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Southern Heat

My Hot Neighbor

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I came “home” to this small town to start over,
Not to start a new relationship.


I’m here to heal,
Not to find the same old troubles with a new man.

Ryan stopped to help when my car broke down.
I didn’t want to like him, much less trust him.
But I can’t help myself.

My inheritance is a dump with no electricity.
And Ryan is my new neighbor!
Next thing I know, he’s helping me repair the house.
And my heart.

This is more than a fling, but I’m afraid to define it.
I’m going to have to figure it out soon though,
Because the baby I’m carrying won’t stay a secret for long.

219 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 4, 2023

422 people are currently reading
82 people want to read

About the author

Natasha L. Black

105 books535 followers

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5 stars
254 (54%)
4 stars
128 (27%)
3 stars
61 (12%)
2 stars
24 (5%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews65 followers
September 3, 2023
Oh my gosh! That was just so incredibly sweet. A little steamy and fairly low angst, it’s such a cute story. From a meet-cute over a broken down car to forever, I quickly fell in love with Allison and Ryan’s story. These two are so perfect for one another, it’s kind of no wonder that there’s not much to knock their love off the rails. There’s a bit of a hiccup with a surprise present, but both Allison and Ryan are very mature about the situation and talk things through before everything blows up. Now that we’ve also gotten to know several of the people around them, I’m hoping that their supporting cast might get books of their own in the future, too.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through Booksprout.
Profile Image for Joy Roberts.
565 reviews6 followers
October 6, 2023
Allison was leaving her old life behind. Betrayed by her controlling boyfriend left her end debt, broke, reputation shattered and out of a job. Her grandparents left her there house. The management office took care of things until they got no response. She had to sell her car and good thing she had a backup car. She packed up and hoped her car would make the trip. Her car broke down on the side of the road. Ryan was retired from the military. An injury had him retire early. He was back in Murdock. His friend had a ranch and for therapy Ryan would go tend to the horses and volunteer when he could. While leaving the ranch right before the storm he saw a woman broke down on the side of the road. He pulled over and gave her assistance. She was not use to people being that kind. Ryan called the auto shop in town and had her towed in. He offered to take her where she needed to go. The management office had the key to her house so she had to sign papers. The man at the office dropped her off at the house. Ryan couldn’t believe his eyes. The woman he helped was going into the house next door. He went next door to help her out. The house had no power or water. It needed a lot of tlc. He offered his guest bedroom to her. She couldn’t believe he was being so nice. This is how the romance started from Ryan being so nice. He offered to help her. He started falling for her. He helped fix up her house. Allison dreamed of owning a B&B but with her ex trying to tear her confidence down. Ryan was the total opposite. He supported her dreams. He was determined to make them happen if he could. A chance encounter turned into so much more. Definitely a page turner. I have read so many of her books and they never disappoint me ever!
Profile Image for Maggie Sinclair.
124 reviews9 followers
September 6, 2023
This one was very meh to me. If you're looking for something with some drama or a heavy storyline....unfortunately this is not it. It's not a bad story if you want something lighthearted and simple, especially with a surprise pregnancy thrown in it, but I found that I skimmed a lot of it, waiting for something to happen.

Allison comes to Murdock, a place she visited as a child to see her grandparents, and they leave her their house after they pass. Not only is it a major fixer-upper, but she is also getting away from an abusive relationship (but you never see or hear from the abuser - so no worries on him showing up). She has a small account to fix it and also wants to buy property to open a B&B in town. Her hot neighbor, Ryan, helps her out of a couple of binds and works on her house with her. They fall in love, she gets accidentally pregnant, and they buy a B&B. That's it. Other than a medical scare, nothing happens.

