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Neighbor Dearest
From New York Times bestselling author, Penelope Ward, comes a friends-to-lovers story with sexy new characters. After getting dumped, the last thing I needed was to move next door to someone who reminded me of my ex-boyfriend, Elec. Damien was a hotter version of my ex. The neighbor I'd dubbed "Angry Artist" also had two massive dogs that kept me up with their barking. He wanted nothing to do with me. Or so I thought until one night I heard laughter coming through an apparent hole in my bedroom wall. Damien had been listening to all of my phone sessions with my therapist. The sexy artist next door now knew all of my deepest secrets and insecurities. We got to talking. He set me straight with tips to get over my breakup. He became a good friend, but Damien made it clear that he couldn't be anything more. Problem was, I was falling hard for him anyway. And as much as he pushed me away, I knew he felt the same...because his heartbeat didn't lie. I thought my heart had been broken by Elec, but it was alive and beating harder than ever for Damien. I just hoped he wouldn't shatter it for good. Author's note - Neighbor Dearest is a full-length standalone novel.
269 pages, Paperback
Published August 4, 2016
854 people are currently reading
18384 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Ward
98 books25.8k followersPenelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.
She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.
With millions of books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over forty novels.
In 2014, Penelope’s fourth book, Stepbrother Dearest, became the #1 bestselling independently published Kindle ebook of the year on Amazon.com and was credited with igniting an entirely new subgenre of romance. Her 2016 smash hit RoomHate debuted at #2 on The New York Times Bestseller list. Penelope is an Audie Award Winner and three-time Goodreads Choice Romance of the Year Nominee. Her books have been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Publisher’s Weekly (Starred Review).
Penelope’s novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
She can often be found chatting live with her readers in her private Facebook group, Penelope’s Peeps.
She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.
With millions of books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over forty novels.
In 2014, Penelope’s fourth book, Stepbrother Dearest, became the #1 bestselling independently published Kindle ebook of the year on Amazon.com and was credited with igniting an entirely new subgenre of romance. Her 2016 smash hit RoomHate debuted at #2 on The New York Times Bestseller list. Penelope is an Audie Award Winner and three-time Goodreads Choice Romance of the Year Nominee. Her books have been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Publisher’s Weekly (Starred Review).
Penelope’s novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
She can often be found chatting live with her readers in her private Facebook group, Penelope’s Peeps.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,352 reviews
August 28, 2016
Man oh man! Where on earth do I start? If you could see my now then you'd honestly see a crazy loon of a bookworm sitting with the biggest smile on her face, with a heart that is POUNDING, skin COVERED in goosebumps, tingling from SO MANY EMOTIONS and I'm HOT, like burning up from the pure epicness that is Neighbour Dearest.
Captivating. Neighbour Dearest is captivating. From the prologue I was dragged into this story, and held hostage by words that held so much emotion I couldn't escape, I didn't want to escape.
I feel I have to admit now, before I go any further that my nerves were shot going into this, I mean Elec WAS my top Penelope guy and I was nervous as to what may happen, but at 33% when those butterflies began flapping deep in my stomach I was no longer nervous. I was hyper, floating on an extreme buzz that built and built and built with each page read. I cannot even begin to tell you how many times my whole body EXPLODED with different feels while reading. Neighbour Dearest gave me an emotional high that I'll never forget.
Led from Chelsea's POV, Neighbour Dearest is a read that I'm ADDICTED too. In four hours I have fallen head over heels in love with EVERYTHING about this book. From the pure intensity of the connection between Chelsea and Damien to the soul searing love that BURNED every fibre of me.
Not only did the story burn me, but so did Damien. This man is EVERYTHING. There is SO MUCH to him, from his deep, moody intensity, to his delicious dirty words to the swoony, romantic man that destroys the heart in the BEST POSSIBLE WAY, is just perfection. So much so that I sit here now asking “Elec who?!?” Yep that's right you heard me. Prepare to wave goodbye to Elec because Damien Hennessey is going to BLOW YOUR MIND while ROCKING YOUR WORLD leaving you in a sticky gooey mess of pure sated bliss.
If there is one thing I have to say about Neighbour Dearest it's that it's a sublime story. From start to finish there isn't any time where I wanted to put this book down, where I wanted to stop and the further I got in the more overpowering the feeling got. I can't honestly say I devoured this book because this book devoured ME!
Penelope Ward is an artist, how she builds up her words is astounding. The words flow into breathtaking sentences that make up chapter after chapter of beautiful perfection. I feel as though I want to hang up EVERY SINGLE page from this book and marvel at them forever. Penelope OWNED it with this book. OWNED me with this book.
From the very first sparks to the rip roaring flame and burning heat that emits from this book and it's characters, Neighbour Dearest is Penelope's best book yet. It's a firestarter that takes over everything. And in no way would I ever change a thing about this story.
Captivating. Neighbour Dearest is captivating. From the prologue I was dragged into this story, and held hostage by words that held so much emotion I couldn't escape, I didn't want to escape.
I feel I have to admit now, before I go any further that my nerves were shot going into this, I mean Elec WAS my top Penelope guy and I was nervous as to what may happen, but at 33% when those butterflies began flapping deep in my stomach I was no longer nervous. I was hyper, floating on an extreme buzz that built and built and built with each page read. I cannot even begin to tell you how many times my whole body EXPLODED with different feels while reading. Neighbour Dearest gave me an emotional high that I'll never forget.
Led from Chelsea's POV, Neighbour Dearest is a read that I'm ADDICTED too. In four hours I have fallen head over heels in love with EVERYTHING about this book. From the pure intensity of the connection between Chelsea and Damien to the soul searing love that BURNED every fibre of me.
Not only did the story burn me, but so did Damien. This man is EVERYTHING. There is SO MUCH to him, from his deep, moody intensity, to his delicious dirty words to the swoony, romantic man that destroys the heart in the BEST POSSIBLE WAY, is just perfection. So much so that I sit here now asking “Elec who?!?” Yep that's right you heard me. Prepare to wave goodbye to Elec because Damien Hennessey is going to BLOW YOUR MIND while ROCKING YOUR WORLD leaving you in a sticky gooey mess of pure sated bliss.
If there is one thing I have to say about Neighbour Dearest it's that it's a sublime story. From start to finish there isn't any time where I wanted to put this book down, where I wanted to stop and the further I got in the more overpowering the feeling got. I can't honestly say I devoured this book because this book devoured ME!
Penelope Ward is an artist, how she builds up her words is astounding. The words flow into breathtaking sentences that make up chapter after chapter of beautiful perfection. I feel as though I want to hang up EVERY SINGLE page from this book and marvel at them forever. Penelope OWNED it with this book. OWNED me with this book.
From the very first sparks to the rip roaring flame and burning heat that emits from this book and it's characters, Neighbour Dearest is Penelope's best book yet. It's a firestarter that takes over everything. And in no way would I ever change a thing about this story.
August 18, 2016
4.5 Stars!!
If you haven’t read anything by this author, 'Neighbor Dearest' is the perfect book to start with. Why? Because this perfect little gem has everything that makes a book a great, wonderful read. I’ve read several books by this author, so trust me when I say her newest release is one of her best work so far. 'Neighbor Dearest' was sweet, funny, sexy but also emotional, intense and so heartwarming at times and most important of all, it was so different from what I thought it will be in a very good way which I really loved.
It’s been a year since Chelsea’s heart (character we previously met in “Stepbrother Dearest”) was broke by Elec, the man she though he is ‘the one’. She still feels a little lost trying to understand why Elec left her for another woman thinking that’s something wrong with her. Needless to say she’s struggling a little to move on and forget the one who shattered her heart. Chelsea loves her job as director of arts at the Mission Youth Center, working with kids helping her in some way with everything that happened, but she needs a change of scenery so she decides to move into a new apartment.
Things start to change for Chelsea when she meets Damien, her enigmatic and mysterious neighbor who at first seems to be the neighbor from hell. Damien is sexy and sarcastic as f@ck. If at first they don’t seem to like each other very much, as time passes and Damien learns Chelsea’s secrets, eventually giving her a piece of advice, they slowly become friends. While Chelsea is very attracted to Damien, Damien lets Chelsea know from the beginning that he’s not looking for a relationship, believing he’s not the man for her. But that doesn’t mean he’s not attracted to her or that they don’t have an explosive chemistry.
This was such an entertaining read! Penelope Ward held me captive with this feel good story from beginning until the end. I enjoyed the premise and how the story unfolded even if, like I mentioned above I thought the story will be a little different.
Chelsea and Damien were well-portrayed, endearing characters and really liked reading about them. To be honest I liked more Damien’s character. Damien was sexy, funny and so damn swoony at times. I liked the fact that he was so brutally honest with our heroine from the start. As the story progressed we get to see a different Damien than the one from the beginning. He was so sweet, caring and considerate so he totally won me over. I liked Chelsea, but I can’t say I loved her. She was smart, funny and I have to say I really liked how dedicated she was to her job, but at times she felt a little too needy for my liking. I would have liked her to be a little bit stronger and maybe a little independent than she was, but overall, like I said, I liked her.
I liked how these two characters firstly become friends. The transition from friends to lovers was well done and I liked how they were both as friends and also as lovers. I loved how they were so comfortable with each other, I enjoyed the funny and sweet moments between them and their delightful banter that made me smile, grin and laugh.
I loved these two individually and I loved them as a couple. They were perfect for each other in every way and their sweet moments together really warmed my heart. I loved how the romantic aspect was done here. The second half of the story was emotionally angsty, but in a very good, touching way. I loved the way they loved each other as the story unfolded and how devoted they were to each other.
As for the sexual tension and chemistry between these two…OMG…fantastically done, well written and simply deliciously sexy.
Overall, an enjoyable friends to lovers story that I highly recommend!
P.S. I loved, loved the Double D’s! :D
If you haven’t read anything by this author, 'Neighbor Dearest' is the perfect book to start with. Why? Because this perfect little gem has everything that makes a book a great, wonderful read. I’ve read several books by this author, so trust me when I say her newest release is one of her best work so far. 'Neighbor Dearest' was sweet, funny, sexy but also emotional, intense and so heartwarming at times and most important of all, it was so different from what I thought it will be in a very good way which I really loved.
“You only get one true love, one soulmate. Not everyone is lucky enough to find that person in a lifetime.”
It’s been a year since Chelsea’s heart (character we previously met in “Stepbrother Dearest”) was broke by Elec, the man she though he is ‘the one’. She still feels a little lost trying to understand why Elec left her for another woman thinking that’s something wrong with her. Needless to say she’s struggling a little to move on and forget the one who shattered her heart. Chelsea loves her job as director of arts at the Mission Youth Center, working with kids helping her in some way with everything that happened, but she needs a change of scenery so she decides to move into a new apartment.
“I want to enjoy my life unapologetically, and I don’t take anything for granted.”
Things start to change for Chelsea when she meets Damien, her enigmatic and mysterious neighbor who at first seems to be the neighbor from hell. Damien is sexy and sarcastic as f@ck. If at first they don’t seem to like each other very much, as time passes and Damien learns Chelsea’s secrets, eventually giving her a piece of advice, they slowly become friends. While Chelsea is very attracted to Damien, Damien lets Chelsea know from the beginning that he’s not looking for a relationship, believing he’s not the man for her. But that doesn’t mean he’s not attracted to her or that they don’t have an explosive chemistry.
“You have no idea how close I’ve come to losing it with you so many times. No clue … Don’t think I can’t tell exactly what you’re thinking when you look at me. You are so transparent, and it drives me crazy.”
