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Love in the Neighborhood
Bryn Glendale has avoided many things since her divorce: the outside world, connecting with anyone because that would mean opening herself up to hurt again, and, mainly, Gabriel Marchetti, her handsome and charming neighbor…who she had an ill-conceived one-night stand with the day her divorce was finalized.
Bryn has let anxiety and grief over her failed marriage rule her life for the last two years, but she needs to make some changes and she can begrudgingly admit Gabe might be exactly what she needs. If only he didn’t annoy her so much with his sunny personality and upbeat quirkiness. But his most annoying trait? The fact he sees the real her, no matter how hard she tries to keep her mask in place.
Gabriel Marchetti has always been intrigued by his beautiful, slightly prickly neighbor. When Bryn comes to his rescue during a potentially hazardous mishap, Gabe jumps at the chance to win her over. He invites her to the neighborhood events leading up to the holidays and suggests they pretend to date—just to keep their matchmaking neighbors at bay, of course—and, much to his surprise, Bryn accepts.
Bryn has rules, though: no flirting, no kissing, and absolutely no real feelings. If only Gabe didn’t make it so difficult to stick to those rules.
As the pair grow closer and the lines between fake and real start to blur, can Bryn let go of the rules and learn to let love in again?
Perfect for fans of:
-Small town romance
-Fake dating
-Opposites attract
-Books set in Canada
-Open-door spice
-And authors such as Hannah Bonam-Young, Jillian Meadows, and Chloe Liese
Bryn has let anxiety and grief over her failed marriage rule her life for the last two years, but she needs to make some changes and she can begrudgingly admit Gabe might be exactly what she needs. If only he didn’t annoy her so much with his sunny personality and upbeat quirkiness. But his most annoying trait? The fact he sees the real her, no matter how hard she tries to keep her mask in place.
Gabriel Marchetti has always been intrigued by his beautiful, slightly prickly neighbor. When Bryn comes to his rescue during a potentially hazardous mishap, Gabe jumps at the chance to win her over. He invites her to the neighborhood events leading up to the holidays and suggests they pretend to date—just to keep their matchmaking neighbors at bay, of course—and, much to his surprise, Bryn accepts.
Bryn has rules, though: no flirting, no kissing, and absolutely no real feelings. If only Gabe didn’t make it so difficult to stick to those rules.
As the pair grow closer and the lines between fake and real start to blur, can Bryn let go of the rules and learn to let love in again?
Perfect for fans of:
-Small town romance
-Fake dating
-Opposites attract
-Books set in Canada
-Open-door spice
-And authors such as Hannah Bonam-Young, Jillian Meadows, and Chloe Liese
ebook
Published September 29, 2025
1 person is currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Marie Landry
28 books907 followersMarie Landry lives and writes in a cozy apartment in Ontario, Canada, surrounded by books and Funko Pops. An avid reader from a young age, she loves getting lost in characters’ worlds, whether they’re of her own making or someone else’s. She particularly loves stories with as much of an emphasis on self-discovery and friendship as on romance...but don’t leave out the romance!
When not doing bookish things, you can often find her taking pictures, cooking, scrolling Instagram (find her at @marielandry.author), daydreaming about frolicking through the Scottish Highlands, or listening to the same music she's loved since the '90s. She's an unapologetic nerd and fangirl, and that, along with her mental health advocacy, is often woven into her books.
Stay up to date with new releases, sales, promos, and other news by signing up for Marie's newsletter and be sure to follow her on BookBub so you never miss a new release!
When not doing bookish things, you can often find her taking pictures, cooking, scrolling Instagram (find her at @marielandry.author), daydreaming about frolicking through the Scottish Highlands, or listening to the same music she's loved since the '90s. She's an unapologetic nerd and fangirl, and that, along with her mental health advocacy, is often woven into her books.
Stay up to date with new releases, sales, promos, and other news by signing up for Marie's newsletter and be sure to follow her on BookBub so you never miss a new release!
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
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October 9, 2025Love in the Neighborhood is available now!
🏡1st person dual POV
🏡Small town romance
🏡Fake dating
🏡Grumpy/sunshine (she's the grump)
🏡He falls first
🏡Anxiety and grief rep
🏡No third-act breakup
🏡Set in Ontario, Canada
🏡Slow burn with medium spice
🏡Amazon
🏡Kobo
🏡Apple Books
🏡Nook
🏡Check out the book's Pinterest board
🏡1st person dual POV
🏡Small town romance
🏡Fake dating
🏡Grumpy/sunshine (she's the grump)
🏡He falls first
🏡Anxiety and grief rep
🏡No third-act breakup
🏡Set in Ontario, Canada
🏡Slow burn with medium spice
🏡Amazon
🏡Kobo
🏡Apple Books
🏡Nook
🏡Check out the book's Pinterest board
September 29, 2025
I received a review copy and these are my thoughts:
I loved this book! Bryn felt very relatable in her struggles with anxiety and social isolation because of it. Gabe was just wonderful. He was flirty but kind and helpful. A real social butterfly. He knew exactly how much to push Bryn in order to help her come out of her shell. He also knew when to give her time and space, but at the same time, would “demand” that she examine if her automatic “nos” were because she didn’t want to do or go somewhere, or just her anxiety speaking.
I loved seeming Bryn’s character grow and become a part of her neighbourhood community. Bryn’s friendship with Joanie (her online friend) was heartwarming, as was Gabe’s relationship with his sister and niece.
I very much appreciated that Marie put forth the discussion that online friends can in fact be, real friends. But that at the same time, stress the important of cultivating friendships in “real life”.
Love in the Neighborhood reminds us that even though change can be hard, if we take chances, we might find that it was forth it in the end.
This was a heartwarming, love story between two neighbours over the age of 30 (!) but also of Bryn giving herself the chance to blossom, find love after divorce and live her life to the fullest even with her limitations.
If you’re looking for a “pre-Christmas” read that feels cosy but is not yet “full-on Christmas”, then check this book out!!
[Spice: 1.5-2/5]
I loved this book! Bryn felt very relatable in her struggles with anxiety and social isolation because of it. Gabe was just wonderful. He was flirty but kind and helpful. A real social butterfly. He knew exactly how much to push Bryn in order to help her come out of her shell. He also knew when to give her time and space, but at the same time, would “demand” that she examine if her automatic “nos” were because she didn’t want to do or go somewhere, or just her anxiety speaking.
I loved seeming Bryn’s character grow and become a part of her neighbourhood community. Bryn’s friendship with Joanie (her online friend) was heartwarming, as was Gabe’s relationship with his sister and niece.
I very much appreciated that Marie put forth the discussion that online friends can in fact be, real friends. But that at the same time, stress the important of cultivating friendships in “real life”.
Love in the Neighborhood reminds us that even though change can be hard, if we take chances, we might find that it was forth it in the end.
This was a heartwarming, love story between two neighbours over the age of 30 (!) but also of Bryn giving herself the chance to blossom, find love after divorce and live her life to the fullest even with her limitations.
If you’re looking for a “pre-Christmas” read that feels cosy but is not yet “full-on Christmas”, then check this book out!!
[Spice: 1.5-2/5]
September 12, 2025
Love in the Neighborhood is a book you definitely need to read, especially if you love sweet and spicy small town, fake dating, grumpy/sunshine romances. It is a great first read for the Christmas season but can be read anytime of the year.
Bryn Glendale and Gabriel Marchetti are the perfectly matched couple. Bryn suffers from anxiety and has been hurt by past relationships, and Gabe is a person who thrives on helping those he cares about and all he wants to do is help Bryn heal and face her fears. Being pulled into their love story is something you don’t want to miss. And the neighborhood of Honeywell is one straight out of a Hallmark movie or a small town found in Canada.
Bryn Glendale and Gabriel Marchetti are the perfectly matched couple. Bryn suffers from anxiety and has been hurt by past relationships, and Gabe is a person who thrives on helping those he cares about and all he wants to do is help Bryn heal and face her fears. Being pulled into their love story is something you don’t want to miss. And the neighborhood of Honeywell is one straight out of a Hallmark movie or a small town found in Canada.
September 10, 2025
I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader copy of this book, and here is my honest review. This book was like a great big warm hug! And I felt that way before we ever read Gabe hugging Bryn, I just know he's a magnificent hugger. This brings all the warm fuzzies. While both characters have their own baggage, who doesn't? Their baggage matches. They really are wonderful for each other. Meeting these two wonderful, interesting characters and then watching them fall in love was a joy. I also enjoyed the neighbourhood! Interesting additional characters are like the icing on a cake, and this book had them in spades. Gabriel Marchetti is the PERFECT book boyfriend, and I won't be forgetting him anytime soon! HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
September 25, 2025
I just finished reading “Love In The Neighborhood,” and it certainly did not disappoint. From the very first page, I was completely emeshed in the story. I have always enjoyed the author’s small-town Ontario romances, and this book was no exception. Thank you to @marielandry.author for the ARC! I am eagerly looking forward to the next read!
January 5, 2026
I love love LOVED this book, first I have to say I have never read such well portrayed anxiety and panic attack representation, if you have ever struggled with either this book will feel so real and relatable. I felt like I understood and connected to Bryn’s character immediately and the way Gabe cares for her and supports her through moments of anxiousness and panic is so tender and gentle while never feeling belittling or like Bryn is a burden for her struggles. Truly a mental health writing master class.
These two characters could not be more opposite yet fit so obviously well together. Gabe is outgoing and the neighborhood star spreading ALL of the Christmas cheer and festivities, and Bryn would 1000% be ok with sitting inside next to the fire with a good book while never interacting with another soul for the holidays. The two are able to balance each other out so well with Gabe bringing Bryn out of her shell and into the neighborhood community and Bryn showing us that its ok to spend a night in every once and a while.
If Highland Ave ever was a real place, consider my bags packed, I would move there in a heartbeat.
These two characters could not be more opposite yet fit so obviously well together. Gabe is outgoing and the neighborhood star spreading ALL of the Christmas cheer and festivities, and Bryn would 1000% be ok with sitting inside next to the fire with a good book while never interacting with another soul for the holidays. The two are able to balance each other out so well with Gabe bringing Bryn out of her shell and into the neighborhood community and Bryn showing us that its ok to spend a night in every once and a while.
If Highland Ave ever was a real place, consider my bags packed, I would move there in a heartbeat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2025
Gabe and Bryn are the warm blanket nest you didn't know you needed to burrow yourself in while watching your comfort show after a particularly stressing week. Or at least they definitely were for me. Their grumpy-sunshine/fake dating/second chances romance is the stuff of dreams (or good romance books) as Bryn more than once remarks, and she should know since she is a romance cover designer! You will heal along with her thanks to Gabe's caring and loving attentions and it is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and Honeywell world (and no it's not too early for Christmas vibes). With delightful cameos from Escaping Christmas (it's totally ok if you haven't read it but you may want to check it out if you love this one) you won't want to put it down!
September 29, 2025
Each time I read one of Marie Landry's books, I think it's her best book yet, and every time a new one comes out, she outdoes herself and exceeds my expectations yet again - every single time!
This is such a lovely story of the main character overcoming anxiety and pushing herself to step outside of her comfort zone, with gentle encouragement from an absolutely swoonworthy hero. It's Christmas, there are festive events all around the neighbourhood, and to avoid constant set-ups, they hatch a plan to pretend to be dating! One of my favourite tropes that's done brilliantly here, along with another favourite - grumpy/sunshine, especially when she's the grump and he's the sunshine!
Bryn is so real and relatable, and Gabe is a great big ball of festive joy! This gorgeous story is utterly heart-warming, uplifting, and inspiring! I loved every page of it! Easily my favourite festive read of 2025!
This is such a lovely story of the main character overcoming anxiety and pushing herself to step outside of her comfort zone, with gentle encouragement from an absolutely swoonworthy hero. It's Christmas, there are festive events all around the neighbourhood, and to avoid constant set-ups, they hatch a plan to pretend to be dating! One of my favourite tropes that's done brilliantly here, along with another favourite - grumpy/sunshine, especially when she's the grump and he's the sunshine!
Bryn is so real and relatable, and Gabe is a great big ball of festive joy! This gorgeous story is utterly heart-warming, uplifting, and inspiring! I loved every page of it! Easily my favourite festive read of 2025!
September 26, 2025
Marie Landry is an author I can always rely on when I want a feel good story and Love in the Neighborhood continues to deliver on this. It was like a hug on a cold day. There were so many things I loved about this book. I think the first being that our MC's are in their mid 30s and early 40's. It's so refreshing to get a romance set later in life and not the typical early 20's characters. Another bonus was the book is set at Christmas, which allowed for some fun creative events for Bryn and Gabe to attend. This is a neighbourhood I wanna live in.
And can we talk about Gabe for a moment, based loosely off Pedro Pascal he is a walking talking green flag and now topping my current book boyfriend list. Ladies, he cooks, bakes, remembers the small details and is a Christmas fanatic! And he was such a good match for Bryn. Especially with his knowledge of anxiety disorders, as well as his own experience being brought out of his shell from the shy teenager he was growing up. Watching Brun re-find herself and her worth was such a delight.
Another place Landry excels is the periphery relationships and characters. I loved the interactions between Gabe and sister and niece. And Daphne's outgoing, welcoming personality had me smiling. Plus we get a cameo from Joss and Liam from Escaping Christmas!
And I grabbed a new quote I just love
“..I may be an open book, but only the people closest to be get the bonus chapters”
It resonated so much with me.
If you like: small town, fake dating, mental health rep, grumpy/sunshine, dual POV, no third act breakups - than this is the book for you.
Thank you to the author for my advanced copy in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own
And can we talk about Gabe for a moment, based loosely off Pedro Pascal he is a walking talking green flag and now topping my current book boyfriend list. Ladies, he cooks, bakes, remembers the small details and is a Christmas fanatic! And he was such a good match for Bryn. Especially with his knowledge of anxiety disorders, as well as his own experience being brought out of his shell from the shy teenager he was growing up. Watching Brun re-find herself and her worth was such a delight.
Another place Landry excels is the periphery relationships and characters. I loved the interactions between Gabe and sister and niece. And Daphne's outgoing, welcoming personality had me smiling. Plus we get a cameo from Joss and Liam from Escaping Christmas!
And I grabbed a new quote I just love
“..I may be an open book, but only the people closest to be get the bonus chapters”
It resonated so much with me.
If you like: small town, fake dating, mental health rep, grumpy/sunshine, dual POV, no third act breakups - than this is the book for you.
Thank you to the author for my advanced copy in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own
September 27, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
Bryn has led a quiet life, suffering from anxiety, she’s found it hard to mix with others in her neighbourhood, her ex didn’t treat her well, and that too has had an impact on her life.
Gabriel is a person who helps the people he cares about and he too has been hurt by a past relationship.
Gabriel really wants to help Bryn in coping with her anxiety and to start being around others, to know that there’s people in the neighbourhood who are friendly and happy to help her when she needs it.
When they begin to mix with the residents, Bryn slowly starts to enjoy being in the community and away from her house.
I loved how they both help each heal and the activities that they become involved in.
I loved the setting and characters. This is a book that you will want to read and will find hard to put down.
I highly recommend this book.
Bryn has led a quiet life, suffering from anxiety, she’s found it hard to mix with others in her neighbourhood, her ex didn’t treat her well, and that too has had an impact on her life.
Gabriel is a person who helps the people he cares about and he too has been hurt by a past relationship.
Gabriel really wants to help Bryn in coping with her anxiety and to start being around others, to know that there’s people in the neighbourhood who are friendly and happy to help her when she needs it.
When they begin to mix with the residents, Bryn slowly starts to enjoy being in the community and away from her house.
I loved how they both help each heal and the activities that they become involved in.
I loved the setting and characters. This is a book that you will want to read and will find hard to put down.
I highly recommend this book.
September 22, 2025
Wow, what I can say about this book? I loved it. Bryn is the FMC and Marie wrote her Bryn's anxiety is such a mindful and respectful way. As someone who deals with anxiety, seeing it written so respectfully made me so happy. Because of that I connected with Bryn. Gabe is a wonderful guy who treated Bryn as a person, not as just a person with anxiety. He helped her grow and step out of her comfort zone.
I loved the whole holiday vibe throughout the story. It was so much fun.
Tropes:
Small town (Canadian)
Grumpy x sunshine
Fake dating
Opposites attract
Anxiety & grief rep
He falls first
Open door/medium spice
I loved the whole holiday vibe throughout the story. It was so much fun.
Tropes:
Small town (Canadian)
Grumpy x sunshine
Fake dating
Opposites attract
Anxiety & grief rep
He falls first
Open door/medium spice
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews