The Neighbor Renovation by Grace Worthington is a charming enemies to lovers romance about Ella, an upbeat interior designer chasing her dream, and Grant, her childhood rival whose quiet summer of fixing up his family beach home becomes complicated when they must team up to renovate together, confronting old wounds, neighbor feuds, and unexpected attraction in a small town setting full of wit and heart.
From the very first chapters I was swept into a beachside world that felt like sunshine and salt air, peopled with characters as warm and vivid as a coastal sunset. Ella’s bubbly determination to prove herself and chase her ambitions made me genuinely cheer for her, especially as she unlocked new layers of Grant’s guarded heart. Grant’s reluctance to open up at first, rooted in both past losses and family tensions, added depth to his grumpiness, making his gradual softening toward Ella feel sweet and earned rather than abrupt. Their banter is playful and sharp, and the renovation backdrop offers so many delightful moments of teamwork, missteps, and genuine connection, making it easy to see why so many readers found this a delightful, feel‑good read.
Rating: 3 out of 5
This story made me smile, laugh, and feel tender for both characters as they navigated old rivalries and new possibilities. The pacing kept me engaged, and the emotional growth felt honest and resonant. I only wished for a few moments with even deeper exploration of their internal fears, but overall it left me with that cozy, contented feeling you crave from a sweet contemporary romance.