This was such an entertaining read! Penelope Ward held me captive with this feel good story from beginning until the end. I enjoyed the premise and how the story unfolded even if, like I mentioned above I thought the story will be a little different.
Chelsea and Damien were well-portrayed, endearing characters and really liked reading about them. To be honest I liked more Damien’s character. Damien was sexy, funny and so damn swoony at times. I liked the fact that he was so brutally honest with our heroine from the start. As the story progressed we get to see a different Damien than the one from the beginning. He was so sweet, caring and considerate so he totally won me over. I liked Chelsea, but I can’t say I loved her. She was smart, funny and I have to say I really liked how dedicated she was to her job, but at times she felt a little too needy for my liking. I would have liked her to be a little bit stronger and maybe a little independent than she was, but overall, like I said, I liked her.
”You can’t keep me close and treat me as if I’m a huge part of your life and expect me not to get attached to you. It’s unnatural and unhealthy, and whether it’s your intention or not, you’re hurting me.”
I liked how these two characters firstly become friends. The transition from friends to lovers was well done and I liked how they were both as friends and also as lovers. I loved how they were so comfortable with each other, I enjoyed the funny and sweet moments between them and their delightful banter that made me smile, grin and laugh.
“You know why it didn’t work out with him?”
“Why?”
“Because God made you for me.” Not even “I love you” could have topped those words.”
I loved these two individually and I loved them as a couple. They were perfect for each other in every way and their sweet moments together really warmed my heart. I loved how the romantic aspect was done here. The second half of the story was emotionally angsty, but in a very good, touching way. I loved the way they loved each other as the story unfolded and how devoted they were to each other.
”It’s you.”
“What?”
His mouth curved into a smile. “You’re my unicorn…”
As for the sexual tension and chemistry between these two…OMG…fantastically done, well written and simply deliciously sexy.
Overall, an enjoyable friends to lovers story that I highly recommend!
“As long as I’m walking this Earth, I’m going to love you … You’re it for me.”
P.S. I loved, loved the Double D’s! :D
Read
September 18, 2016A sexy STANDALONE New York Times bestselling friends-to-lovers story that does NOT have to be read in conjunction with any other book.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2b8QFQY
iBooks: http://apple.co/29mC6L8
Nook: http://bit.ly/2akQ2aq
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2axt1SY
Read First Chapter Here: http://bit.ly/2aUGTpX
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2b8QFQY
iBooks: http://apple.co/29mC6L8
Nook: http://bit.ly/2akQ2aq
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2axt1SY
Read First Chapter Here: http://bit.ly/2aUGTpX
November 13, 2021
5 Unicorn STARS
Ever wonder what happened to Chelsea Jameson after Elec and Greta found their way back to one another in Stepbrother Dearest? This is Chelsea’s story of her hard fall for the hot, angry, artist that just so happens to be her neighbor in her new apartment complex. His name is Damien H. Hennessey and he is especially yummy my friends…
“I didn't care that Damien was my friend. When he looked at me, I wanted him to regret the decision he'd made when he labeled me just that. I couldn't help how I felt. ”
With terrific banter, hot chemistry, Damien and Chelsea appear to have the makings of a forever type of love. It’s too bad that Damien puts the kibosh on that idea early on and it hurts!
”You can’t keep me close and treat me as if I’m a huge part of your life and expect me not to get attached to you. It’s unnatural and unhealthy, and whether it’s your intention or not, you’re hurting me.”
There is a reason that Damien doesn’t think he is what Chelsea deserves. Even when Chelsea moves out of the complex he holds onto his reasons until his hot little brother (hoping he is the hero of the next story) spills the beans and it all becomes clear to the heroine and the reader.
These two characters have already fallen in love it really doesn’t matter where Chelsea lives, who they try to date, they have both found their unicorn…
”It’s you.”
“What?”
His mouth curved into a smile. “You’re my unicorn…”
I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this story including the dogs, their movie nights, the artwork, and of course the interaction with Elec. This was a well-done story that will leave a huge ass smile on your face!
”You were never able to understand how he could do what he did to you, why things happened that way. I figured it out. You know why it didn’t work out with him?”
“Why?”
“Because God made you for me.” Not even “I love you” could have topped those words.”
Penelope Ward you had me from Damien and Chelsea’s first encounter to the very last page with those emails.
Ever wonder what happened to Chelsea Jameson after Elec and Greta found their way back to one another in Stepbrother Dearest? This is Chelsea’s story of her hard fall for the hot, angry, artist that just so happens to be her neighbor in her new apartment complex. His name is Damien H. Hennessey and he is especially yummy my friends…
“I didn't care that Damien was my friend. When he looked at me, I wanted him to regret the decision he'd made when he labeled me just that. I couldn't help how I felt. ”
With terrific banter, hot chemistry, Damien and Chelsea appear to have the makings of a forever type of love. It’s too bad that Damien puts the kibosh on that idea early on and it hurts!
”You can’t keep me close and treat me as if I’m a huge part of your life and expect me not to get attached to you. It’s unnatural and unhealthy, and whether it’s your intention or not, you’re hurting me.”
There is a reason that Damien doesn’t think he is what Chelsea deserves. Even when Chelsea moves out of the complex he holds onto his reasons until his hot little brother (hoping he is the hero of the next story) spills the beans and it all becomes clear to the heroine and the reader.
These two characters have already fallen in love it really doesn’t matter where Chelsea lives, who they try to date, they have both found their unicorn…
”It’s you.”
“What?”
His mouth curved into a smile. “You’re my unicorn…”
I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this story including the dogs, their movie nights, the artwork, and of course the interaction with Elec. This was a well-done story that will leave a huge ass smile on your face!
”You were never able to understand how he could do what he did to you, why things happened that way. I figured it out. You know why it didn’t work out with him?”
“Why?”
“Because God made you for me.” Not even “I love you” could have topped those words.”
Penelope Ward you had me from Damien and Chelsea’s first encounter to the very last page with those emails.
December 16, 2016
Please check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com
It's been quite some time since I read 'Stepbrother Dearest', which I think was probably for the best in hindsight. At first, the multiple references to Elec and Greta had me thinking that I would need to reread that book prior to reading, or rather listening to, this one. As much as I loved 'Stepbrother Dearest', I was glad to find that 'Neighbor Dearest' read easily as a standalone.
If you're like me, you vaguely remember the nice girlfriend that Elec ditched in 'Stepbrother Dearest' when he found his way back to Greta. I, for one, had completely forgotten her name by the time I finished that book because she wasn't part of the happy couple that I had worked out in my mind. Her name was Chelsea and 'Neighbor Dearest' is her story.
At the onset of this book, Chelsea Jameson is heartbroken. She is trying to pick up the pieces of her life and taking it one day at a time. She was shocked and utterly devastated to be dumped by Elec, the man she thought she'd spend the rest of her life with. She thought they were the perfect couple, but obviously she didn't know anything about her "perfect" boyfriend.
When her frustration with her neighbor's noisy dogs prompt her to complain to the landlord, it is the beginning of an unlikely friendship. What starts out as a contentious relationship, turns into a close friendship. Along the way, those feelings eventually turn romantic in nature.
Damien H. Hennessey is not only her neighbor, but her landlord. He is equal parts amused and aroused when he first meets his feisty new tenant. He cannot deny his attraction to her, but he's not interested in settling down with anyone.
The two decide to keep their relationship friendly, agreeing to not pursue anything further. Damien still has a complicated relationship with his ex-girlfriend and Chelsea is still reeling from her break-up with Elec. Neither of them are in any place to commit to someone else.
As they spend more and more time together, their feelings become more complicated. Chelsea knows that she is falling for Damien and needs to protect her heart. She's doesn't think that she's capable of surviving another heartache after everything that Elec put her through. She knows that Damien is not looking for a relationship and she needs to distance herself before too much damage is done.
Despite his feelings for Chelsea, Damien is unwilling to waiver on his decision. He acts like he doesn't want Chelsea, but he doesn't want anyone else to have her either. Yet, it is clear that there is some unknown factor(s) influencing his decision. He is keeping secrets that are impacting both of their lives.
When things finally hit the fan, I can't say that I was terribly surprised. Nonetheless, it was emotional and every bit as heartbreaking as it would have been had I been caught off-guard. It was one of those situations where you can understand the reason why somebody does something, but you don't agree with it. I found myself getting frustrated with Damien, only to have to reign it in because I didn't really know how I would behave given the same set of circumstances.
Overall, I thought that this was a great, heart-warming story. It was emotional at times, but mostly sweet and humorous. I enjoyed the references to 'Stepbrother Dearest', even though you didn't need to read that book to follow, or enjoy, this one. Everything worked itself out nicely in the end. I listened to the Audible version and it was fantastic!
It's been quite some time since I read 'Stepbrother Dearest', which I think was probably for the best in hindsight. At first, the multiple references to Elec and Greta had me thinking that I would need to reread that book prior to reading, or rather listening to, this one. As much as I loved 'Stepbrother Dearest', I was glad to find that 'Neighbor Dearest' read easily as a standalone.
If you're like me, you vaguely remember the nice girlfriend that Elec ditched in 'Stepbrother Dearest' when he found his way back to Greta. I, for one, had completely forgotten her name by the time I finished that book because she wasn't part of the happy couple that I had worked out in my mind. Her name was Chelsea and 'Neighbor Dearest' is her story.
At the onset of this book, Chelsea Jameson is heartbroken. She is trying to pick up the pieces of her life and taking it one day at a time. She was shocked and utterly devastated to be dumped by Elec, the man she thought she'd spend the rest of her life with. She thought they were the perfect couple, but obviously she didn't know anything about her "perfect" boyfriend.
When her frustration with her neighbor's noisy dogs prompt her to complain to the landlord, it is the beginning of an unlikely friendship. What starts out as a contentious relationship, turns into a close friendship. Along the way, those feelings eventually turn romantic in nature.
Damien H. Hennessey is not only her neighbor, but her landlord. He is equal parts amused and aroused when he first meets his feisty new tenant. He cannot deny his attraction to her, but he's not interested in settling down with anyone.
The two decide to keep their relationship friendly, agreeing to not pursue anything further. Damien still has a complicated relationship with his ex-girlfriend and Chelsea is still reeling from her break-up with Elec. Neither of them are in any place to commit to someone else.
As they spend more and more time together, their feelings become more complicated. Chelsea knows that she is falling for Damien and needs to protect her heart. She's doesn't think that she's capable of surviving another heartache after everything that Elec put her through. She knows that Damien is not looking for a relationship and she needs to distance herself before too much damage is done.
Despite his feelings for Chelsea, Damien is unwilling to waiver on his decision. He acts like he doesn't want Chelsea, but he doesn't want anyone else to have her either. Yet, it is clear that there is some unknown factor(s) influencing his decision. He is keeping secrets that are impacting both of their lives.
When things finally hit the fan, I can't say that I was terribly surprised. Nonetheless, it was emotional and every bit as heartbreaking as it would have been had I been caught off-guard. It was one of those situations where you can understand the reason why somebody does something, but you don't agree with it. I found myself getting frustrated with Damien, only to have to reign it in because I didn't really know how I would behave given the same set of circumstances.
Overall, I thought that this was a great, heart-warming story. It was emotional at times, but mostly sweet and humorous. I enjoyed the references to 'Stepbrother Dearest', even though you didn't need to read that book to follow, or enjoy, this one. Everything worked itself out nicely in the end. I listened to the Audible version and it was fantastic!
