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Base City Romance #1
Time on Our Side
He just has to pretend to date his worst enemy. Simple, right?
Jay Diamant is a bad guy—on the clock, at least, where his job description occasionally includes masquerading as the time-stopping villain Metronome and wreaking general havoc. When he’s not on company time, though, he mainly enjoys living the best life that (nefariously gained) money can buy and making sure that his teenage nephew, Zach, has the childhood that Jay never had.
Harris Ferguson is a hero—not that it’s helped him much. Living out of his car while he struggles through college, Harris spends most of his free time in the Climber suit, using its physics-defying powers to help clean up the streets. When he takes aspiring newbie hero Zach Diamant under his wing, he thinks that the two of them might be able to make a real difference in the city.
All of this, of course, is before Harris finds out that Zach’s uncle is infamous villain Metronome. It’s also before Jay finds out that his beloved nephew is trying to play the hero game under the guidance of thorn-in-Jay’s-side hero Climber. When their worlds collide in the worst way and their only solution is to fake a relationship, will they be able to find something worth fighting for underneath each other’s masks?
This 110k-word enemies-to-lovers romance features a world of superpowers and mysteries, reluctant fake dating, numerous bank robberies, tragic backstories, a surprising number of waltzes, meddling siblings, some mild-to-moderate steaminess, major angst, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
*Content warnings available on website.
Jay Diamant is a bad guy—on the clock, at least, where his job description occasionally includes masquerading as the time-stopping villain Metronome and wreaking general havoc. When he’s not on company time, though, he mainly enjoys living the best life that (nefariously gained) money can buy and making sure that his teenage nephew, Zach, has the childhood that Jay never had.
Harris Ferguson is a hero—not that it’s helped him much. Living out of his car while he struggles through college, Harris spends most of his free time in the Climber suit, using its physics-defying powers to help clean up the streets. When he takes aspiring newbie hero Zach Diamant under his wing, he thinks that the two of them might be able to make a real difference in the city.
All of this, of course, is before Harris finds out that Zach’s uncle is infamous villain Metronome. It’s also before Jay finds out that his beloved nephew is trying to play the hero game under the guidance of thorn-in-Jay’s-side hero Climber. When their worlds collide in the worst way and their only solution is to fake a relationship, will they be able to find something worth fighting for underneath each other’s masks?
This 110k-word enemies-to-lovers romance features a world of superpowers and mysteries, reluctant fake dating, numerous bank robberies, tragic backstories, a surprising number of waltzes, meddling siblings, some mild-to-moderate steaminess, major angst, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
*Content warnings available on website.
- GenresRomanceParanormalLGBT
424 pages, Hardcover
Published August 31, 2022
5 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Roth
11 books22 followersEllie Roth is a contemporary LGBTQ+ romantic fantasy author who writes about love interests earning their happy endings and found families building a more hopeful world for themselves. She can mostly be found in a New York town that no one can pronounce unless they grew up nearby, slouching over her laptop and probably giving herself back problems. Her hobbies include writing, working out, and scrolling through Tumblr to indulge her latest fandom obsessions.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 12, 2024
I feel like I have had such luck in finding amazing mm books recently, and this was definitely one to add to that list. Time on Our Side was a great Superhero romance where we see a 'hero' and a 'villain' on opposite sides slowly fall in love. And I love it.
I put hero and villain in quotations as it was less about someone choosing good and evil, and more about what job you ended up with and how you wanted your pay check. Want to live in your car and not know where your next meal is coming from? Be a hero! Want to afford your own place and be able to take care of your family? Sign up to be a villain!
We have the fake dating trope and I was here for it! It was written amazingly well between Jay and Harris. However, Roth had written some great scenes at the start of this trope, getting me ready to be hit with the spice. Their age ranges were perfect (mid to late twenties) and so many scenes made me go "wow, can't wait for the finale of this!" but it... fell a little flat. It was more of a 'fade to black' scenario that didn't seem to fit into this world of bloodshed, sex work, and torture. It made it feel a lot more young adult than an adult book, and I think the people who are going to pick up this book will be in the adult range due to their ages. I think the author did themselves a disservice by dipping out before writing a full sex scene between these characters.
What I loved was the found family trope. Harris is clearly struggling, but between Jay and Zach and his collection of heroes, Harris finds himself with a found/chosen family. I always love this trope as it's very special when done right.
From found family, I think the ending felt a little rushed to me. I agree with what Jay did (ifkyk) BUT I feel like Harris just kind of shrugging it off and not having any issues felt a little unrealistic to me. If I was in Harris' shoes (which I'm not so don't come for me) I would have probably made Jay work for it a little more.
Anyway, I loved this book and thought it was so much fun to read. I hope for the next book, Roth considers going a little further in the sexual element. You can't just have such a massive build up to then leave us with nothing!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I put hero and villain in quotations as it was less about someone choosing good and evil, and more about what job you ended up with and how you wanted your pay check. Want to live in your car and not know where your next meal is coming from? Be a hero! Want to afford your own place and be able to take care of your family? Sign up to be a villain!
We have the fake dating trope and I was here for it! It was written amazingly well between Jay and Harris. However, Roth had written some great scenes at the start of this trope, getting me ready to be hit with the spice. Their age ranges were perfect (mid to late twenties) and so many scenes made me go "wow, can't wait for the finale of this!" but it... fell a little flat. It was more of a 'fade to black' scenario that didn't seem to fit into this world of bloodshed, sex work, and torture. It made it feel a lot more young adult than an adult book, and I think the people who are going to pick up this book will be in the adult range due to their ages. I think the author did themselves a disservice by dipping out before writing a full sex scene between these characters.
What I loved was the found family trope. Harris is clearly struggling, but between Jay and Zach and his collection of heroes, Harris finds himself with a found/chosen family. I always love this trope as it's very special when done right.
From found family, I think the ending felt a little rushed to me. I agree with what Jay did (ifkyk) BUT I feel like Harris just kind of shrugging it off and not having any issues felt a little unrealistic to me. If I was in Harris' shoes (which I'm not so don't come for me) I would have probably made Jay work for it a little more.
Anyway, I loved this book and thought it was so much fun to read. I hope for the next book, Roth considers going a little further in the sexual element. You can't just have such a massive build up to then leave us with nothing!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 7, 2024
April 2024
Kindle edition
KU
This was a plane flying high, loosing fuel but managing to land properly at the end. Jay and Harris were sweet. I liked that they had their own group they'd do anything for. The family was sweet, Harris' situation was sad. Their time sharing with Zach was nice. I liked the whole fake dating thing, with the aggressive kisses. French was mostly ignorable and pretty much that's Kingpin. Moving on.
Started loosing me at 70%. Almost everything was cleared up and Jay and Harris felt like an established couple going into normality. Then the damn kid. Surely he would've got it through his thick head after Harris took a bullet for him. Nope. Jay didn't make it any better with keeping his mouth shut. It was a struggle to continue from the kid's final screw up, but I made it through. I liked the HFN, although, gutted for Jay. Here's hoping they find the general. Despite all that, it feels like the kid still hasn't learnt his lesson. Fave bit was the starter family dinners and then Jay looking after Harris and finding out the truth.
Kindle edition
KU
This was a plane flying high, loosing fuel but managing to land properly at the end. Jay and Harris were sweet. I liked that they had their own group they'd do anything for. The family was sweet, Harris' situation was sad. Their time sharing with Zach was nice. I liked the whole fake dating thing, with the aggressive kisses. French was mostly ignorable and pretty much that's Kingpin. Moving on.
Started loosing me at 70%. Almost everything was cleared up and Jay and Harris felt like an established couple going into normality. Then the damn kid. Surely he would've got it through his thick head after Harris took a bullet for him. Nope. Jay didn't make it any better with keeping his mouth shut. It was a struggle to continue from the kid's final screw up, but I made it through. I liked the HFN, although, gutted for Jay. Here's hoping they find the general. Despite all that, it feels like the kid still hasn't learnt his lesson. Fave bit was the starter family dinners and then Jay looking after Harris and finding out the truth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2024
This is my first ARC review, especially for a book a bit outside my wheelhouse! But I promised to give an honest review, so an honest review you shall get.
Sorry if it’s a bit all over the place, I wrote it sporadically as I was reading.
I was initially sold on this book as an intimacy anxiety-type story, rather than an enemies to lovers fake dating story. This is not a rag on etl/fake dating—I’d likely have never expected this story to have that kind of plot point until someone else told me about it and recommended it to me. I just wish that was maybe included in the marketing for the book, as it would stand out from other fake dating/etl books.
I’m also not overly familiar with etl/fake dating tropes so I feel like I can’t comment too much on it.
I first read the first chapter excerpt to see what the book was about. And the first thing I noticed is that the writing definitely swings toward a younger audience—an older teen audience, I’d say. The prose is rather simple and there is a lot of up front exposition. So it tells, rather than just shows. And I think it’s a detriment to the story as a whole in trying to find the right audience and for it to handle heavy topics
I even double checked the book listening to see if the book listing mentioned it was YA/teen or not (it wasn’t, it’s just listed as contemporary romance). It did turn me off a little, but I was intrigued with the story and kept with it.
However, sometimes the simple prose is really effective! It’s snappy and funny!
The second thing I noticed is that I absolutely adore the concept of a villain on the clock with standards. While not particularly unique, I love when it’s done every time. What villain uses Excel? Jay sure does. I’m also a sucker for a villain that isn’t really, truly, a villain. I’ve been reading A Practical Guide to Evil for the last year—year and a half, and Catharine’s fluid relationship with her villainy really gets me, and gives her some nuance I wasn’t really expecting. Jay’s belief he’s doing the wrong thing for the right reasons is excellent and feels cut from a similar cloth to Cat’s Mantle of Woe.
Yes, I was totally normal when Despicable Me came out, why do you ask?
I also really love Jay’s relationship with his sister, Charlotte—the nicknames they have for each other are just sublime and they have excellent chemistry to bounce off each other. I’m just a sucker for this kind of sibling relationships in books/media.
And then there’s Harris. We love our poor ass homeless college dance kid trying to do good in the world. I just wish we saw more of his psychology degree in action, even him trying to psychoanalyze Jay or the other villains as jokes/to throw them off in a fight. That feels in line with the kind of humour this book has. It’s also a part of Harris’s character that feels somewhat disconnected to the rest of him.
And speaking of that, there’s a part later in the book (that I’m not going to mention because of spoilers) that references outdated/popular psychology lay terms that don’t have a real basis in science. I’m not in psychology—but I am in grad school. I read a lot of papers for fun. I spent some time on Google Scholar to double check I wasn’t incorrect. With that in mind, I would recommend to do more research about anything if you’re unfamiliar with a job or a degree or medical treatment. They’re very easy—and common!—to get wrong in writing.
Overall, I don’t think I’m the target audience for this book. However, it does deliver what it says on the tin—an enemies to lovers, fake dating super hero story. I’m somewhat intrigued about the relationship in the sequel book. However, I’m unsure if I will continue with the series. I do wish Ellie the best with her writing career, though! I know how difficult it is to put yourself out there with something so intimate as your own writing.
All of these opinions are my own. I got the Epub ARC from BookSirens for free and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Sorry if it’s a bit all over the place, I wrote it sporadically as I was reading.
I was initially sold on this book as an intimacy anxiety-type story, rather than an enemies to lovers fake dating story. This is not a rag on etl/fake dating—I’d likely have never expected this story to have that kind of plot point until someone else told me about it and recommended it to me. I just wish that was maybe included in the marketing for the book, as it would stand out from other fake dating/etl books.
I’m also not overly familiar with etl/fake dating tropes so I feel like I can’t comment too much on it.
I first read the first chapter excerpt to see what the book was about. And the first thing I noticed is that the writing definitely swings toward a younger audience—an older teen audience, I’d say. The prose is rather simple and there is a lot of up front exposition. So it tells, rather than just shows. And I think it’s a detriment to the story as a whole in trying to find the right audience and for it to handle heavy topics
I even double checked the book listening to see if the book listing mentioned it was YA/teen or not (it wasn’t, it’s just listed as contemporary romance). It did turn me off a little, but I was intrigued with the story and kept with it.
However, sometimes the simple prose is really effective! It’s snappy and funny!
The second thing I noticed is that I absolutely adore the concept of a villain on the clock with standards. While not particularly unique, I love when it’s done every time. What villain uses Excel? Jay sure does. I’m also a sucker for a villain that isn’t really, truly, a villain. I’ve been reading A Practical Guide to Evil for the last year—year and a half, and Catharine’s fluid relationship with her villainy really gets me, and gives her some nuance I wasn’t really expecting. Jay’s belief he’s doing the wrong thing for the right reasons is excellent and feels cut from a similar cloth to Cat’s Mantle of Woe.
Yes, I was totally normal when Despicable Me came out, why do you ask?
I also really love Jay’s relationship with his sister, Charlotte—the nicknames they have for each other are just sublime and they have excellent chemistry to bounce off each other. I’m just a sucker for this kind of sibling relationships in books/media.
And then there’s Harris. We love our poor ass homeless college dance kid trying to do good in the world. I just wish we saw more of his psychology degree in action, even him trying to psychoanalyze Jay or the other villains as jokes/to throw them off in a fight. That feels in line with the kind of humour this book has. It’s also a part of Harris’s character that feels somewhat disconnected to the rest of him.
And speaking of that, there’s a part later in the book (that I’m not going to mention because of spoilers) that references outdated/popular psychology lay terms that don’t have a real basis in science. I’m not in psychology—but I am in grad school. I read a lot of papers for fun. I spent some time on Google Scholar to double check I wasn’t incorrect. With that in mind, I would recommend to do more research about anything if you’re unfamiliar with a job or a degree or medical treatment. They’re very easy—and common!—to get wrong in writing.
Overall, I don’t think I’m the target audience for this book. However, it does deliver what it says on the tin—an enemies to lovers, fake dating super hero story. I’m somewhat intrigued about the relationship in the sequel book. However, I’m unsure if I will continue with the series. I do wish Ellie the best with her writing career, though! I know how difficult it is to put yourself out there with something so intimate as your own writing.
All of these opinions are my own. I got the Epub ARC from BookSirens for free and am leaving a review voluntarily.
December 2, 2024
Time on Our Side is the first book in the Base City Romance series, you could read it as a standalone, but there are questions left unanswered (more on this later).
Time on Our Side is a love balm. Just one of those books that makes you say 'yep love should be like that’. Jay was so sweet and protective. Gift giving was his love language and I loved it. And Harris? He was a really special character who was so selfless.
Their snarky banter became something I craved, yet it quickly became clear that Jay and Harris deeply respected each other. They were both so desperate to do good on opposite sides, but in the end discovered that they made each other better people.
However, it’s not only the romance that is a chef’s kiss, so is the familial type of love portrayed. Their determination to protect Zach was admirable. I really loved this.
What jumped out to me was how I felt like I was transported to their world. I couldn’t put this book down; I was so engrossed in all the emotions and ended up crying.
The intimate scenes in this book are a fade to black. I don’t want to say this a closed door romance because there was some foreplay that got me hot under the collar, but no actual sex scenes.
I was a bit disappointed because it said it was a HEA for the couple, which I suppose it is, but leaves a huge question mark that I need to know is resolved. It’s hard to explain without including spoilers, but I have decided to read it as a standalone as I assume this couple does get a HEA.
Also, I would have preferred to have more explanation about this superhero/villian world.
Overall, Time on Our Side is a romance full of heart, family feels and genuinely likable real characters. There's a lot of angst and action in this with a surprising twist. But still with plenty of banter and heat. This was a really enjoyable and delightful read.
This book contains triggering content such as
😇 MM Heroes and villains romance
😈 Enemies to lovers
🤫 Fake dating
❤️🔥 Slow burn
🎖️ Ex-military
🥰 Found family
Plot: 📚📚📚📚
Character rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
World building: 🌎🌎🌎🌎
Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Writing style: 🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊
Time on Our Side is a love balm. Just one of those books that makes you say 'yep love should be like that’. Jay was so sweet and protective. Gift giving was his love language and I loved it. And Harris? He was a really special character who was so selfless.
Their snarky banter became something I craved, yet it quickly became clear that Jay and Harris deeply respected each other. They were both so desperate to do good on opposite sides, but in the end discovered that they made each other better people.
However, it’s not only the romance that is a chef’s kiss, so is the familial type of love portrayed. Their determination to protect Zach was admirable. I really loved this.
What jumped out to me was how I felt like I was transported to their world. I couldn’t put this book down; I was so engrossed in all the emotions and ended up crying.
The intimate scenes in this book are a fade to black. I don’t want to say this a closed door romance because there was some foreplay that got me hot under the collar, but no actual sex scenes.
I was a bit disappointed because it said it was a HEA for the couple, which I suppose it is, but leaves a huge question mark that I need to know is resolved. It’s hard to explain without including spoilers, but I have decided to read it as a standalone as I assume this couple does get a HEA.
Also, I would have preferred to have more explanation about this superhero/villian world.
Overall, Time on Our Side is a romance full of heart, family feels and genuinely likable real characters. There's a lot of angst and action in this with a surprising twist. But still with plenty of banter and heat. This was a really enjoyable and delightful read.
This book contains triggering content such as
😇 MM Heroes and villains romance
😈 Enemies to lovers
🤫 Fake dating
❤️🔥 Slow burn
🎖️ Ex-military
🥰 Found family
Plot: 📚📚📚📚
Character rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
World building: 🌎🌎🌎🌎
Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Writing style: 🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊
December 12, 2024
Time on Our Side is the first book in Ellie Roth’s Base City Romance series, and I was excited to dive into it after adoring Thicker Than Water, the first book in the Redwater Demons series. I will be honest and say that a part of me was a bit concerned by how similar the vibes were in this story – fake-turned-found family created because of their need to protect a child – but it was not enough to lessen my enjoyment of the story. In fact, it made me realise how much I enjoy the trope – and how well the author writes it.
If I am being entirely honest, Time on Our Side is a book that I considered giving a five-star rating for much of the story. It was such a fun idea, done extremely well, and I could not put the book down once I started. Every detail – the characters, the larger world, the relationships – sucked me in deep, and each new detail had me more invested than the last. I was feeling everything, wearing a wide smile on my face from the sweetness of the interactions. Unfortunately, I found myself rounding my rating down because the end felt a bit too rushed in some ways and dragged out in others. The way in which the big evil was taken down happened extremely easily, which meant the impact was not quite as powerful as I had hoped it would be. I wanted to explore it more, so the speedy way in which it played out – while logical – felt a bit of an anti-climax. The fact that it was followed by quite a bit of failure to communicate to create a breakup at the end of the story meant it did something that is more miss than hit for me. While not bad, it did mean the end of the book did not hit as hard as the rest. This is why I rounded my rating down. I adored the story, I am certainly reading more (because I am deeply invested in the world and I need answers), but the ending was a little too easy for me to give it a five-star rating.
All in all, this was another fun read from the author. I will certainly be reading more – of this series, and the other books by the author. They have a way of sucking me in, and I cannot wait for more.
If I am being entirely honest, Time on Our Side is a book that I considered giving a five-star rating for much of the story. It was such a fun idea, done extremely well, and I could not put the book down once I started. Every detail – the characters, the larger world, the relationships – sucked me in deep, and each new detail had me more invested than the last. I was feeling everything, wearing a wide smile on my face from the sweetness of the interactions. Unfortunately, I found myself rounding my rating down because the end felt a bit too rushed in some ways and dragged out in others. The way in which the big evil was taken down happened extremely easily, which meant the impact was not quite as powerful as I had hoped it would be. I wanted to explore it more, so the speedy way in which it played out – while logical – felt a bit of an anti-climax. The fact that it was followed by quite a bit of failure to communicate to create a breakup at the end of the story meant it did something that is more miss than hit for me. While not bad, it did mean the end of the book did not hit as hard as the rest. This is why I rounded my rating down. I adored the story, I am certainly reading more (because I am deeply invested in the world and I need answers), but the ending was a little too easy for me to give it a five-star rating.
All in all, this was another fun read from the author. I will certainly be reading more – of this series, and the other books by the author. They have a way of sucking me in, and I cannot wait for more.
December 10, 2024
Thanks to BookSirens and Ellie Roth for a free advance review e-copy of this book, I am leaving this review voluntarily.
On Base City, an Island where DP-11 super powered suites are illegal, there are two types of people who have managed to get access to them. The villains who work for Marcus French, the businessman behind all power on Base City, and the heroes, those who have sworn to bring French down. Now Jay and Harris, two men from either team, are drawn together to protect the identity of a young hero who has popped up on the scene.
What I liked: I’m a sucker for a fake dating trope, adding in an actual villain versus superhero genre to the mix and I’m a happy puppy! This was an adorable couple with so much baggage it hurt (there is a fine line to how much angst I can handle, but this didn’t push it too much). I became so involved with the characters I had to slow down my reading as I was dreading the inevitable moment when it was going to go wrong (I’m a wimp, I know!). The superhero element was well explained along with the history of the city and characters.
What didn’t work for me: There was a slight mismatch between the age of the characters and the style of the narrative. It felt like a young adults book but the characters were in their mid to late 20’s. Ellie Roth is an excellent storyteller so I still enjoyed the read, it was just a quirk that meant it didn’t reach my personal 5 star rating.
Final thoughts: A sweet superhero love story set in a comic book style world.
Who would enjoy this: Fans of mild (low steam) modern romances who also enjoy superheroes.
On Base City, an Island where DP-11 super powered suites are illegal, there are two types of people who have managed to get access to them. The villains who work for Marcus French, the businessman behind all power on Base City, and the heroes, those who have sworn to bring French down. Now Jay and Harris, two men from either team, are drawn together to protect the identity of a young hero who has popped up on the scene.
What I liked: I’m a sucker for a fake dating trope, adding in an actual villain versus superhero genre to the mix and I’m a happy puppy! This was an adorable couple with so much baggage it hurt (there is a fine line to how much angst I can handle, but this didn’t push it too much). I became so involved with the characters I had to slow down my reading as I was dreading the inevitable moment when it was going to go wrong (I’m a wimp, I know!). The superhero element was well explained along with the history of the city and characters.
What didn’t work for me: There was a slight mismatch between the age of the characters and the style of the narrative. It felt like a young adults book but the characters were in their mid to late 20’s. Ellie Roth is an excellent storyteller so I still enjoyed the read, it was just a quirk that meant it didn’t reach my personal 5 star rating.
Final thoughts: A sweet superhero love story set in a comic book style world.
Who would enjoy this: Fans of mild (low steam) modern romances who also enjoy superheroes.
December 5, 2024
4.5 stars
Oh my goodness, I think I binge read this on the WORST possible day. I have a flight tomorrow, and I stayed up till 2am reading this!!
I really don't know why this is not more popular, because I love me a hero/villain angst story, which this book did SO well.
If you are looking for:
- a morally grey villain and a golden-hearted hero
- a precocious teenager (honestly a tad too precocious)
- fake dating because of said precocious teenager (with lots of aggressive cheek kisses)
- grossing out said precocious teenager with fake dating shenanigans ("Zach looks abjectly horrified.")
- soft(ly aggressive) caretaking (and soft cotton pyjamas)
- closed-door romance with some excellent sexual tension
then this is the book for you.
I do wish it had a bit more explanation behind some of the questions remaining (Zach's powers, how do the suits actually work, General Barnes, JAY'S POWERS?!??!) but I suppose there are some loose ends for the rest of the series.
I am taking off 0.5 because I can't stand the small cliffhanger about Jay and his powers (and Zach gets into trouble a tad toooo much, like c'mon man). ELLIE ROTH you CAN'T do that to us!! I even immediately went to the extras to see if its solved there but alas... perhaps it is a ploy to get us to read the next books... it's working though
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Oh my goodness, I think I binge read this on the WORST possible day. I have a flight tomorrow, and I stayed up till 2am reading this!!
I really don't know why this is not more popular, because I love me a hero/villain angst story, which this book did SO well.
If you are looking for:
- a morally grey villain and a golden-hearted hero
- a precocious teenager (honestly a tad too precocious)
- fake dating because of said precocious teenager (with lots of aggressive cheek kisses)
- grossing out said precocious teenager with fake dating shenanigans ("Zach looks abjectly horrified.")
- soft(ly aggressive) caretaking (and soft cotton pyjamas)
- closed-door romance with some excellent sexual tension
then this is the book for you.
I do wish it had a bit more explanation behind some of the questions remaining (Zach's powers, how do the suits actually work, General Barnes, JAY'S POWERS?!??!) but I suppose there are some loose ends for the rest of the series.
I am taking off 0.5 because I can't stand the small cliffhanger about Jay and his powers (and Zach gets into trouble a tad toooo much, like c'mon man). ELLIE ROTH you CAN'T do that to us!! I even immediately went to the extras to see if its solved there but alas... perhaps it is a ploy to get us to read the next books... it's working though
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
December 8, 2024
4.5/5 This is an epic enemies-to-lovers tale complete with a stubborn and idealistic nephew sidekick whose heart is in the right place but who sometimes makes dumb decisions.
I enjoyed how there was an edge of concern and respect between Jay and Harris even at the very beginning. They were absolutely enemies, but there wasn’t anything mean-spirited or malicious about it. I liked how they were united in their desire to protect Zach even when they couldn’t agree on anything else. It was entertaining to watch them start to like one another despite themselves. Their journey to actually caring about one another (and admitting it) was a wild one. I wanted to yell at both Jay and Harris at different points for being so terrible at communicating or asking for help, lol. But they got there eventually!
I liked Jay’s family as well as Jay’s and Harris’s friends (though we don’t get to know them that well yet). I appreciated how most people were trying to achieve the same goal (just in wildly disparate ways in some cases). I look forward to seeing more of what goes on in Base City! (And I definitely how we can sort more out for Jay.)
I received an ARC from BookSirens. This is my honest review.
I enjoyed how there was an edge of concern and respect between Jay and Harris even at the very beginning. They were absolutely enemies, but there wasn’t anything mean-spirited or malicious about it. I liked how they were united in their desire to protect Zach even when they couldn’t agree on anything else. It was entertaining to watch them start to like one another despite themselves. Their journey to actually caring about one another (and admitting it) was a wild one. I wanted to yell at both Jay and Harris at different points for being so terrible at communicating or asking for help, lol. But they got there eventually!
I liked Jay’s family as well as Jay’s and Harris’s friends (though we don’t get to know them that well yet). I appreciated how most people were trying to achieve the same goal (just in wildly disparate ways in some cases). I look forward to seeing more of what goes on in Base City! (And I definitely how we can sort more out for Jay.)
I received an ARC from BookSirens. This is my honest review.
December 10, 2024
Even rereading the blurb after I was finished, this book was not what I expected. It was so much better. I thought we'd read a spoof rather than a thoughtful, sometimes tender story.
Set in a rather dystopic future, the worldbuilding was excellent. Enemies to lovers, supervillain versus superhero, polar opposites attract. The bad guys are the well funded ones, our hero lives in his car with less than twenty dollars to his name. They wear militarily designed suits that provide them with their powers, so more Batman than Superman.
I liked the banter between Metronome and Creeper in the early chapters. Even then, the chemistry was asizzle. But Jay/ Metronome's conviction that having one evil boss was better for the city than two gangs was rather smug. I liked how Harris/ Creeper and Zach/ Neon were able to make him see the light. The other supes made great secondaries.