I will note that there is a lot of internal monologue, which kind of drags on after a while. Only a few brief sex, but not really hot or sexy, scenes. Plus, there isn't a lot of character development. Ryan has some friends, has been in the military, and has a sister. Allison has no family left, and she used to date someone who stole her money. And that's all there is to the both of them. So if you're looking for a heavier book, this isn't it. Light and meh it is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,029 reviews4 followers
November 16, 2023
My Hot Neighbor : A Secret Baby Romance

Allison : Everyone is gone and I left my ex a boyfriend because he liked to control her and he stoked her money and put her in so much debt. Coming back to her grandparents home in Texas, her inheritance. Her car breaking down because it was older than dirt. Her new one had to be sold because of her debt. She paid off most of her debt that her boyfriend cheated her out of. But, whenever she got to the place , it was a dumb in need of repairs for her to live in it... Most movies are made out of this type of storyline. Ryan grew up in Murdock, Tx. Joined the military- Special Forces and was good at it until he got injured out in the desert. He came back home and bought himself a house and fixed it up. Then went to work as a fireman. He met Allison on a cold rainy night out in the middle of nowhere on his way home. Took her to the place were they had her car towed. That was a start of a friendship, that was out of this world. This story was simply delicious and so different. Every turn in the story was a new adventure. Some things were so funny filled with excitement. It's like a real life thing, so read it and see what you think. I Enjoyed reading this authors story!
Profile Image for Raecharmed.
9,314 reviews70 followers
September 11, 2023
Allison is trying to move on after what her ex has done to her life. Its on this journey that her care breaks down and she meets Ryan. Ryan calls a tow truck and offers her a ride to help her out. He is shocked later when he sees her going into the house next door to his. Allison is wary of men after what she has been through, but Ryan works magic, and she is letting him help her. One night when they are eating, she shares her dream of having a bed and breakfast. She even tells him about the place she has in mind for it. Things have heated up between them and soon Ryan is wanting to do whatever he can to make her happy. Will Allison find everything she is looking for in her new home? Will she see that Ryan is different from her ex?

This is an amazing story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
Profile Image for Kelly  DeMarco.
1,940 reviews5 followers
October 31, 2023
After reading other Southern Heat books, I couldn't resist reading this one

I love Ryan in My Hot Neighbor: A Secret Baby Romance (Southern Heat Book 1) by Natasha L. Black. This male character ticks all my boxes! Former military, firefighter, sweet, sexy, and all in with Allison as well as their 'secret' baby.
Who wouldn’t love a guy who was handy, but also loves working with you side by side! Stepping in and up when needed, not just when asked. Offering because he wants to, not because he has to.
Allison has some baggage when she arrives in town. Meeting Ryan is serendipitous! He's perfect for her and she becomes a perfect fit for him!
Overall, this right time, right place, proximity, common interests and surprise pregnancy is a good read and all about the characters. Really enjoyed the positive, hopeful and extensive pregnancy elements leading up to the guaranteed HEA.
759 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2023
Sweet and sexy!

This book was great. Allison had been through hell. An abuser boyfriend who took her money and basically kept her away from her family and friends he was an awesome abuser. When she finally escaped he went to little town far away. He was going to restart her life. Unfortunately mother nature or whomever had other plans for her. I broken down car, I broken down house, a sexy new neighbor, and the heart that wouldn't say no. Ryan is a super guy. Not only is he good looking and built like a God. He's also sweet and kind. First you helped her with her car then when they realize they were neighbors, he started helping her right away. He was suffering from PTSD and what's slowly working his way out of it. Keeping busy was one of the things that helped and so he proceeded to help her. And fall in love with her. Having a baby with her. And everything else was grand. Loved this book! And
2,075 reviews2 followers
September 4, 2023
This is a sweet love story of strangers who meet on the side of the road in the rain. Allison left her life behind along with her horrible ex and finds herself going back to Texas to the home her grandparents left her to start over. Ryan finds Allison with her broken down car and offers her kindness and help from that first moment. Allison finds the home is need of repairs and Ryan is right there offering a place to sleep and help remodeling the home. These two find themselves attracted and start a relationship with no label. Ryan grew up next to Allison’s grandparents then left for the military and returned becoming a firefighter. Over time and with a dream Allison and Ryan discover what’s important in life and find true love and family! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
2,243 reviews18 followers
September 5, 2023
Allison was in a toxic relationship that did not end well. Luckily her grandparents had willed their home in a small town of Texas to Allison. I was surprised she made it from the east coast to Texas with her run down car. I know later she thought it was her lucky day when Ryan came along to help with her broken car. It was funny that after he rescued and helped her get the keys to her home, they found out they lived next door to each other. I admired Allison how strong and independent she was. Turns out she wasn’t stupid and also let Ryan help her renovate her grandparents house. I enjoyed watching the two get to know each other and fall in love. There were a few surprises for both of them as well as a big surprise for Allison towards the end. I encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
Profile Image for Korkoi.
7,388 reviews34 followers
September 5, 2023
Returning Home to Find Happiness -
This is a story about Ryan’s patience and determination to help Allison restore trust in not only herself, but others, so she could start living again. The pain she went through in her last made it difficult for her to allow her to accept help from strangers. However, Ryan found a way to break down her walls and got her to open up to falling in love and creating a family, whilst they engaged in mind blowing pleasures. I really enjoyed reading this slow build romance story, that had me totally captivated from the first page, all the way until the end. This book is a definite must read, that you will be happy to read and recommend.