August 23, 2016
*****FIVE+++++++++ STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
I was somehow connected to Damien in a way that I didn’t even understand, connected to the way he made me feel, the way I knew he understood me, the way his heart beat for me.
You know the feelings of euphoria you get after having read a really phenomenal story?!! Well, I am definitely flying high on those feelings even three days after having finished Neighbor Dearest. This isn’t the first time I’ve experienced such strong emotions from reading a Penelope Ward book and I doubt that it will be the last time for me. I thought that the plot, Hero, Heroine, and some of the secondary characters were all outstanding, which made it impossible for my rating to be any less than 5++++ STARS. Penelope Ward has solidified herself in my “must-read” author category.
It has been a couple of years since I’ve read Stepbrother Dearest. I remember being completely in love with that book, but I forgot all about the girlfriend that Elec broke up with to be with Greta. I’m wondering why I didn’t feel any compassion for the girl who was left behind. When we meet Chelsea Jameson in this one, she is still very much heartbroken and trying to mend the pieces of her life back together after the breakup with Elec. He really spun her world off its axis. Never did she think that the man who professed his love for her would end up putting her through the worst pain she’s ever experienced in her life. Chelsea moves to a new apartment because her previous one holds too many memories of Elec and she’s ready to leave the past behind. She is about to meet the man who will have her heart saying, “Elec, who??!!!”
Damien Hennessy is Chelsea’s new snarky and seriously HOT neighbor, who also happens to be her landlord. They don’t get off to the best start but as time passes a fast friendship develops between them. Their friendship helps Chelsea get over her heartache and it even starts to affect Damien more than he’d like to admit. There is no denying that the two have white hot chemistry but as much as Damien would like to give in to the attraction, he holds himself back because he believes that Chelsea deserves someone far better than him. He tries to help her find someone through online dating but his protective and jealous nature end up playing serious games with Chelsea’s mind and heart.
This book was like my own little slice of heaven. I found the first half to be laugh-out-loud funny and the second half had me tied up in horrible knots because of the angst that ensues. There were even times I shed a tear or two.
Neighbor Dearest is currently available. I can’t stress enough that this is a MUST-READ! If you haven’t one-clicked yet, make sure that you do. It’s currently going for $3.99 but will be listed at its normal price of $4.99 starting next week!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2aS8BPa
iBooks: http://apple.co/29mC6L8
Nook: http://bit.ly/2akQ2aq
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2axt1SY
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
I was somehow connected to Damien in a way that I didn’t even understand, connected to the way he made me feel, the way I knew he understood me, the way his heart beat for me.
You know the feelings of euphoria you get after having read a really phenomenal story?!! Well, I am definitely flying high on those feelings even three days after having finished Neighbor Dearest. This isn’t the first time I’ve experienced such strong emotions from reading a Penelope Ward book and I doubt that it will be the last time for me. I thought that the plot, Hero, Heroine, and some of the secondary characters were all outstanding, which made it impossible for my rating to be any less than 5++++ STARS. Penelope Ward has solidified herself in my “must-read” author category.
It has been a couple of years since I’ve read Stepbrother Dearest. I remember being completely in love with that book, but I forgot all about the girlfriend that Elec broke up with to be with Greta. I’m wondering why I didn’t feel any compassion for the girl who was left behind. When we meet Chelsea Jameson in this one, she is still very much heartbroken and trying to mend the pieces of her life back together after the breakup with Elec. He really spun her world off its axis. Never did she think that the man who professed his love for her would end up putting her through the worst pain she’s ever experienced in her life. Chelsea moves to a new apartment because her previous one holds too many memories of Elec and she’s ready to leave the past behind. She is about to meet the man who will have her heart saying, “Elec, who??!!!”
Damien Hennessy is Chelsea’s new snarky and seriously HOT neighbor, who also happens to be her landlord. They don’t get off to the best start but as time passes a fast friendship develops between them. Their friendship helps Chelsea get over her heartache and it even starts to affect Damien more than he’d like to admit. There is no denying that the two have white hot chemistry but as much as Damien would like to give in to the attraction, he holds himself back because he believes that Chelsea deserves someone far better than him. He tries to help her find someone through online dating but his protective and jealous nature end up playing serious games with Chelsea’s mind and heart.
This book was like my own little slice of heaven. I found the first half to be laugh-out-loud funny and the second half had me tied up in horrible knots because of the angst that ensues. There were even times I shed a tear or two.
Neighbor Dearest is currently available. I can’t stress enough that this is a MUST-READ! If you haven’t one-clicked yet, make sure that you do. It’s currently going for $3.99 but will be listed at its normal price of $4.99 starting next week!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2aS8BPa
iBooks: http://apple.co/29mC6L8
Nook: http://bit.ly/2akQ2aq
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2axt1SY
Want to read
August 16, 2016SQUEEEEEEEE!!!!!! OMG!! I just finished this AWESOME new book! I honestly can't stop smiling. The ending was perfect!! Like, I'm literally sitting here grinning like crazy while I type this because this book was seriously just SO GOOD!!!! Ahhh!! It was exactly what I was looking for. SWEET, SEXY, and UTTERLY ADDICTIVE with a heart-melting hero who is guaranteed to make you SWOOOOOOON!!!! I loved how they went from friends-to-lovers and I was so curious to know what his secret was. Their chemistry was off-the-charts and I COULD NOT STOP READING!!!! If you're looking for a new standalone romance to fall in love with, THIS IS IT!!!!!
➜ http://amzn.to/2bj0T5A
➜ http://amzn.to/2bj0T5A
Want to read
September 4, 2016LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK | B&N | KOBO |
LIVE EARLY! And still recovering from covergasm!
Stand-alone book 2
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK | B&N | KOBO |
Blurb:
After getting dumped, the last thing I needed was to move next door to someone who reminded me of my ex-boyfriend, Elec.
Damien was a hotter version of my ex.
The neighbor I’d dubbed “Angry Artist” also had two massive dogs that kept me up with their barking.
He wanted nothing to do with me. Or so I thought until one night I heard laughter coming through an apparent hole in my bedroom wall.
Damien had been listening to all of my phone sessions with my therapist.
The sexy artist next door now knew all of my deepest secrets and insecurities.
We got to talking.
He set me straight with tips to get over my breakup.
He became a good friend, but Damien made it clear that he couldn’t be anything more.
Problem was, I was falling hard for him anyway. And as much as he pushed me away, I knew he felt the same…because his heartbeat didn’t lie.
I thought my heart had been broken by Elec, but it was alive and beating harder than ever for Damien.
I just hoped he wouldn’t shatter it for good.
Books are stand-alones, but I enjoyed Elec in book 1:
Book 1: Stepbrother Dearest
Book 2: Neighbor Dearest
LIVE EARLY! And still recovering from covergasm!
Stand-alone book 2
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK | B&N | KOBO |
Blurb:
After getting dumped, the last thing I needed was to move next door to someone who reminded me of my ex-boyfriend, Elec.
Damien was a hotter version of my ex.
The neighbor I’d dubbed “Angry Artist” also had two massive dogs that kept me up with their barking.
He wanted nothing to do with me. Or so I thought until one night I heard laughter coming through an apparent hole in my bedroom wall.
Damien had been listening to all of my phone sessions with my therapist.
The sexy artist next door now knew all of my deepest secrets and insecurities.
We got to talking.
He set me straight with tips to get over my breakup.
He became a good friend, but Damien made it clear that he couldn’t be anything more.
Problem was, I was falling hard for him anyway. And as much as he pushed me away, I knew he felt the same…because his heartbeat didn’t lie.
I thought my heart had been broken by Elec, but it was alive and beating harder than ever for Damien.
I just hoped he wouldn’t shatter it for good.
Books are stand-alones, but I enjoyed Elec in book 1:
Book 1: Stepbrother Dearest
Book 2: Neighbor Dearest
August 31, 2016
I LOVED it soooooo much! You have to meet Damien asap! He's gonna make you swooooon. :D <3
Ps. I highly recommend this book to everyone. It was so hot and funny. :)
Ps. I highly recommend this book to everyone. It was so hot and funny. :)
August 25, 2016
Not gonna lie, I've read sooooo many books that at first, I had the distinct impression that I'd read this before. After a little while, it felt like a different story I'd read. Finally, it started to define itself a bit better and I had my "aha" moment. I liked Chelsea. She was funny and sweet. Definitely at that stage in her life where she is trying to find herself and questioning where she's at. Damien was sexy and caring. Honest to a fault. I really loved that about him. No games. He was protective of Chelsea even when he felt he couldn't give her more. These two go through a period of push and pull. The plot has a bit of an unexpected twist because I thought Damien's reasons wouldn't go as deep as the author took them. The characters experience growth and show depth. The secondary characters were interesting. There was definitely a set up for a future couple. Based on past books, and set up for a future book, it seems the author likes to throw in a new person into couples who have already established a relationship. While this is realistic and the author does well in writing it, I don't think I would intentionally seek out that kind of story. Safety: They both date other people while attracted to but not dating one another. This includes sex on H's part, kissing on h's. h watches sex tape of H/OW (felt unnecessary to the plot). No rape or abuse.
January 5, 2018
HOLY FUCK my heart is so full I could literally burst into tears.
You know what, fuck it, I’m going to let these fucking tears stream down my checks with pride.
I can’t even form the right fucking words to express how I feel right now, all I know is that it’s a feeling I always get after reading a Penelope Ward book.
She always seem to have the ability to make me bawl my fucking eyes out with her beautiful words.
I’ve read TWO FUCKING BOOKS in six weeks! Yes, SIX.FUCKING.WEEKS. This book funk I have been in has depressed the fuck out of me. I was scared to pick a book up in fear of not being able to get into it when any other time I would fucking demolish the bugger so I took a chance after trying to read like 10 fucking books and picked up this by one of my favourite authors.
And she FUCKING DID IT! I read a whole fucking book and I’m so happy I could do naked backwards flips.
THIS BOOK!!! OMG it is up there as one of my favourites by Penelope.
I just loved every single thing about it. I loved Stepbrother Dearest but I loved this one a tiny bit more.
Two words.
DAMIEN HENNESSEY!!
HOLY FUCKING SHIT that bloke blew my clit off! He was this arsehole artist who was so cocky with words that make you fucking SWOON!
His words alone had me in tears. Literally just a few words and I’m blowing my fucking beak on my kleenex.
Chelsea, was an amazing character but I never expected not to fall in love with her because Penelope always creates the most wonderful heroines. She loves so deep and I just loved how honest and quirky she was.
I don’t say this very often but these two characters were born to for each other. The stuff Damien said was so true, she wasn’t meant to be with Elec because she was born to for Damien and no one else.
The love these two have for each other will literally make your heart skip a beat. You can feel every fucking emotion and every bit of happiness they felt.
No word of a lie throughout this book I was either smiling so hard my cheek were starting to hurt and crying so hard I could have drowned in my own tears.
OMG IT WAS JUST SO FUCKING BEAUTIFUL!
I love that you didn’t know what was going to happen next which is typical Penelope Ward style and that’s what I’ve always loved about her stories.
She’s not just an amazing writer but also has the kindest souls. She literally makes you smile and is one of the nicest people I’ve ever known and that’s why it’s such a pleasure and an honour to read her words.
100% one of my favourite reads this year.
I miss it already.
I miss Damien, his Chelsea and their Double D’s, Dudley and Drewfus
One adventure I will never forget.
(Ps. Tyler and Jade need a story...)
