Another laugh out loud book from Nick Spalding. I read it on a lazy afternoon by the pool, an easy holiday read.

Pretty much everything in Jake’s live revolves around his best friend Sy. They live together in the house they own together, and they run an experience-reviewing website called Do It or Don’t. But when Sy wants to add a third member to their team, their bicycle of an operation gets a third wheel - and it’s not Helena, their new presenter. Now Jake looks on as Syl and Helena’s relationship blossoms, and he doesn’t like it one bit.

I have very little patience for diet culture, which is to say I almost put this book down in the first chapter, since it opens by describing a fat man as “waddling,” before moving on to making multiple jokes about how he is “about two Gotham triple-bacon cheeseburgers away from a massive and terminal coronary,” and many other comments besides. It’s 2022, is this really what passes as ‘humour’ these days? Please. Anyway, that put me in an uncharitable mood for the rest of the book.

Other than that, it was amusing to watch as obsessive, capitulating Jake tries to navigate the complicated developments in his business and personal relationships. A quick, humorous read, nothing particularly deep or complex.

There was just something about Third Wheel that had me intrigued immediately. Between the fun cover and blurb I was looking forward to what sounded like a hilarious social media focused story, and I fully expected to have a great time with it. Sadly the complete opposite happened, and I ended up struggling considerably with this story... Up until the point I started to wonder whether I should simply DNF it. Oh yes, there is no doubt that this story and me weren't a right fit after all.

First of all I do still like the sound of the premise with the social media angle and the two best friends having an influencer channel together. This is a great backdrop for the story and it's an easy way to introduce funny moments in the plot. The whole 'third wheel' element I could live with, mostly because it's NOT a love triangle, but just the best friend being pushed in the background by the new girlfriend. I think the idea behind Third Wheel was great, but unfortunately the execution was rather lacking. That, or at least it ended up clashing horribly with me...

My first major issue is the fact that I couldn't stand any of the main characters. They are supposed to be best friends, but they don't really treat each other that way and Sy mainly just walks all over Jack (and that is even before the girlfriend comes in). I felt like their interaction was both forced, repetitive and highly frustrating, and it soon became a chore to have to deal with all that. Especially with all the swearing going on and the humor not being for me at all; it felt like the story was trying too hard to be funny and it all fell rather flat for me. I don't mind a bit of crude humor, but in this case it just didn't work.

The plot itself didn't really do it for me either, as there were a lot of cliches involved and too many repetitive and surprisingly dull dialogues. It turned out to be quite a disappointing read, and not at all the experience I hoped I would have with Third Wheel. Please not that this is one of those books where your experience can be completely different depending on how you react to the characters, humor, writing style and tone, so don't give up on my account if you like the sound of the story.

I have previously read and enjoyed quite a few Nick Spalding books but I haven’t read one in years. When I saw he’d got a new book coming out I jumped at the chance to give it a read.

Sadly this was really lacking all the elements that I remember enjoying from his other books. Some bits were funny but not laugh out loud like some of the other books I’ve read of his. The characters were completely unlikeable and I found myself a bit bored with their interaction. The plot was okay but nothing too exciting.

Overall a bit disappointing, especially compared to Bricking It which I gave five stars as it had me in absolute tears of laughter so definitely give that one a read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

A very quick and enjoyable read! Third Wheel is about Jake and his best friend Sy (Symon) who make videos on Youtube. However, when Sy decides to recruit Helena to help with their business and ends up falling for her, making Jake feel like a third wheel. This story is an easy read and is funny. Definitely recommend!

This was a fun, lighthearted read about Jake, who lives and works with his longtime best friend, Symon, making videos for YouTube. Jake tends to capitulate to Symon’s decisions, so when Symon feels they need to get a new female presenter on board to appeal more to both genders, they recruit Helena to join them. Which gets complicated when Symon and Helena develop feelings for each other, leaving Jake feeling very much like a third wheel both at work and home. I found the YouTube exploits farfetched but amusing, and just being told from Jake’s perspective worked well. This is an easy and quick read with a simple but engaging enough storyline and many funny moments.

I have never read a book by Nick Spaulding before but I enjoyed and will check out his other books! This was a quick and funny read. I loved the characters and how they made you feel! If you are looking for a contemporary comedy book read this!