The book veers from high to low angst. It was a quick read and quite a fun read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Set in a rather dystopic future, the worldbuilding was excellent. Enemies to lovers, supervillain versus superhero, polar opposites attract. The bad guys are the well funded ones, our hero lives in his car with less than twenty dollars to his name. They wear militarily designed suits that provide them with their powers, so more Batman than Superman.
I liked the banter between Metronome and Creeper in the early chapters. Even then, the chemistry was asizzle. But Jay/ Metronome's conviction that having one evil boss was better for the city than two gangs was rather smug. I liked how Harris/ Creeper and Zach/ Neon were able to make him see the light. The other supes made great secondaries.
The book veers from high to low angst. It was a quick read and quite a fun read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 16, 2024
It’s hard to believe that this is the beginning of a series because there is obviously so much world building and history that is there right from the start. Jay and Harris are a marvelous hero/bad guy couple and I love how much realism that Ellie Roth has put into this story. It’s a romance, but a very unconventional one and it’s a super hero story, but again a very unconventional one. The supers screw up, they have messy home lives, the good guys have side jobs because they don’t get paid, they have to leave a battle to pick up their kids after school and more things like this that never get talked about in most hero stories. It was just a delight to read. I think people might like it more if they are already into the hero/villain genre, but it’s not necessary to even know anything about this type of book as long as you enjoy a well written romance.
I got a copy of this book from GRR and this is my honest review
I got a copy of this book from GRR and this is my honest review
December 18, 2024
I occasionally will take on a book that I’m not entirely sold on, but that sounds like it *could* be interesting. Sometimes I’m disappointed – and sometimes, like today, I find a new author to follow. Ellie did an amazing job on this superhero story that pits a hero and a villain firmly against each other. They truly can’t be more different – except, as we learn, they are considerably more similar than either wants to believe. Through twists and turns, we see the enemies-to-lovers evolve from Jay’s hyperdeveloped sense of responsibility and Harris’ need. It was all done so deftly, with none of the caricature I half expected. The bad guy, honestly, is chilling, and the points that keep Harris and Jay apart are really significant. The triumph of them falling in love is that much more profound, then. Warning: this is a series, and while Jay and Harris have a really solid HFN, there is a major plot point left unresolved. I will be diving into book 2 immediately.
December 24, 2024
It's always a pleasure when I get to review an Ellie Roth book! Roth knows how to deliver an enemies to lovers plot that hits all the right beats while never feeling forced. In this series we also get superheroes, and I just have a weakness for queer superhero stories to begin with. You know I'll love this.
The MCs start off as enemies on two sides of a war (superhero/supervillain) while they're both trying to make the city a more livable place. We get to explore questionable morality and strong loyalties.
The characters are colorful, likeable, and the way their relationship develops is both awesome and incredibly sweet! I really like how Roth deals with power imbalance in a relationship and how careful they are about how that influences consent.
This book is an incredibly fun and sweet ride and I'd recommend it to anyone who's ever liked a superhero story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The MCs start off as enemies on two sides of a war (superhero/supervillain) while they're both trying to make the city a more livable place. We get to explore questionable morality and strong loyalties.
The characters are colorful, likeable, and the way their relationship develops is both awesome and incredibly sweet! I really like how Roth deals with power imbalance in a relationship and how careful they are about how that influences consent.
This book is an incredibly fun and sweet ride and I'd recommend it to anyone who's ever liked a superhero story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 27, 2022
I'm not normally a romance reader, like, at all, but I *do* like superheroes, and that plus a recommendation in a writing group convinced me to pick up Time On Our Side. I planned on using it to idly pass the time on a road trip and ended up devouring it wholesale in a marathon session (it was a long road trip). Roth's dry wit, enticing worldbuilding, and acute sense of what makes people people combine with a fearless sense of exactly when to rip your heart out and then sew it back into your still-bleeding chest to craft a gripping page-turner of a novel that is sure to delight both the traditional romance audience as well as anyone with, like, a pulse and the ability to read. There's something here for literally everyone and I'm going to be pelting friends with copies of this book until they read it for a long time to come.
December 7, 2024
What a fun story of the most popular trope, enemies to lovers, but make it heros and villains.
There is no smut in this book, everything is alluded and PG-13. I mean there are talks of salacious topics, but everything is just talked about, and not shown through words. Another good one I think for introductory to MM fantasy for like high school kids.
There are questions about the world they are in that I have which doesn’t get answered in this book, like they are living on an Island, but what’s out there in the mainland. Are they sorta like living in Hawaii, but with an evil overlord?
Honestly this is the first closed door book I’ve read in a really long time, and I didn’t miss it, the plot had me keep turning the page.
*Thanks to the author and GRR for a copy of this book. Opinions and reviewing are of my own accord.
There is no smut in this book, everything is alluded and PG-13. I mean there are talks of salacious topics, but everything is just talked about, and not shown through words. Another good one I think for introductory to MM fantasy for like high school kids.
There are questions about the world they are in that I have which doesn’t get answered in this book, like they are living on an Island, but what’s out there in the mainland. Are they sorta like living in Hawaii, but with an evil overlord?
Honestly this is the first closed door book I’ve read in a really long time, and I didn’t miss it, the plot had me keep turning the page.
*Thanks to the author and GRR for a copy of this book. Opinions and reviewing are of my own accord.
December 11, 2024
I got a free copy of this book from GRR but my opinions and this review are entirely my own.
Considering I have never read anything from this author before, this book was largely unexpectedly beautiful, an utter joy.
Jay is Metronome, a villain and Harris is Climber a hero and Metronome just loves to taunt Climber during their fights.
They continue their work (of sorts) relationship until something happens, forcing them to come together to protect something they both hold dear.
Honestly.. this book in parts destroyed me. It was written beautifully and was so incredibly sad but at the same time… I felt the ending was a little rushed. Everything was happening.. then suddenly everything was fixed.
It’s also left me with quite a few questions on Jay’s future and I’m unsure if I’ll get them answered.
Considering I have never read anything from this author before, this book was largely unexpectedly beautiful, an utter joy.
Jay is Metronome, a villain and Harris is Climber a hero and Metronome just loves to taunt Climber during their fights.
They continue their work (of sorts) relationship until something happens, forcing them to come together to protect something they both hold dear.
Honestly.. this book in parts destroyed me. It was written beautifully and was so incredibly sad but at the same time… I felt the ending was a little rushed. Everything was happening.. then suddenly everything was fixed.
It’s also left me with quite a few questions on Jay’s future and I’m unsure if I’ll get them answered.
December 10, 2024
5/5 stars! I was blown away by this book. I have never read anything by this author so I had no expectations going into it, but wow! The world-building was amazing. Zach, Jay, and Harris were all so unique and felt real to me. But the truly special thing about this book was the author's ability to make EVERY single character feel valuable. It's rare to have a story where I can recall details about like 15 different characters when I finish it. I am so excited to continue this series. I will say there was one *gasp* moment where I wanted to throat chop Jay. I understood his motivations, but as a Vet and someone that has been homeless, it broke my heart for Harris for a hot minute. Great great great book!
December 14, 2024
I really enjoy Ellie Roth's writing, and this was a good read too, though you can tell it was an early work as it's less tight of a story and could use a bit more editing. The MCs are appealing and both of their motivations ring true (though Harris's backstory has home holes, but I suspended disbelief). There was a bit too much internal waxing poetic about the other MC, and the big misunderstanding is not a trope I enjoy. It also wrapped everything (with one glaring omission) up super fast - at 90% I was thinking there was no way this was going to get to the promised HEA, but I've seen that in this author's work before. I enjoyed it and will probably check out the second installment once I clear out some of my TBR.
December 15, 2024
Fun adventure, good first in series. When Jay is at work, he's the bad guy, Metronome. His goal, is to ensure his nephew Zach gets to live the life he never had. Harris, works as being a hero, Climber for the city. But in real life he is an impoverished student living out of his car. Harris, is mentoring rookie hero Zack. When Jay finds out Zack is working with Climber, and Harris finds out Zack's Uncle is Metronome, life starts to be fun. When Jay's and Harris's lives intersect, they have to pretend to be boyfriends to navigate through the new reality of their lives. Good flow, some questions left open, hopefully for contuation in series. Great characters and world building. I like Ellie's writing style. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2024
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
3.5 stars
I liked Jay and Harris, from the villain/hero to the fake boyfriends to actual relationship, they worked together. I really liked the little moments between them the most.
I like the concept of the world-building, it was an interesting twist on the typical superhero/villain setup. There are some parts of the world-building that I had trouble buying into, but maybe there will be more revealed in later books that will smooth out those issues
The story did drag a bit, especially at the middle points. I get that there needed to be some setup points, but the last 20% or so of the book was when it really drew me in.
I'm looking forward to seeing what the next book brings.
3.5 stars
I liked Jay and Harris, from the villain/hero to the fake boyfriends to actual relationship, they worked together. I really liked the little moments between them the most.
I like the concept of the world-building, it was an interesting twist on the typical superhero/villain setup. There are some parts of the world-building that I had trouble buying into, but maybe there will be more revealed in later books that will smooth out those issues
The story did drag a bit, especially at the middle points. I get that there needed to be some setup points, but the last 20% or so of the book was when it really drew me in.
I'm looking forward to seeing what the next book brings.
December 11, 2024
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
ahhh this was soooooo awesome!!! Definitely gave me TJK's The Extraordinaries vibe and i srsly could not get enough of THIS feelgood superhero-villain fabulousness! Ok sure it was emo at times and the kid made the worst decisions for how old this child was jfc, but i thought this was well-written, dynamic fun that choked me up a few times and i just could not put this down! Jay and Harris were melty gorgeousness and i felt them in my heart!! I really had a great time with Time on Our Side and i'm looking forward to whatever Ellie Roth releases in the future because this was marvelous fun!
ahhh this was soooooo awesome!!! Definitely gave me TJK's The Extraordinaries vibe and i srsly could not get enough of THIS feelgood superhero-villain fabulousness! Ok sure it was emo at times and the kid made the worst decisions for how old this child was jfc, but i thought this was well-written, dynamic fun that choked me up a few times and i just could not put this down! Jay and Harris were melty gorgeousness and i felt them in my heart!! I really had a great time with Time on Our Side and i'm looking forward to whatever Ellie Roth releases in the future because this was marvelous fun!
December 12, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The only reason for a 4 star review is because the end seemed rushed and very open-ended. I do hope that Harris and Jay's story continues in another book. It appears book 2 has different MCs, so we'll see. There were also other loose ends that need to be tied up, so hopefully those will be addressed as the series continues.
I loved the hero/villain aspect, even though both hero and villain were destructive. It seems like the normal folk just put up with it: just another Tuesday! I feel like the world building could have been a little bit better, but I loved the characters and the story line.
I loved the hero/villain aspect, even though both hero and villain were destructive. It seems like the normal folk just put up with it: just another Tuesday! I feel like the world building could have been a little bit better, but I loved the characters and the story line.
December 15, 2024
This was a great superhero/villain story. It’s not cut and dried. Black and white. Many shades of gray. And that’s part of what I liked about it. The characters are colorful and flawed. But it’s the imperfections that make this such a great story. It’s got depth. I read a lot of books in the mm romance genre. There’s a lot with very little to no depth. And that can be just fine. It’s all in what you’re looking for at thhe moment. If you want a story with wonderful characters and depth and superheroes vs villians, this is a great one to check out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 17, 2024
3.5⭐️
I adored the premise, using the fake dating trope with a superhero twist was a fabulous idea. It’s such a fun and clever take and I loved hero Harris and villain Jay together, both are such great characters. I also really enjoyed the comic book style world building, the author does an amazing job making the setting so vivid and intriguing. I think for me, the pacing was a little off, it felt both rushed and too slow at times. I also wasn’t a fan of Zach, the late hour break up, or the side of miscommunication but the plot and premise were very entertaining.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I adored the premise, using the fake dating trope with a superhero twist was a fabulous idea. It’s such a fun and clever take and I loved hero Harris and villain Jay together, both are such great characters. I also really enjoyed the comic book style world building, the author does an amazing job making the setting so vivid and intriguing. I think for me, the pacing was a little off, it felt both rushed and too slow at times. I also wasn’t a fan of Zach, the late hour break up, or the side of miscommunication but the plot and premise were very entertaining.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
December 17, 2024
I liked the word building and the superhero theme. The characters where strong and complex.
It’s a complex story of two people fighting on different sides. Both believe they’re fighting for a better place. And on the other hand it’s a story about a corrupt world where values and backgrounds colour the characters choices.
I had some issues with the flow in the text that might been caused by the tense. The story used present tense which is rather unusual in most books I read. Once I got used to this I really enjoyed the story and look forward to reading the other books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s a complex story of two people fighting on different sides. Both believe they’re fighting for a better place. And on the other hand it’s a story about a corrupt world where values and backgrounds colour the characters choices.
I had some issues with the flow in the text that might been caused by the tense. The story used present tense which is rather unusual in most books I read. Once I got used to this I really enjoyed the story and look forward to reading the other books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 28, 2025
I don't normally read MM romance, but I do like to read a complete series. So, I started with this one.
The superheroes and Villains always fight it out for Base City's safety. Climber and Metronome are arch enemies, but by some strange coincidence, Climber's new trainee is Metrodome's nephew. WOW, talk about awkward. Zach want's to do good in Base City, but it is complicated on so many levels.
It all works out in the end for Harris and Jay and Jay's whole family, I am kind of excited to read the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The superheroes and Villains always fight it out for Base City's safety. Climber and Metronome are arch enemies, but by some strange coincidence, Climber's new trainee is Metrodome's nephew. WOW, talk about awkward. Zach want's to do good in Base City, but it is complicated on so many levels.
It all works out in the end for Harris and Jay and Jay's whole family, I am kind of excited to read the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 18, 2024
*I got this book for free but this opinion is my own.*
This is a fun book to read. I didn't want to put it down. I think there were a few issues, like how one character was the reason for everything happening. It got really annoying and predictable.
That being said, I love the author's writing style.
This is maybe one of the first books I read that didn't have a painful enemies-to-lovers. Now, I don't mind the trope. What I find often misses is the way our enemies become lovers. However, this author does it well. I'll definitely read their future books.
This is a fun book to read. I didn't want to put it down. I think there were a few issues, like how one character was the reason for everything happening. It got really annoying and predictable.
That being said, I love the author's writing style.
This is maybe one of the first books I read that didn't have a painful enemies-to-lovers. Now, I don't mind the trope. What I find often misses is the way our enemies become lovers. However, this author does it well. I'll definitely read their future books.
December 20, 2024
Loved the set-up for this one where the villain and the hero have to fake a relationship. I enjoyed the fact that Jay (villain Metronome) is doing quite well off his crimes and giving his nephew a great life but the nephew is learning how to be a hero from Harris (hero Climber) who is barely scraping by financially. The gulf initially seems too wide to cross because the author has made them truly a villain and a hero with no punches pulled, but everyone learns something here and the characters are enormously entertaining. I can't wait to read the second book.
December 3, 2024
Oh my goodness!! Oh my goodness!!! The characters in this book!!!! They are so charming and I want to eat up this series!!
I loved the characters and relationships in this MM Urban City Fantasy Romance. The enemies to lovers. The slow burn. The only thing I would change is more spice! 🌶️
This was an ARC Review received from BookSirens rated 4.5 ⭐ rounded up!!
I think the only .5 reduction was the fact that I wanted more spicy details... Everything else about this book is amazing!!
I loved the characters and relationships in this MM Urban City Fantasy Romance. The enemies to lovers. The slow burn. The only thing I would change is more spice! 🌶️
This was an ARC Review received from BookSirens rated 4.5 ⭐ rounded up!!
I think the only .5 reduction was the fact that I wanted more spicy details... Everything else about this book is amazing!!
December 13, 2024
I absolutely loved the book! the romance flowed so well with the plot and I simply could not put it down after I started it! there was so many parts in the story that made me laugh like a mad man! I truly felt transported to this world and I can't wait to do so again!!!!
I can't wait till the next book where you get to see the best friend get a partner in crime!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I can't wait till the next book where you get to see the best friend get a partner in crime!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
December 13, 2024
First in a new series from Ellie Roth. I’m not a huge superhero fan but I love the fake dating trope and I adore mm romance so I have it a shot. I’m dead I did since this was a lot of fun. The end was a bit anticlimactic but still overall it was a great read. I’m really liking the world building and even though this was pretty long it was really well written and honestly I read it quickly since it was so interesting.
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