December 3, 2016
Without any doubt, Penelope Ward is in my top 5 book authors. She is brilliant and I've devoured her books one by one, without finding similarities, which is FANTASTIC how original she is.
"Neighbor Dearest" is a pleasant way of spending a lazy weekend reading and thinking that PERFECTION exists in this world. Once meeting Damien, you will be hooked and he will totally ruin you for any other book-boyfriends for a while.
The story follows Chelsea, Elec's ex from Stepbrother Dearest. After their split, Chelsea is left brokenhearted and needs some time on her own. Leaving all memories of Elec behind, she moves in a new apartment, only to meet her noisy neighbor, Damien. He is an artist who does spray paint art and works on a mural on the property. She soon learns that Damien is in fact the owner of the condo, having a lot on cliches with him regarding noise and improper conditions of the apartment. She even has a whole in her wall that connects to Damien's apartment. Secretly, he listens to Chelsea's therapy sessions over the breakup had with Elec, and gives some pieces of advice as well. From this on, they form a close bond, becoming friends. Their encounters are frequently and after the time spend together, Chelsea is more and more attracted to Damien.
The sexual tension is huge, you can feel it in every page of the book, but Damien has some secrets of his own that prevent him from getting closer to her and expressing his true feelings.
The love story between Chelsea and Damien is intense. Penelope has a true way with words, especially in describing the love scenes. They are hot, sensual and with just the right amount of passion that you won't forget anytime soon.
I liked Chelsea a lot. She is smart and funny, looking for a new start and hoping to heal her wounds that were inflicted after Elec dumped her. She is seriously heartbroken by the beginning of the book, and I really felt sorry for her. Kind of made me not like Elec so much, despite reading the first installment and knowing very well how things were. She seeks Damien company and advice, seeing him as a true friend. In the same time she is attracted to him, but fights to keep her feelings tempered, because another disillusion might be the end of her. Damien is my perfectly imperfect guy: smart, funny, gorgeous but guarded. It is clear that he is also attracted to Chelsea, but something is not letting him have a relationship with her. He uses their friendship status to be near her, also giving kind of mixed signals now and then.
After knowing why he back up all the time, I believe that I loved him even more. It was a totally serious reason from my point of view and I enjoyed seeing another side of Chelsea, one that fights for the love of her life. Shortly after that, Chelsea's priority change, making Damien her present and future and leaving Elec in the past.
They shine bright like a diamond when they are near one another, and without even knowing, are the perfect couple, needing each other in order to heal older wounds and have a new beginning, full of love and trust.
Another element well developed in the book is the humor, almost like a trademark of Penelope's. The dialogues are funny, smart and witty, being impossible not to become addicted to this type of writing. They are so well placed, so well written that you will be hooked in seconds. She is truly amazing and talented.
I especially liked the reference everybody did between Damien's name and the Antichrist child from the Omen Movie. Not to mention his middle name, but I will let you discover that on your own.
The plot was not boring, always had its interesting moments, not for a moment dull or long. It was mixed with secondary characters that were a hit for me. Looking forward to Jade and Tyler's story because I am certain their next. I can feel something is cooking in there and can't wait to read about them. The double D's were my favorite and I couldn't picture the book without them, they just fit in perfectly.
I totally recommend this book for its wonderful writer and for its unique style of telling a love story. A smart mixture of love, tenderness, comical situations and steamy scenes, this book will keep you glue to it until the last word, really until the LAST one:)
"P.S. You were great in The Omen"
5 stars and counting!!
For more reviews please check https://readwithloveblog.wordpress.com
"Neighbor Dearest" is a pleasant way of spending a lazy weekend reading and thinking that PERFECTION exists in this world. Once meeting Damien, you will be hooked and he will totally ruin you for any other book-boyfriends for a while.
The story follows Chelsea, Elec's ex from Stepbrother Dearest. After their split, Chelsea is left brokenhearted and needs some time on her own. Leaving all memories of Elec behind, she moves in a new apartment, only to meet her noisy neighbor, Damien. He is an artist who does spray paint art and works on a mural on the property. She soon learns that Damien is in fact the owner of the condo, having a lot on cliches with him regarding noise and improper conditions of the apartment. She even has a whole in her wall that connects to Damien's apartment. Secretly, he listens to Chelsea's therapy sessions over the breakup had with Elec, and gives some pieces of advice as well. From this on, they form a close bond, becoming friends. Their encounters are frequently and after the time spend together, Chelsea is more and more attracted to Damien.
The sexual tension is huge, you can feel it in every page of the book, but Damien has some secrets of his own that prevent him from getting closer to her and expressing his true feelings.
The love story between Chelsea and Damien is intense. Penelope has a true way with words, especially in describing the love scenes. They are hot, sensual and with just the right amount of passion that you won't forget anytime soon.
I liked Chelsea a lot. She is smart and funny, looking for a new start and hoping to heal her wounds that were inflicted after Elec dumped her. She is seriously heartbroken by the beginning of the book, and I really felt sorry for her. Kind of made me not like Elec so much, despite reading the first installment and knowing very well how things were. She seeks Damien company and advice, seeing him as a true friend. In the same time she is attracted to him, but fights to keep her feelings tempered, because another disillusion might be the end of her. Damien is my perfectly imperfect guy: smart, funny, gorgeous but guarded. It is clear that he is also attracted to Chelsea, but something is not letting him have a relationship with her. He uses their friendship status to be near her, also giving kind of mixed signals now and then.
After knowing why he back up all the time, I believe that I loved him even more. It was a totally serious reason from my point of view and I enjoyed seeing another side of Chelsea, one that fights for the love of her life. Shortly after that, Chelsea's priority change, making Damien her present and future and leaving Elec in the past.
They shine bright like a diamond when they are near one another, and without even knowing, are the perfect couple, needing each other in order to heal older wounds and have a new beginning, full of love and trust.
Another element well developed in the book is the humor, almost like a trademark of Penelope's. The dialogues are funny, smart and witty, being impossible not to become addicted to this type of writing. They are so well placed, so well written that you will be hooked in seconds. She is truly amazing and talented.
I especially liked the reference everybody did between Damien's name and the Antichrist child from the Omen Movie. Not to mention his middle name, but I will let you discover that on your own.
The plot was not boring, always had its interesting moments, not for a moment dull or long. It was mixed with secondary characters that were a hit for me. Looking forward to Jade and Tyler's story because I am certain their next. I can feel something is cooking in there and can't wait to read about them. The double D's were my favorite and I couldn't picture the book without them, they just fit in perfectly.
I totally recommend this book for its wonderful writer and for its unique style of telling a love story. A smart mixture of love, tenderness, comical situations and steamy scenes, this book will keep you glue to it until the last word, really until the LAST one:)
"P.S. You were great in The Omen"
5 stars and counting!!
For more reviews please check https://readwithloveblog.wordpress.com
August 31, 2016
*****5 Stars*****
“As long as I’m walking this Earth, I’m going to love you … You’re it for me.”
There are some authors who I put on an extremely high pedestal; Penelope Ward is amongst this list. Penelope Ward is definitely a one click author for me. She has such a way with drawing me in with her beautiful writing, captivating and interesting characters, who always have an amazing back story. One of my favourite romance themes are the friends to lovers stories and Penelope Ward captured the perfect mix of sexual tension and anticipation in “Neighbor Dearest."
I had no idea when I first started to read “Neighbor Dearest” that it was a spin-off of “Stepbrother Dearest.” I knew it was a stand-alone, but thought it was with all new characters. It was quite strange to go from loving Elec in “Stepbrother Dearest” to thinking he was a complete douche in “Neighbor Dearest,” even though I thought Elec and Greta were perfect for each other. So I definitely think a re-read of “Stepbrother Dearest” is in order.
I love a hero who appears all rough and tough on the outside with what appears to be a surly and grumpy attitude, but is utterly sweet and heart-warming on the inside. There was absolutely nothing I didn’t love about Damien. He’s an inked artist, with an amazing style about him and if the cover of this book is anything to go by, absolutely hot and totally sexy. And yes, I have started stalking the cover model on Instagram.
Chelsea was a character I loved instantly. She’s beautiful, sweet and works in a youth center helping children; seriously what is not to love about her? Chelsea had recently moved out of the place she shared with Elec and into a new apartment with the swoon-worthy neighbor, Damien. It took Chelsea a long time to get over her break-up with Elec and Damien really helped her. Within no time, the two became the best of friends.
“There’s supposedly nothing more than a friendship going on between us, right? So, why does being around you hurt so badly sometimes? I think I might’ve figured it out tonight. It’s because you tell me one thing, but your eyes tell me another, your heart tells me another. Your heart was beating faster than mine today. Why won’t you open it up to me?”
I love the friends to lovers plotline, it is one of my favourites. I love the angst and anticipation of the characters giving in to their intense feelings for each other. “Neighbor Dearest” is such an amazing story and definitely a top read for this year. In my eyes Penelope Ward can do no wrong. I would most definitely recommend this story to anyone who loves a beautiful, romantic and heart-felt story with characters you can’t help but fall in love with. The chemistry and sexual tension was seriously off the charts and I loved feeling like I was a part of their journey to falling in love. This story left me smiling from ear to ear when I finished, the ending was absolutely perfect. I really hope there will be another stand-alone book in this series. Perhaps a story on Tyler and Jade, here’s hoping anyway. Do yourself a favour and read this book, I can’t recommend it enough!
August 14, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
Chelsea Jameson was heartbroken when she was blindsidedly dumped by her boyfriend Elec. She was still struggling to mend her heart when she moved next door to someone who reminded her of him.
Damien Hennessey was a beautiful tattooed bad boy. With his bad attitude and two noisy hellhounds, he became the source of Chelsea's irritation. Soon enough, easy friendship bloomed but it stuck there because the thing with hearts is, it's fragile and easily broken.
Before starting the book, I was hoping the story would be more towards the angsty side, but I'm pleasantly surprised it was really quite funny with some bits of sad moments.
Damien's physical appearance alone is enough to make me fall for him. Dark hair, blue eyes, tattooed, and he's a beanie guy. I have a thing with guys covering their heads lol! And the angry artist persona is oh so sexy.
I do sympathize with Chelsea with how she was left behind especially that she's a nice person. I like how she's the one more reserved yet the one who was more willing to take the risks in breaking her heart again.
The story had a lot of notable funny moments in the beginning, and a little bit of sadness towards the end. The middle part though, was a little slow for me.
Neighbor Dearest is a funny, sexy friends to lovers romance perfect as a good time read.
Note: As much as I like Damien, Elec is still my man :D
❂ ♞ ❂ . . . (F)BR With Loyda . . . ❂ ♞ ❂
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
Chelsea Jameson was heartbroken when she was blindsidedly dumped by her boyfriend Elec. She was still struggling to mend her heart when she moved next door to someone who reminded her of him.
Damien Hennessey was a beautiful tattooed bad boy. With his bad attitude and two noisy hellhounds, he became the source of Chelsea's irritation. Soon enough, easy friendship bloomed but it stuck there because the thing with hearts is, it's fragile and easily broken.
Before starting the book, I was hoping the story would be more towards the angsty side, but I'm pleasantly surprised it was really quite funny with some bits of sad moments.
"You know why it didn’t work out with him?”
“Why?”
“Because God made you for me.”
Damien's physical appearance alone is enough to make me fall for him. Dark hair, blue eyes, tattooed, and he's a beanie guy. I have a thing with guys covering their heads lol! And the angry artist persona is oh so sexy.
