How to Love Your Neighbor
How to Love Your Neighbor is an appealing, DIY themed, modern romcom that I picked up at the same time we started working on the upstairs renovations in our home. I only wish we had as much fun and as the characters in this book!
Synopsis: Interior Design School? Check. Cute house to fix up? Check.
Sexy, grumpy neighbor who is going to get in the way of your plans? Check. Unfortunately.
Grace Travis has it all figured out. In between finishing school and working a million odd jobs, she’ll get her degree and her dream job. Most importantly, she’ll have a place to belong, something her harsh mother could never make. When an opportunity to fix up—and live in—a little house on the beach comes along, Grace is all in. Until her biggest roadblock moves in next door.
Noah Jansen knows how to make a deal. As a real estate developer, he knows when he's found something special. Something he could even call home. Provided he can expand by taking over the house next door--the house with the combative and beautiful woman living in it.
With the rules for being neighborly going out the window, Grace and Noah are in an all-out feud. But sometimes, your nemesis can show you that home is always where the heart is.
What appealed to you most in this story?
I liked the HGTV style home renovations and the humor sprinkled throughout the story. Grace was an excellent take charge character who knew what she wanted but wasn’t someone who would walk all over you to get it. She kept the story interesting, and I found myself cheering for her as I read.
I also really appreciated the deeper aspects presented in this story: found family, dangerous relationships with a parent, friendship, social anxiety, and personal growth.
How was the romance?
This was a sweet enemy to lovers troupe that kept things light and fun. I enjoyed the witty banter between Grace and Noah and the sweet moments that weren’t super cheesy. I did have a hard time “feeling” the connection/chemistry between Grace and Noah, and I found myself more invested in their home renovations rather than their romance. I guess I was just looking for more of a “swoon” factor as they came together.
Steam Level - Clean/Fade to black
Can this be read as a standalone or do you need to read the series in order?
I actually didn’t know this book was part of a series when I picked it up, but I never felt like I was missing anything as a read.
How was the pace?
Slow burn
Do you recommend this book?
Am I allowed to answer, “I don’t know?” I just don’t know how to explain my final thoughts on this book because I enjoyed a good chunk of it, but the last quarter of it just had me sighing. However, I really think this romcom will appeal to a lot of people out there and they will fall in love with it.
Thank you St. Martin’s Press for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