I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Fiona.
2,868 reviews32 followers
September 7, 2023
This was a really cute story about a couple, Ryan and Allison, who meet on the side of the road, they discover that they are neighbours. Allison has inherited her grandparents house which had fallen into disrepair. Allison had walked away from a toxic relationship and had trust issues after the way, her ex had treated her. Ryan had been a marine and was now home after being injured, he now works at the firehouse but finds Allison attractive and wants to help her out. These two face challenges together and fall in love and have a baby before he’s due and build a happily ever after together.

I was given an advanced copy of this book to read and I am reviewing with my honest and fair opinion.
2,531 reviews
November 19, 2023
Ryan was injured overseas fighting for his country, but now he is a fire fighter. One day, he finds a woman on the side of the road in the pouring rain with a dead car. This woman is Allison. She has left a very mentally abusive relationship, all her money taken, so she took everything she can fit in her ratty car, and drives to a house she inherited from her grandmother. Now she has broken down and her car won't start. What on earth is she going to do now? Then a gorgeous man stops to help her. There are no hotel rooms available due to something going on, so he invites her to stay in his spare room. She says no, so he organises for a tow for her vehicle. What she doesn't know is that he is her new neighbour. This story was absolutely marvellous and I just didn't want it to end.
Profile Image for D.
980 reviews5 followers
October 10, 2023
Ryan and Allison

This is a very sweet love story. Maybe too sweet? There is no angst, no break up, they actually acted like adults. What they didn’t have is chemistry to me. They had some spice times, they had the surprise pregnancy and they had the love at first sight. But it read kind of melancholy she was hurt, she was sad, she had a past, she had no family, he had friends, a distant sister, and a small town and a military past that left him injured. It was just a more of a house flip and her dreams. It did have HEA.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
2,605 reviews3 followers
September 4, 2023
Loved this book. Allison came to Murdock Texas to take ownership of her grandparents old house after she left her lying ex boyfriend but what she didn't expect was sexy next door neighbor Ryan, Ryan is home after serving in the military now working as a firefighter comes to the aid of Allison when she needs help but getting feelings was never in the plans. Will they get a happy Everly after?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
9,377 reviews139 followers
September 5, 2023
This is a well written book with strong characters in Allison and Ryan. The author brings a story of starting over and finding true love. She does a great job developing their relationship as she weaves a sweet romance. Her scenes are painted perfectly and the story flows fluidly. I enjoyed reading their story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
1,815 reviews8 followers
September 6, 2023
She is getting out of Houston, to get away from her toxic ex and the mess he made of her life, and heading off to Murdock. Allison's car unfortunately decides it's too much, luckily she is almost there and Ryan helps her. I enjoyed the steam between this couple, the easy way their relationship happens, although it doesn't mean they won't have any bumps in their story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Brenda Motza.
454 reviews5 followers
September 8, 2023
Loved this book! It was steamy and cute and low angst.