I was somehow connected to Damien in a way that I didn’t even understand, connected to the way he made me feel, the way I knew he understood me, the way his heart beat for me.
I do sympathize with Chelsea with how she was left behind especially that she's a nice person. I like how she's the one more reserved yet the one who was more willing to take the risks in breaking her heart again.
"The first time we had sex, I swore your dick was the width of a Coke can.”
Damien bent his head back in laughter. “You mean a twenty -four ounce Coke can, right… the tall one?”
The story had a lot of notable funny moments in the beginning, and a little bit of sadness towards the end. The middle part though, was a little slow for me.
Neighbor Dearest is a funny, sexy friends to lovers romance perfect as a good time read.
Note: As much as I like Damien, Elec is still my man :D
❂ ♞ ❂ . . . (F)BR With Loyda . . . ❂ ♞ ❂
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
August 20, 2016
5 Unicorn Stars
“You were never able to understand how he could do what he did to you, why things happened that way. I figured it out. You know why it didn’t work out with him?”
"Why?”
“Because God made you for me.”
Damn, did I love reading this book! I loved that it doesn't follow a formula that I was expecting. I loved the humor and easy banter between Chelsea and Damien. These two are hot as f**k, even before Damien finally gave into his feelings. Most importantly, whether friends or more than friends, I loved Damien and Chelsea together.
“You were never able to understand how he could do what he did to you, why things happened that way. I figured it out. You know why it didn’t work out with him?”
"Why?”
“Because God made you for me.”
Damn, did I love reading this book! I loved that it doesn't follow a formula that I was expecting. I loved the humor and easy banter between Chelsea and Damien. These two are hot as f**k, even before Damien finally gave into his feelings. Most importantly, whether friends or more than friends, I loved Damien and Chelsea together.
August 22, 2016
4.5 "You're My Unicorn" Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
-"You only get one true love, one soulmate. Not everyone is lucky enough to find that person in a lifetime."
Chelsea Jameson is a 25 yr. old woman living in San Francisco, & working at the Mission Youth Center. After the guy she thought was her soulmate breaks her heart, Chelsea needs to get away from the apartment with all the memories of her ex Elec.
She finds a fabulous new apartment in the mission district that she loves. The only issue is her gorgeous, unfriendly next door neighbor. He looks like her ex, but even hotter. He is an artist who does spray paint art, & is often working on a mural on the property at the apartments.
Eventually Chelsea finally meets this hot neighbor when his two huge dogs keep her up with their barking. She learns his name is Damien Hennessey. She continues to run into Damien & they continue to clash. When she discovers there is a hole behind her bed, & Damien has been listening to her private conversations, she worries he knows all her personal business she's been discussing with her therapist.
She is shocked when Damien gives her great advice & shows her kindness. They develop a friendship & start spending time together. As Chelsea develops a major crush on Damien, the strong connection continues to grow. They both are extremely attracted to one another, but Damien continues to fight his feelings for Chelsea & makes it very clear they can only be friends.
As the sexual tension & chemistry explodes, they both have more trouble not taking things further. Chelsea feels a physical pull towards Damien more than ever. It's been so long since she felt this closeness with a man, & she really wants to get to know him on an intimate level. She's falling hard for him, & lines get blurred when they can't resist each other any longer.
-I was somehow connected to Damien in a way that I didn't even understand, connected to the way he made me feel, the way I knew he understood me, the way his heart beat for me.
This was a beautiful friends to lovers story. Two people who find their soulmate when they least expect it. They fall deeply, helplessly in love & develop a trust & bond that is unbreakable. I really loved this book & hope we get a book for Tyler & Jade next!
(ARC provided by author)
-"You only get one true love, one soulmate. Not everyone is lucky enough to find that person in a lifetime."
Chelsea Jameson is a 25 yr. old woman living in San Francisco, & working at the Mission Youth Center. After the guy she thought was her soulmate breaks her heart, Chelsea needs to get away from the apartment with all the memories of her ex Elec.
She finds a fabulous new apartment in the mission district that she loves. The only issue is her gorgeous, unfriendly next door neighbor. He looks like her ex, but even hotter. He is an artist who does spray paint art, & is often working on a mural on the property at the apartments.
Eventually Chelsea finally meets this hot neighbor when his two huge dogs keep her up with their barking. She learns his name is Damien Hennessey. She continues to run into Damien & they continue to clash. When she discovers there is a hole behind her bed, & Damien has been listening to her private conversations, she worries he knows all her personal business she's been discussing with her therapist.
She is shocked when Damien gives her great advice & shows her kindness. They develop a friendship & start spending time together. As Chelsea develops a major crush on Damien, the strong connection continues to grow. They both are extremely attracted to one another, but Damien continues to fight his feelings for Chelsea & makes it very clear they can only be friends.
As the sexual tension & chemistry explodes, they both have more trouble not taking things further. Chelsea feels a physical pull towards Damien more than ever. It's been so long since she felt this closeness with a man, & she really wants to get to know him on an intimate level. She's falling hard for him, & lines get blurred when they can't resist each other any longer.
-I was somehow connected to Damien in a way that I didn't even understand, connected to the way he made me feel, the way I knew he understood me, the way his heart beat for me.
This was a beautiful friends to lovers story. Two people who find their soulmate when they least expect it. They fall deeply, helplessly in love & develop a trust & bond that is unbreakable. I really loved this book & hope we get a book for Tyler & Jade next!
August 16, 2016
FIVE Unicorn STARS*****
(ARC kindly provided by author)
Two broken hearts destined to fix each other. Just when you think all is lost and you can't never love again, you'll find the most unique and perfect heart, just next door...
Chelsea is a girl we once knew, she got her heart broken by a man who was in love with another, and now she is trying to pick up the pieces of the mess he left behind. Everything reminds her of him, her home, her job, everywhere she looks she sees pieces of the happiness she thought she had with him.
In an effort to get a new beginning Chelsea has decided to move into a new place. A wonderful apartment that is super close to her job. After a few weeks in her new pad she is feeling content, except for the fact that she can't sleep due to the constant barking of her neighbor's dogs.
Oh... the neighbor! Sexy, broody and did I say sexy?
Damien aka "The angry artist", turns out not to only be Chelsea's neighbor but her landlord. Even though Chelsea and Damien got off to a rocky start, he gives her very useful advise that will provide the clarity she's been needing in regards to her break-up. In the midst of all her heartache and confusion Damien's up front and honest attitude is the only thing helping her to get hope and new perspective for her life.
Damien, the neighbor turns out is full of charm, he is also very sensitive and a genuine friend, so it won't be long before the lines between their friendship become blurry. As much as Damien finds himself having strong feelings for his beautiful neighbor, he has to quickly shut that down. He can't do commitments, that is just not in the cards for him, and he rather push her away before breaking her heart again.
Even though Chelsea is feeling stronger and more sure of herself, she is missing something she knows she can ever have with Damien.
Their hearts beat faster when they are together, hearts that were lost and are now found inside the colorful walls that hold a beautiful love that can't be contained.
What was once very painful paved the road to find Damien and Chelsea's true destiny, their very own unicorn. That is the beautiful idea behind the plot of this book. A story so full of passion and heart, color and hope, something that was truly mesmerizing.
Another beautiful standalone by author Penelope Ward. Five Unicorn stars that took my breath away and made me fall in love with the story of the angry artist and the broken hearted girl. Unforgettable...
(ARC kindly provided by author)
Two broken hearts destined to fix each other. Just when you think all is lost and you can't never love again, you'll find the most unique and perfect heart, just next door...
Chelsea is a girl we once knew, she got her heart broken by a man who was in love with another, and now she is trying to pick up the pieces of the mess he left behind. Everything reminds her of him, her home, her job, everywhere she looks she sees pieces of the happiness she thought she had with him.
In an effort to get a new beginning Chelsea has decided to move into a new place. A wonderful apartment that is super close to her job. After a few weeks in her new pad she is feeling content, except for the fact that she can't sleep due to the constant barking of her neighbor's dogs.
Oh... the neighbor! Sexy, broody and did I say sexy?
Damien aka "The angry artist", turns out not to only be Chelsea's neighbor but her landlord. Even though Chelsea and Damien got off to a rocky start, he gives her very useful advise that will provide the clarity she's been needing in regards to her break-up. In the midst of all her heartache and confusion Damien's up front and honest attitude is the only thing helping her to get hope and new perspective for her life.
Damien, the neighbor turns out is full of charm, he is also very sensitive and a genuine friend, so it won't be long before the lines between their friendship become blurry. As much as Damien finds himself having strong feelings for his beautiful neighbor, he has to quickly shut that down. He can't do commitments, that is just not in the cards for him, and he rather push her away before breaking her heart again.
Even though Chelsea is feeling stronger and more sure of herself, she is missing something she knows she can ever have with Damien.
Their hearts beat faster when they are together, hearts that were lost and are now found inside the colorful walls that hold a beautiful love that can't be contained.
What was once very painful paved the road to find Damien and Chelsea's true destiny, their very own unicorn. That is the beautiful idea behind the plot of this book. A story so full of passion and heart, color and hope, something that was truly mesmerizing.
Another beautiful standalone by author Penelope Ward. Five Unicorn stars that took my breath away and made me fall in love with the story of the angry artist and the broken hearted girl. Unforgettable...
August 27, 2016
-4.5 stars
I never get disappointed with Penelope Ward's books! I adored this one so much! The storyline was fantastic and the characters original and realistic.
The first thing I loved in this story was Damien! Im in love with him and how protective, smart, sweet, friendly and sexy he was! And Chelsea was the one who changed through the story. She started as an ok character and became one of my favorite heroines! Sweet, shy and lovely. They start as friends having sweet and funny moments and some angsty! I loved their chemistry,they were intense!
Neighbor Dearest was a sweet, sexy and a perfect friends to lovers romance.
I never get disappointed with Penelope Ward's books! I adored this one so much! The storyline was fantastic and the characters original and realistic.
The first thing I loved in this story was Damien! Im in love with him and how protective, smart, sweet, friendly and sexy he was! And Chelsea was the one who changed through the story. She started as an ok character and became one of my favorite heroines! Sweet, shy and lovely. They start as friends having sweet and funny moments and some angsty! I loved their chemistry,they were intense!
Neighbor Dearest was a sweet, sexy and a perfect friends to lovers romance.
August 10, 2017
4.5★★★★FIRESTARTER Stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person – Female
Chelsea Jameson; is living a single life after a bad breakup. She is trying her best to move on however she is finding it so hard to do so because she somehow feels like she failed as a person when she discovered that her ex has cheated on her and falls in love with someone else. Chelsea has some issues to work on; moving into her new apartment was nice and she spends a lot time reading sexy books, drinking wine, and trying to figure out how to move on.
Damien Hennessey; a sexy tatted gorgeous neighbor who is very successful living his life in the moment had no intention of giving love a second change. He was happy living a single life; painting for fun and enjoying the shared custody of his lovely dogs. He meets Chelsea and they connect right away but he has a secret that keeps him from having any relationships.
Instead they become really good friends; I laughed so much at how funny these two were together it was hysterical. He teased her about her sexy books; she teased him about his stalking moved on her and I was just fascinated to see how their relationship developed into something more deeply than friendship. However; there was a point where Chelsea couldn't handle the sexual tension anymore she wanted something more with Damien and he wouldn't budge. She finally gives up on trying getting in a relationship with him because he wasn't letting her in. It was so sad and I was so hurt but I also did loved Damien's brother Ty which was super cool and he was my hero in this book.
The secrets finally come out; their relationship finally gets to the next lever after so much they both go through. I truly loved this story because it was about family, love, hopes, dreams, and it showed that even when we are scared we need to live for today regardless of what the future will be. I recommend this book for lovers of second chance romance.
★(F)BR With my shhlut War★
AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2aV9V6F
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2aUDxny
iBooks: http://apple.co/29iqvtJ
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2aT108M
Nook: http://bit.ly/2b6hVkQ
Book Order: Standalone
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person – Female
"Sometimes, the best things are right under your nose all along."
Chelsea Jameson; is living a single life after a bad breakup. She is trying her best to move on however she is finding it so hard to do so because she somehow feels like she failed as a person when she discovered that her ex has cheated on her and falls in love with someone else. Chelsea has some issues to work on; moving into her new apartment was nice and she spends a lot time reading sexy books, drinking wine, and trying to figure out how to move on.
Damien Hennessey; a sexy tatted gorgeous neighbor who is very successful living his life in the moment had no intention of giving love a second change. He was happy living a single life; painting for fun and enjoying the shared custody of his lovely dogs. He meets Chelsea and they connect right away but he has a secret that keeps him from having any relationships.
"I've always wanted you, from the moment you knocked on my door and called me the devil…I just need to taste your lips, feel your moan over my tongue again."
Instead they become really good friends; I laughed so much at how funny these two were together it was hysterical. He teased her about her sexy books; she teased him about his stalking moved on her and I was just fascinated to see how their relationship developed into something more deeply than friendship. However; there was a point where Chelsea couldn't handle the sexual tension anymore she wanted something more with Damien and he wouldn't budge. She finally gives up on trying getting in a relationship with him because he wasn't letting her in. It was so sad and I was so hurt but I also did loved Damien's brother Ty which was super cool and he was my hero in this book.
"You can't control your attraction to someone. If it's there, it's there. It can either be ignored or acted upon but not controlled."
The secrets finally come out; their relationship finally gets to the next lever after so much they both go through. I truly loved this story because it was about family, love, hopes, dreams, and it showed that even when we are scared we need to live for today regardless of what the future will be. I recommend this book for lovers of second chance romance.
"You are so fucked, Chelsea Jameson, because I'm gonna want to be inside of you all of the time."
★(F)BR With my shhlut War★
AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2aV9V6F
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2aUDxny
iBooks: http://apple.co/29iqvtJ
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2aT108M
Nook: http://bit.ly/2b6hVkQ
Book Order: Standalone
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
August 22, 2016
3.5 Stars
Neighbor Dearest is yet another example of how amazing Penelope Ward is as an author. I love her writing style and how she always manages to captivate me with her words. Damien and Chelsea's book was very intriguing and I loved the friends-to-lovers aspect. It was really well done and there was no over the top drama that came along with it, which I very much appreciated.
With this book we got laughter, sexiness, friendship, and a strong chemistry between these characters. Page after page I was drawn farther into this story and by the end I was sad to see Damien and Chelsea leave me. When I finish a book and want to re-read right away, you know it's a good one.
With how much I loved this story it killed me a little to give it only 3.5 stars, but the beginning just didn't allow for more. While I loved the connection that Damien and Chelsea had, it kind of got pushed to the background while her ex kept being mentioned. I even searched how many times the name Eric was used in the book and I'm almost positive that about 57 of the 63 times that it was, was only within the beginning of the book. It got a little annoying after the first few times and I just didn't care about him.
Overall, I still highly recommend this story and I also think it would be the perfect book to introduce you to Penelope's writing if you haven't read her before. The connection these two characters have is definitely worth reading about so I hope it will be on everyone's to-be-read list.
Neighbor Dearest is yet another example of how amazing Penelope Ward is as an author. I love her writing style and how she always manages to captivate me with her words. Damien and Chelsea's book was very intriguing and I loved the friends-to-lovers aspect. It was really well done and there was no over the top drama that came along with it, which I very much appreciated.
With this book we got laughter, sexiness, friendship, and a strong chemistry between these characters. Page after page I was drawn farther into this story and by the end I was sad to see Damien and Chelsea leave me. When I finish a book and want to re-read right away, you know it's a good one.
With how much I loved this story it killed me a little to give it only 3.5 stars, but the beginning just didn't allow for more. While I loved the connection that Damien and Chelsea had, it kind of got pushed to the background while her ex kept being mentioned. I even searched how many times the name Eric was used in the book and I'm almost positive that about 57 of the 63 times that it was, was only within the beginning of the book. It got a little annoying after the first few times and I just didn't care about him.
Overall, I still highly recommend this story and I also think it would be the perfect book to introduce you to Penelope's writing if you haven't read her before. The connection these two characters have is definitely worth reading about so I hope it will be on everyone's to-be-read list.
August 21, 2016
This book is smack dab in the middle of the scale for me. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either. It was okay.
If you're a long time Penelope Ward fan, the plot is a familiar one: heroine falls for the hero but hero is reluctant to commit because of a big secret. The familiarity isn't a knock on Ms. Ward talent as a writer because for one, she does this type of story really well. And two, Ms. Ward definitely knows how keep her readers invested in the story.
My issue is that Neighbor Dearest kind of felt like a cheap knock-off of Jake Undone. It's basically the same set up where the heroine falls for the hero and they have the connection but hero won't go beyond friends with the heroine because he's harboring some dark secret. That's basically Jake Undone. The only difference is the nature of their secret. And the characters, unlike in Jake Undone, were uninteresting apart from Chelsea who I really, really liked and really sympathized with. They're not bad; they're just bland. Damian particularly is no different from Jake or Elec or other Penelope Ward heroes I've read before.
Despite my issues, I really did enjoy this book. I liked Chelsea's earnestness. I liked that the author made me sympathize with her. And like most of Ms. Ward's books, Neighbor Dearest was easy to read. It some some funny moments as well as the requisite angsty ones. But other than that, there's nothing in this book that really elevates it above other books out there.
If you're a long time Penelope Ward fan, the plot is a familiar one: heroine falls for the hero but hero is reluctant to commit because of a big secret. The familiarity isn't a knock on Ms. Ward talent as a writer because for one, she does this type of story really well. And two, Ms. Ward definitely knows how keep her readers invested in the story.
My issue is that Neighbor Dearest kind of felt like a cheap knock-off of Jake Undone. It's basically the same set up where the heroine falls for the hero and they have the connection but hero won't go beyond friends with the heroine because he's harboring some dark secret. That's basically Jake Undone. The only difference is the nature of their secret. And the characters, unlike in Jake Undone, were uninteresting apart from Chelsea who I really, really liked and really sympathized with. They're not bad; they're just bland. Damian particularly is no different from Jake or Elec or other Penelope Ward heroes I've read before.
Despite my issues, I really did enjoy this book. I liked Chelsea's earnestness. I liked that the author made me sympathize with her. And like most of Ms. Ward's books, Neighbor Dearest was easy to read. It some some funny moments as well as the requisite angsty ones. But other than that, there's nothing in this book that really elevates it above other books out there.
August 21, 2016
Penelope Ward is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her stories always bring a huge smile to my face and I love falling into them. Neighbor Dearest is no exception. Chelsea and Damien meet when she moves into his building. He is her angry artist neighbor with loud dogs and she is the desperate sad girl.
I swear their meet up was perfect. Due to a much-needed repair, Damien can actually hear all about Chelsea’s failed relationship. You may remember Chelsea from Stepbrother Dearest she was Elec’s California girlfriend. So of course when Damien hears about her boyfriend leaving her for his stepsister and thinks this is hilarious.
There is obviously a huge attraction between the two, but things actually start off friendly. They bicker and pick at each other, but develop a great friendship, similar to the movie Friend with Benefits. I adored their relationship and truly loved reading this story. Things getting hairy when their attraction starts to take over because Damien pulls back because he can’t lose Chelsea.
I love that he didn't lead her on because he saw the value in her friendship. Of course, they can only fight their attraction for so long especially when real feelings begin to develop.
This story is actually pretty freaking perfect. It’s funny and sexy, but also has a lot of heart. I loved how it didn’t feel too angsty, but kept me turning the page. I was absolutely cheering for these two and loved how things played out. This is definitely a book worth reading. If you are looking for something with feels, but still light and fun this is your book!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
I swear their meet up was perfect. Due to a much-needed repair, Damien can actually hear all about Chelsea’s failed relationship. You may remember Chelsea from Stepbrother Dearest she was Elec’s California girlfriend. So of course when Damien hears about her boyfriend leaving her for his stepsister and thinks this is hilarious.
There is obviously a huge attraction between the two, but things actually start off friendly. They bicker and pick at each other, but develop a great friendship, similar to the movie Friend with Benefits. I adored their relationship and truly loved reading this story. Things getting hairy when their attraction starts to take over because Damien pulls back because he can’t lose Chelsea.
I love that he didn't lead her on because he saw the value in her friendship. Of course, they can only fight their attraction for so long especially when real feelings begin to develop.
This story is actually pretty freaking perfect. It’s funny and sexy, but also has a lot of heart. I loved how it didn’t feel too angsty, but kept me turning the page. I was absolutely cheering for these two and loved how things played out. This is definitely a book worth reading. If you are looking for something with feels, but still light and fun this is your book!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2016
༺**Complimentary Copy**༺ Provided by the author
"Penelope Ward" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Neighbor Dearest
AUTHOR: Penelope Ward
GENRE: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
CHAPTERS: Prologue | 25 | Epilogue
RELEASE DATE: August 15th, 2016
MY RATING: 5 STARS
“A STANDALONE NOVEL that does *not* need to be read in conjunction with any other book.”
NEIGHBOR DEAREST: In the 'Prologue' we're introduced to 'Chelsea' who has just been dumped by her long term boyfriend Elec, she knew something was brewing between them but still the shock gutted her. Finding out he left her for another woman was a double kick to the heart.
Reading the 'Prologue' had me hook line and sinker, straight away you're captivated
How was I ever going to trust in love again
Because I truly believed he loved me.
I believed love was indestructible.
I was wrong.
The neighbor I’d dubbed “Angry Artist” also had two massive dogs that kept me up with their barking.
Trying to move on and settling into a new apartment across from a hot broody artist with yappy dogs nearly does her head in.
“She came to complain about the dogs, and all I wanted to do was kiss her senseless.”
If you're a fan of 'Penelope Wards' like I am get yourself prepared for a FEELS book, because this like her previous books will hit you right in the feels, the butterflies, the giddiness, the swooning, the sighs, the giggles, they all come at you full throttle.
"You know why it didn't work out with him?"
"why?"
"Because God made you for me."
I thought my heart had been broken by Elec, but it was alive and beating harder than ever for Damien.
You're my unicorn...
Mythically...Beautiful...Unattainable...
You were a fantasy that I never thought would come true.
That's what you have always been to me.
"Penelope Ward" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Neighbor Dearest
AUTHOR: Penelope Ward
GENRE: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
CHAPTERS: Prologue | 25 | Epilogue
RELEASE DATE: August 15th, 2016
MY RATING: 5 STARS
“A STANDALONE NOVEL that does *not* need to be read in conjunction with any other book.”
NEIGHBOR DEAREST: In the 'Prologue' we're introduced to 'Chelsea' who has just been dumped by her long term boyfriend Elec, she knew something was brewing between them but still the shock gutted her. Finding out he left her for another woman was a double kick to the heart.
Reading the 'Prologue' had me hook line and sinker, straight away you're captivated
How was I ever going to trust in love againBecause I truly believed he loved me.
I believed love was indestructible.
I was wrong.
The neighbor I’d dubbed “Angry Artist” also had two massive dogs that kept me up with their barking.
Trying to move on and settling into a new apartment across from a hot broody artist with yappy dogs nearly does her head in.
“She came to complain about the dogs, and all I wanted to do was kiss her senseless.”
If you're a fan of 'Penelope Wards' like I am get yourself prepared for a FEELS book, because this like her previous books will hit you right in the feels, the butterflies, the giddiness, the swooning, the sighs, the giggles, they all come at you full throttle.
"You know why it didn't work out with him?""why?"
"Because God made you for me."
I thought my heart had been broken by Elec, but it was alive and beating harder than ever for Damien.
You're my unicorn...Mythically...Beautiful...Unattainable...
You were a fantasy that I never thought would come true.
That's what you have always been to me.
October 13, 2016
Are you wondering why only one star? Well...
-“Why don’t you spend Friday night picking up one of your whores”
-“Fucking bimbo”
-“How’s the whore you were with?”
-“You know why it didn’t work out with him?” “Why?” “Because God made you for me.”
-“You still on the pill?” I nodded. “Yes.” I didn’t bother to ask how he knew about my birth control situation. Damien just knew everything about me.
... that is why.
-“Why don’t you spend Friday night picking up one of your whores”
-“Fucking bimbo”
-“How’s the whore you were with?”
-“You know why it didn’t work out with him?” “Why?” “Because God made you for me.”
-“You still on the pill?” I nodded. “Yes.” I didn’t bother to ask how he knew about my birth control situation. Damien just knew everything about me.
... that is why.
November 9, 2016
That was a very sweet romance with low angst. There was a little bit of a drama but it was not a “making-you-ugly-cry” kind of drama. It was solved in a good way. This novel was sweet, it was hot, it was fun and it was definitely heart-warming.
It is about a couple who are apparently attracted to each other but the guy resists to be anything further than friends, saying he is no good for her in the long-term. So, you wonder what his reason for staying away from her is and when you learn, you understand. I normally do not like romances in which the heroine chases the hero, but here in this book, even though the hero puts her in the friend zone, he confesses how much he really wants her so we know he has some valid reason for trying to stay away.
It’s not that we wouldn’t have fun or be great together at first. I’m just not good for you in the long-term—not marriage material. And the reasons are too complex to get into, except to say that it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with me. I can’t, in good conscience, start something with a girl like you.”
“A girl like me…”
“Yes. You’re not the kind of girl a guy takes home for a quick fuck. You’re the girl he keeps.”
That is why, I liked it this time when she insisted on being together no matter what.
"For the record, I would rather have a single day of truly being with you than twenty thousand days of going through the motions with someone who doesn’t have my heart."
The hero, Damien, was adorable in every way. He is a real hottie who often wears a beanie. He is an artist who also has tattoos.
The heroine Chelsea was endearing, too. Their lovely story takes you in very quickly.
I also loved the side characters and dear Ms Ward, I would love to read a book about “his brother” and “her sister” :)
Oh oh oh I mustn’t forget about the two rottweilers, Dudley and Drewfus, aka the two Ds :) Oh they were such a big contribution to the story...
To cut it short, I love low angst novels, so I loved everything about this book. Whenever you are in need of a light romance, that would be a good choice.
Here are some lovely quotes from the book...
“Corn dog, meet Horn Dog.”
***
“Wanna duck?”
***
“You bacon me crazy”
***
After lunch, we hit the amusement park and it felt so cathartic to intentionally crash into Damien on the bumper cars. I would mentally shout at him with every collision.
“This is for saying you only want to be friends.”
“This is for bringing that redheaded whore back to your apartment.”
“This is for kissing me today.”
***
“Why did you have to kiss me like that today?” I finally spit out.
“I thought it was clear why I kissed you.”
“I know why you did it…but why did you have to make it feel so…real?”
His chest was rising and falling as his breathing quickened. He was struggling before he whispered, “It was real.”
“I’m confused.”
“Every part of that kiss was real, but it still shouldn’t have happened.”
It is about a couple who are apparently attracted to each other but the guy resists to be anything further than friends, saying he is no good for her in the long-term. So, you wonder what his reason for staying away from her is and when you learn, you understand. I normally do not like romances in which the heroine chases the hero, but here in this book, even though the hero puts her in the friend zone, he confesses how much he really wants her so we know he has some valid reason for trying to stay away.
It’s not that we wouldn’t have fun or be great together at first. I’m just not good for you in the long-term—not marriage material. And the reasons are too complex to get into, except to say that it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with me. I can’t, in good conscience, start something with a girl like you.”
“A girl like me…”
“Yes. You’re not the kind of girl a guy takes home for a quick fuck. You’re the girl he keeps.”
That is why, I liked it this time when she insisted on being together no matter what.
"For the record, I would rather have a single day of truly being with you than twenty thousand days of going through the motions with someone who doesn’t have my heart."
The hero, Damien, was adorable in every way. He is a real hottie who often wears a beanie. He is an artist who also has tattoos.
The heroine Chelsea was endearing, too. Their lovely story takes you in very quickly.
I also loved the side characters and dear Ms Ward, I would love to read a book about “his brother” and “her sister” :)
Oh oh oh I mustn’t forget about the two rottweilers, Dudley and Drewfus, aka the two Ds :) Oh they were such a big contribution to the story...
To cut it short, I love low angst novels, so I loved everything about this book. Whenever you are in need of a light romance, that would be a good choice.
Here are some lovely quotes from the book...
“Corn dog, meet Horn Dog.”
***
“Wanna duck?”
***
“You bacon me crazy”
***
After lunch, we hit the amusement park and it felt so cathartic to intentionally crash into Damien on the bumper cars. I would mentally shout at him with every collision.
“This is for saying you only want to be friends.”
“This is for bringing that redheaded whore back to your apartment.”
“This is for kissing me today.”
***
“Why did you have to kiss me like that today?” I finally spit out.
“I thought it was clear why I kissed you.”
“I know why you did it…but why did you have to make it feel so…real?”
His chest was rising and falling as his breathing quickened. He was struggling before he whispered, “It was real.”
“I’m confused.”
“Every part of that kiss was real, but it still shouldn’t have happened.”
September 2, 2017
RATING: 4.5 Unicorn Hearts! <3
Neighbor Dearest is another shining example of Penelope Ward’s trademark trifecta—angst, humour, and swoon-worthy romance; a captivating combination that ensures an entertaining read from beginning to end.
Chelsea and Damien’s relationship begins how every great relationship begins—from a place of conflict, or in their case, highly amusing neighborly disputes à la non-stop barking dogs, thin walls, and fed-up confrontations. The friction between the two of them doesn’t last long however, instead we get an affectionate friendship with teasing, banter, layers of sexual tension, and the ache of longing before it evolves into something both physically hotter and emotionally richer.
The push and pull aspect of their romance due to Damien’s constant, yet valid rejections does hover right on the edge of frustration a time or two especially given how quickly Chelsea hurdles the hurt caused by her ex-boyfriend and lays all her cards on the table, but luckily for us she knows when to finally force Damien’s hand, demanding he make a move and acknowledge the connection between them. From there, we get a hero who goes all in despite his personal fears, and a couple that chooses to be open in their communication every step of the way.
Overall, Neighbor Dearest is an equally sweet and sexy friends-to-lovers story with a kiss of heartache, ensuring we’re utterly satisfied as we flip the last page while at the same time craving more.
Posted: August 31, 2017
Neighbor Dearest is another shining example of Penelope Ward’s trademark trifecta—angst, humour, and swoon-worthy romance; a captivating combination that ensures an entertaining read from beginning to end.
“You know why it didn’t work out with him?”
“Why?”
“Because God made you for me.”
Chelsea and Damien’s relationship begins how every great relationship begins—from a place of conflict, or in their case, highly amusing neighborly disputes à la non-stop barking dogs, thin walls, and fed-up confrontations. The friction between the two of them doesn’t last long however, instead we get an affectionate friendship with teasing, banter, layers of sexual tension, and the ache of longing before it evolves into something both physically hotter and emotionally richer.
“It’s you.”
“What?”
His mouth curved into a smile. “You’re my unicorn…”
The push and pull aspect of their romance due to Damien’s constant, yet valid rejections does hover right on the edge of frustration a time or two especially given how quickly Chelsea hurdles the hurt caused by her ex-boyfriend and lays all her cards on the table, but luckily for us she knows when to finally force Damien’s hand, demanding he make a move and acknowledge the connection between them. From there, we get a hero who goes all in despite his personal fears, and a couple that chooses to be open in their communication every step of the way.
Overall, Neighbor Dearest is an equally sweet and sexy friends-to-lovers story with a kiss of heartache, ensuring we’re utterly satisfied as we flip the last page while at the same time craving more.
Posted: August 31, 2017
August 25, 2016
♥ ♥ ♥ 4.25 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
“I want to enjoy my life unapologetically, and I don’t take anything for granted.”
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
A year has gone by and Chelsea Jameson still hasn't really recovered after her heart was shattered by her ex-boyfriend Elec. No matter what she does she can't move on, she's always trying to pinpoint where she is lacking that caused him to walk away. Things take a turn in her life when she moves into an apartment. When she hears incessant barking every morning which ends up waking her up, she has had enough and decides to complain to her neighbor. This is where Damien Hennessey comes into the picture. There is something about the moody sexy artist that has Chelsea feeling some stirrings of attraction.
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
'I was somehow connected to Damien in a way that I didn’t even understand, connected to the way he made me feel, the way I knew he understood me, the way his heart beat for me.'
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Damien Hennessey may not have started off on the right foot with Chelsea, but once he learns more about her the friendlier their relationship becomes. Damien is quite the enigma but he was also such a charmer with great humor. He was also very sweet the more you get to know him. I loved how he cared for Chelsea, he was just so amazing. It's no wonder why Chelsea finds herself falling for him. They were just so perfect together.
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“You know why it didn’t work out with him?”
“Why?”
“Because God made you for me.” Not even 'I love you' could have topped those words.
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This story was so much more than I ever expected which isn't a bad thing because I was very pleasantly surprised. It was quite an emotional story that broke and warmed my heart. I loved Damien, he was such a great character and he made me swoon a lot. As was Chelsea, she was such a likable character. I felt bad for her and how much the break up with Elec affected her. I was so happy that Chelsea has Damien in her life. They are just so cute together. There were funny moments, delicious steam, and a bit of angst. It was such an enjoyable read. I love the friends to lovers theme, the sexual tension was fantastic. The connection they shared and the funny banter had me feeling giddy. The epilogue was so perfect and adorable. I definitely recommend you give this one a read.
November 29, 2016
10 ++++++++ stars.
Probably the best book of the year. I don't care if this is like, the third time I've said it since the beginning of summer. This book is truly one of a kind. I devoured it in 24 hours and still feel like I've lived a whole life in this short time.
Oh, Damien... *Sighs contentedly*. I'm still waiting for the moment I'll realize he's not real and that my neighbor is actually a cranky divorcee with a chiuaua and thirty years on me. Life is cruel... aaaand I'm rambling again. Better stop before something utterly embarrassing comes out.
So, I gathered my thoughts and have put enough distance between me and my feelings to write something more constructive than I <3 Damien!!!!!!!!111!!!1! Hahah, who am I kidding? I'm still fangirling like a Twihard stuck in an elevator with Robert Pattinson.
