand why she was the way she was - even if I didn't agree with it. I honestly think that shows the creativity and depth of Stewart's writing in this one. We all know she can write funny, and we have already seen her "heavy" reads....but she meshed those well in this book. She continually surprises me and impresses me with each book I have the pleasure of reading.

In closing: SOLID READ and plenty of smiles!!! Troy’s book was what I needed after the rough patch of books I was wading through. Kate Stewart gave Troy all the emotions he needed and showed the struggle was real!! This is the second book in The Underdog Series, and it kind of runs concurrent to Theo’s and Lance’s stories - but is a complete standalone. I can say that with confidence because nothing was given away in this book that would ruin anything from the first book. I loved seeing the ‘other side’ of the side characters’ stories through another lens. However, after reading Theo's story, Lance's novella, and now this one, I love that she was able to splice in other stories that worked with the happening's of those other books and it was neat to be able to piece it all together from a different standpoint. She definitely did this story and this couple justice. I am absolutely, head over heels in love with Troy.

"There's no story if you give up."
~BEE

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[Antonella · Rating 3 out of 5]

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this is a good book no question about it BUT I detested the heroine something fierce... I just can't get over it...so many eye rolls and I just can't...
solid New Adult series I highly recommend it and I wish to read the next book...Now!!!