Nick Spalding has the powers to write fantastically funny easy readers which leave you wanting to read in one straight sitting. This is my third or fourth book by him now and yet again I did enjoy it. InterestingLy, I quite liked Jake, despite him being the main protagonist who Spalding always makes passive and a bit of a sap. For some reason on this occasion he didn’t grate on me. Furthermore there was a lot less love and romance attempted in this book and it was definitely more bromance which was nice. It followed a similar plot line to Dumped, actually but the ideas were new so it didn’t feel too rehashed. The sarcasm and wit yet again shines through leaving a few chuckles along the way. Overall, a safe read but enjoyable for me and won’t stop me picking up more that come out.

This would be a great book to take on holiday, which is exactly where I read it. It isn’t going to set your world alight with plot twists and turns and it follows a similar format to many “chick lit” options. That said it was interesting that the book was written from a male lead perspective, which sets it apart from other competing options. The easy read nature also made it the perfect holiday option and I found myself reading it in full across one day.

4.25 stars

Nick Spaulding books are always a breath of fresh air. And this book is no different. It’s light, humorous, and has very relatable characters and situations.

Oh my days what a book!!!!!
Another classic from Nick Spalding.
Is 3 a crowd??? Follow the hilarious story of Jake as his best friend and business partner meets a new lady. Will it be the end of a beautiful friendship or will it be the start of something new.
I can honestly say that I laughed out loud at this book so many times.
Laughter therapy in a book!!!!

I got so excited when I saw this, I love a Nick Spalding novel.
What I expect from Nick Spalding is: great characters, excellent storyline, and fun!
This delivered it in spades. I absolutely love it.
A perfect quick read, that is guaranteed to put a smile on anyones face.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for my arc.

This ARC was provided to me via #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity!

My rating is 4/5 stars.

This was an enjoyable read. I haven't read a book in a one sitting for a long time. If you want to read something fun, lighthearted this one is for you.

The plot was good, the characters were lovable and the best thing I liked is, it was a quick read!

#ThirdWheel #NetGalley

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC for an exchange for an honest review.

Really enjoyed reading this book.

Third Wheel by Nick Spalding was a fun, humorous, light read.
I really enjoyed the characters. Talk about being in some fun company! They all were funny, bright and just so much fun.
The story was great and kept me intrigued and flipping the page's.
I enjoyed this Authors previous book and had to jump at opportunity to read his newest upcoming novel.
I'm so glad I was able to read it because it was pretty amazing!

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Amazon Publishing UK,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Thank you #Netgalley for the early copy!

Another fun read from Nick Spalding. This time we follow to best friends who have a youtube show, where they film their experiences and rate them for the public. For instance, the first situation we read is where Jack and Sy get to ride in and drive the batmobile. Of course things do not go as planned which leads to hilarious footage. But they realize their popularity is mainly among men, to boost their numbers they decide to hire a female. In typical rom com fashion one of the men becomes attractive and ends up dating Helena, leaving the other feel as though he is the third wheel. We then watch as they navigate the new dynamics, experiences and possible sabotage.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Amazon Publishing UK and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.


Friendship, the odd man out, changing dynamics. The feelings are conveyed in such a fresh manner, you’ll feel it like the characters feel it.

Thank you so much for allowing me to read and review your titles. I really not the opportunity!

I do appreciate it and continue to review books that I get the chance to read.
Thanks again!

What a pure delight! Thank you for the opportunity to read Nick’s next work! I have only read one other Nick Spalding book but I’m so glad I have this a go. The plot and characters just get you wanting to read more, so much so, I’ve read it in one sitting! The main characters and dynamic will feel familiar to any double act friendships who have a third member added in! But as always the feelings are captured in a manner which you feel

Jake Carlisle is living his best life, thanks to the crazily successful influencer channel he created with his best friend Sy. Reviewing whacky hobbies and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, Sy has pushed Jake into doing more exciting stuff than either ever thought possible. Then disaster strikes.
When newbie Helena joins the team, Sy quickly falls head over heels for her All of a sudden, with romance blossoming and the business dynamic shifting, Jake is horrified to find himself becoming the dreaded third wheel.
Being the odd one out was not what he signed up for. And he’ll do anything to get his best friend back even if that involves a little light sabotage, an unhealthy amount of jealousy and one very unfortunate pair of tartan Speedos.
A really enjoyable read I read in one sitting totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and Amazon Publishing Uk
I just reviewed Third Wheel by Nick Spalding. #ThirdWheel #NetGalley