Okay, now right to the story. Chelsea has been dumped by her live-in, thought-it-was-the-one, and now very-ex-boyfriend. While wallowing in the pit of despair, she meets Damien, her neighbor, and graffiti Artist that she will soon realize is also her landlord. Their relationship starts off rocky, but soon turns into one of the funniest and deepest friendships I've read so far.
But don't be mistaken, the attraction is right there and it gets addressed really quickly. What made the first half of the book so good was that even if for some reason that we do not know *for now* Damien is resisting the pull they have toward each other, they still interact, they fight, they get closer and closer yet. They confront each other, help each other. And lines get blurred. Chelsea doesn't understand why he's pushing her away and chalks it up to his not wanting to commit. Yet the glimpses Damiel lets her see tell a whole different story. He's the epitome of what Ryan Gosling's sweater is made of. (What with all the actors references tonight???)
Anyway, it's only after a few twists and turns that we finally understand what was going on. Believe me when I say that you will never see it coming. After that, the book's beauty really skyrocketed for me. What started as a light romance with a few angsty moments turned into an epic love story with serious issues, real threats, and feelings in such an abundance it felt painful to try to contain them.
I loved how I got to see their relationship grow, how every moment was so special and how they both cherished each one of them. It was one hot, loving ride. I loved both Chelsea and Damien, especially when together. Their chemistry was just perfect.
Oh, and the Double Ds, the two adorable Rottweilers that Damien shares with his ex. Yeah, awkward much. Even though I'm not an animal lover, they really added something to the story and I liked how they bonded with Chelsea. They were cute.
The ending was amazing, the perfect finish line for a story that started all right, progressed into "OMG, this is the best shit ever!!!" and eventually landed in "Please, gimme one more chapter, another epilogue. Anything!!! I'll take anything about these two!"
Side characters were also fine and it's clear there's going to be a story regarding certain actors...
So, I would recommend it to everyone with two eyes, a nose and a mouth. But if you have only one peeper and no breathers, that's okay too. This book should be on everybody's TBR pile.
My heart was churned, uplifted, smashed and corroborated. It melted, squeezed, turned. This is one of those books that you want to re-read as soon as it's over because the mere thought of continuing your life without those characters kills you. It's one of those epic love stories that spans through more than a month or two. It's not a fling. It's one of those novels that give you the sensation of having known each character for ages and at the same time of having lived more than one life. All in the span of the few hours that it takes to read one book.
And this, people, this I call art.
Probably the best book of the year. I don't care if this is like, the third time I've said it since the beginning of summer. This book is truly one of a kind. I devoured it in 24 hours and still feel like I've lived a whole life in this short time.
Oh, Damien... *Sighs contentedly*. I'm still waiting for the moment I'll realize he's not real and that my neighbor is actually a cranky divorcee with a chiuaua and thirty years on me. Life is cruel... aaaand I'm rambling again. Better stop before something utterly embarrassing comes out.
So, I gathered my thoughts and have put enough distance between me and my feelings to write something more constructive than I <3 Damien!!!!!!!!111!!!1! Hahah, who am I kidding? I'm still fangirling like a Twihard stuck in an elevator with Robert Pattinson.
Okay, now right to the story. Chelsea has been dumped by her live-in, thought-it-was-the-one, and now very-ex-boyfriend. While wallowing in the pit of despair, she meets Damien, her neighbor, and graffiti Artist that she will soon realize is also her landlord. Their relationship starts off rocky, but soon turns into one of the funniest and deepest friendships I've read so far.
But don't be mistaken, the attraction is right there and it gets addressed really quickly. What made the first half of the book so good was that even if for some reason that we do not know *for now* Damien is resisting the pull they have toward each other, they still interact, they fight, they get closer and closer yet. They confront each other, help each other. And lines get blurred. Chelsea doesn't understand why he's pushing her away and chalks it up to his not wanting to commit. Yet the glimpses Damiel lets her see tell a whole different story. He's the epitome of what Ryan Gosling's sweater is made of. (What with all the actors references tonight???)
Anyway, it's only after a few twists and turns that we finally understand what was going on. Believe me when I say that you will never see it coming. After that, the book's beauty really skyrocketed for me. What started as a light romance with a few angsty moments turned into an epic love story with serious issues, real threats, and feelings in such an abundance it felt painful to try to contain them.
I loved how I got to see their relationship grow, how every moment was so special and how they both cherished each one of them. It was one hot, loving ride. I loved both Chelsea and Damien, especially when together. Their chemistry was just perfect.
Oh, and the Double Ds, the two adorable Rottweilers that Damien shares with his ex. Yeah, awkward much. Even though I'm not an animal lover, they really added something to the story and I liked how they bonded with Chelsea. They were cute.
The ending was amazing, the perfect finish line for a story that started all right, progressed into "OMG, this is the best shit ever!!!" and eventually landed in "Please, gimme one more chapter, another epilogue. Anything!!! I'll take anything about these two!"
Side characters were also fine and it's clear there's going to be a story regarding certain actors...
So, I would recommend it to everyone with two eyes, a nose and a mouth. But if you have only one peeper and no breathers, that's okay too. This book should be on everybody's TBR pile.
My heart was churned, uplifted, smashed and corroborated. It melted, squeezed, turned. This is one of those books that you want to re-read as soon as it's over because the mere thought of continuing your life without those characters kills you. It's one of those epic love stories that spans through more than a month or two. It's not a fling. It's one of those novels that give you the sensation of having known each character for ages and at the same time of having lived more than one life. All in the span of the few hours that it takes to read one book.
And this, people, this I call art.
February 18, 2017
UM? WHAT THE HELL.
WHAT
THE
HELL.
I'm so annoyed.
*takes a deep breath*
Let's begin. Neighbor Dearest is my first Penelope Ward book. Obviously I was disappointed. Cait and I buddy read this and we were super excited. We ended up both super annoyed with this.
The first half of it was good. I liked Damien and thought he was a sweetheart but I didn't care one bit about Chelsea. I liked how their relationship was building. Also, it was humorous. Then, the dreaded second half arrived. I lost all interest. The second half was basically after Damien and Chelsea had gotten together and weirdly I didn't enjoy their relationship one bit. I had a major problem with how fast they fell madly in love. I liked it way more when they were single and wanting each other. When we are told about Damien's secret, I did indeed feel sad for him, but yeah. I had already lost interest in this character. Unfortunately. The book basically fell flat for me during the second half. Also, a lot of things that happened in the second half managed to piss me off greatly. I won't get into it because spoilers and if I do talk about it, I will end up yelling for the next 10 years and this review will never end. So better not.
Unfortunately, Neighbor Dearest is a no for me. Will I read the other book in this series, Stepbrother Dearest? No. It is basically the story of Elec, Chelsea's ex and I really don't care one bit about him. Will I read more of Ward's books? Yes. I hope the others turn out better than this.
*
Buddy read with Cait , who's still in denial about embracing trash.
WHAT
THE
HELL.
I'm so annoyed.
*takes a deep breath*
Let's begin. Neighbor Dearest is my first Penelope Ward book. Obviously I was disappointed. Cait and I buddy read this and we were super excited. We ended up both super annoyed with this.
The first half of it was good. I liked Damien and thought he was a sweetheart but I didn't care one bit about Chelsea. I liked how their relationship was building. Also, it was humorous. Then, the dreaded second half arrived. I lost all interest. The second half was basically after Damien and Chelsea had gotten together and weirdly I didn't enjoy their relationship one bit. I had a major problem with how fast they fell madly in love. I liked it way more when they were single and wanting each other. When we are told about Damien's secret, I did indeed feel sad for him, but yeah. I had already lost interest in this character. Unfortunately. The book basically fell flat for me during the second half. Also, a lot of things that happened in the second half managed to piss me off greatly. I won't get into it because spoilers and if I do talk about it, I will end up yelling for the next 10 years and this review will never end. So better not.
Unfortunately, Neighbor Dearest is a no for me. Will I read the other book in this series, Stepbrother Dearest? No. It is basically the story of Elec, Chelsea's ex and I really don't care one bit about him. Will I read more of Ward's books? Yes. I hope the others turn out better than this.
*
Buddy read with Cait , who's still in denial about embracing trash.
August 19, 2016
Love…thy neighbor.
First off…it’s bloody hard (for an Aussie) typing neighbour without the u so don’t be surprised if a few neighbour’s pop up here or there. So what did I think about Neighbor Dearest? I actually really enjoyed it. There are lots of things buzzing around in my brain after finishing and I’m struggling to get it all clear in my head. I have to say, I’m absolutely stoked that I never read Stepbrother Dearest. That sounds bad, but I know the type of reader I am and there’s a bloody good chance I may not have even looked at this one if I had read that one first. I cottoned on half-way through the story that the douchewaffle ex, had his own love story. Now, I’m not the biggest fan of step anything story’s, but this guy (even though I'm content that Chelsea found her HEA with someone else) still makes me a little stabby. Up to the very last page of Neighbor Dearest, I didn’t like knowing that he was happy with his decisions.
In the beginning, we see Chelsea’s heart broken into little pieces. As the story goes on we learn little bits and pieces of where she had been, who she had been with and what she was trying to get past. One of her steps in recovery was to hire a therapist who specialises is recovering after relationships break down. Unfortunately, Dr Little lives in Canada so Chelsea’s sessions are done by a phone call. After one of her very expensive sessions, she realises that her very HOT but obnoxious neighbor had heard the whole thing through a hole in their adjoining walls. He made it known that he thought she was wasting her money and that the advice was stupid. Chelsea’s mortified but also really, really pissed off. The following night she knocks on his door to confront him and is attacked by two ferocious beasts…who smelt bacon on her. Honestly, I was horrified for poor Chelsea, while also busting a gut laughing.
Damien, the obnoxious and hot neighbor can’t believe this chick. She’s paying a fortune to some woman spouting crap about unicorns and relationships. He has no hesitations in telling her what he thinks about it but she doesn’t take kindly to his opinions. He soon finds out that his neighbour, Chelsea, is a wee bit unhappy about his dogs constantly barking. So, with him laughing at her therapy sessions about unicorns and the dogs' barking, it finally pushes her over the edge when his 2 rottweilers tackle her to the ground when they smell bacon on her. The funny thing is, seeing her so vulnerable pushes a button in him and he starts to see her in a whole different way.
Damien and Chelsea form a friendship but it’s pretty obvious they have deeper feelings for each other. Chelsea has been hurt by love before, but she’s willing to take a risk with Damien. Damien keeps pushing Chelsea away because he wants more for her. Damien doesn’t want to let Chelsea get close to him because he knows he’ll break her heart.
To me, this story can be broken into two parts. There was the sizzling attraction that made it seem like this couple would be perfect together. You spend the first half of the book waiting with baited breath for them to realise how perfect they will be together. The angst and conflict jump off the pages. The second half of the story is them dealing with life-altering decisions, learning to trust each other and sharing their deepest desires and secrets. I was seriously sucked in with the first half, and while the second half was also good, it just lost a little of the sizzle. The epilogue was pretty damn sweet.
I really enjoyed Neighbor Dearest. Chelsea and Damien are sweet together. There are some steamy scenes but they are in no ways OTT or kinky. The additional characters were great too. I loved Chelsea's younger sister and Damien's younger brother. It will be very, very interesting to see if there is a future for those two. I loved Damien's rent trade-offs with some of his tenants. He can be such a sweetheart.
I definitely recommend Neighbor Dearest.
To buy Neighbor Dearest from Amazon - http://amzn.to/2bkCw5i
I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -
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