Short Side

Short Side was a really enjoyable sports romance with a good balance of chemistry, emotional moments, and character growth. Carter and Wren’s relationship developed naturally throughout the story, and I liked that the romance focused just as much on emotional connection as attraction.

Carter was easy to root for because underneath his confidence and athlete persona, there’s a more vulnerable and thoughtful side to him that slowly comes through as the story progresses. I enjoyed watching him navigate both personal pressure and his growing feelings for Wren. His relationship with her helped bring out a softer side to his character that made the romance feel more genuine.

Wren brought a grounded and relatable energy to the story. She’s independent, emotionally cautious, and not immediately swept away by Carter’s world, which made their connection feel more realistic. I liked that she challenged him while also dealing with her own personal struggles and insecurities throughout the book.

One of my favorite things about the story was the steady development between Carter and Wren. The chemistry was there from the beginning, but the relationship took time to build trust and emotional understanding, which made the more emotional moments feel earned. The sports setting also added a fun layer to the story without completely overshadowing the romance itself.

Overall, Short Side was a solid 4-star read for me. It had a good mix of romance, emotional depth, and sports drama, while still being an easy and entertaining story to get invested in from beginning to end.