I loved how Ryan helped out the damsel in distress when her car broke down to finding out said damsel was his new neighbor. Allison's old life just fell apart so she decided to make a new life for herself and get that key to her grandparents old house that was left to her when they passed. Who knew that the hot hunk who stopped to help would be her new neighbor.

Another great book by Natasha!
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.9k reviews28 followers
September 14, 2023
Allison is ready for a new start so she heads to the small town where she inherited her grandparent's property but has car trouble. Ryan comes to her rescue and their chance meeting turns into a sweet romance. I loved how great Ryan and Allison were together. Together they worked on her fixer upper home and found love along the way. Great writing, a sweet love story, and likable characters make this a great read. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
14k reviews156 followers
September 3, 2023
Ryan and Allison meet when he stops to help her with her car. She later learns that he is the neighbor next door to the house she inherits and the rest is history for these two. It is a heartfelt story that drew me in and had me in their corner from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for T.
2,099 reviews
September 6, 2023
Not a bad read...a spicy Hallmark movie!

Several places where the book had a storyline going and then it was dropped. Glossed over and sealed with a HEA bow.

And where was happened to the baby during the epilouge!?!? lol.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Patricia Baxes.
3,050 reviews30 followers
September 6, 2023
Oh my goodness…Natasha Black has done it again. What s great storyline; very believable characters; a very interesting plot wifi some interesting twists and turns; and an absolutely fantastic HEA. You definitely want to add this one to your library! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and absolutely loved it!) ❤️❤️
Profile Image for Donna Gomez-Rivera.
1,125 reviews
September 7, 2023
My Hot Neighbor is an enjoyable storyline with likable characters that come to life and keep you intrigued and turning the pages and rooting for their HEA. The explosive chemistry between them is intense and their undeniably connection. A must read. Grab your copy today and start reading. Enjoy happy reading 📚
Profile Image for Charmaine Nouwen.
5,468 reviews23 followers
September 8, 2023
My Hot Neighbor: A Secret Baby Romance story of Allison and Ryan is a wonderful story..emotional,sweet,steamy and captivating..A woman move to a small town for a new start and fulfilled her dreams and a chance meeting with a sweet kind,gorgeous man who help her is a bonus..shes not looking for romance but cupid have a different ideas..
545 reviews3 followers
September 13, 2023
💖💖💖

Loved this story between Ryan and Allison. So romantic, steamy and simple at the same time. Just 2 ordinary hard working people who fell in love. No billionaire, grump or one night stand drama. They both knew what they wanted, worked hard and obtained it. I hope this turns into series as they were so many single people in this book. Good job Ms. Black!
414 reviews
December 31, 2023
A little different

I have read many Natasha Black romances, but this one is a little different. It does still have main chart that are so realistic and a story that pulls you in right from the beginning but this one takes a different turns by only having gentle curves and not sharp twists! I enjoy and read it in a day.
Profile Image for Mary Mccormack.
1,371 reviews
September 6, 2023
Loved the characters and storyline in this book. So many layers in this book that keeps you with not only the twists and turns in life, but in their relationship and their healing from their pasts.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,259 reviews49 followers
September 6, 2023
Kept my attention throughout this fun story. Smoking hot chemistry. Amazing steamy scenes. Storyline was full of laughs. Characters were made for one another. LOVED this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,119 reviews19 followers
September 6, 2023
Well developed plot that grab my from the very
start until the last word.
Well developed characters with plenty of chemistry
and depth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shannon.
4,116 reviews31 followers
September 10, 2023
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

This is a sweet and steamy easy to read novella, fast-paced with storyline that flowed well, no major dramas and complications. Both Ryan and Allison were likable characters, plenty of chemistry. Wonderful way to spend a couple hours.
Profile Image for Heather Gibbard.
1,178 reviews3 followers
September 10, 2023
Ryan and Allison story and has some steam along with a secret baby. This book draws you in and along lets you go at the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews