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Not the Boy Next Door
Dion Hart is an expert in not getting the part. After a strong start to a Broadway career a decade ago, everyone thought his star was going to rise and keep rising. Instead, much to his producer boyfriend’s chagrin, his jobs have gotten fewer and farther between.
Another rejection, another fight, and another existential crisis later, Dion decides to take a break from it all and go home to Illinois. He hopes that his family, his home, will help center him and find himself again.
Doing a show is the perfect way to spend his summer. Community theater is where Dion was raised, and Lola in Kinky Boots is a dream role. In the audition room, to his surprise, he finds that his first heartbreak is the director.
Henry Addison. Dion’s high school love was content to stay in their hometown, though the goodbye made both of them sad. In fifteen years, they hardly communicated, though when at his lowest, Dion often thought of Henry’s smile. Now as adults, through their enduring love of each other and community theater, they forge a new connection.
They know they’ll be breaking their own hearts by the end of the summer. Henry belongs in Illinois. Dion misses the city. But their bond is too strong to stay away.
But the past isn’t all that easy to run from. When Henry makes a decision that leaves Dion floundering, Dion pulls strength from somewhere. In Lola’s heels, he struts through the pain, with his sister and his therapist’s encouragement. While he navigates all of these new feelings, as he finds himself, he may just find his way back home. To Henry.
Another rejection, another fight, and another existential crisis later, Dion decides to take a break from it all and go home to Illinois. He hopes that his family, his home, will help center him and find himself again.
Doing a show is the perfect way to spend his summer. Community theater is where Dion was raised, and Lola in Kinky Boots is a dream role. In the audition room, to his surprise, he finds that his first heartbreak is the director.
Henry Addison. Dion’s high school love was content to stay in their hometown, though the goodbye made both of them sad. In fifteen years, they hardly communicated, though when at his lowest, Dion often thought of Henry’s smile. Now as adults, through their enduring love of each other and community theater, they forge a new connection.
They know they’ll be breaking their own hearts by the end of the summer. Henry belongs in Illinois. Dion misses the city. But their bond is too strong to stay away.
But the past isn’t all that easy to run from. When Henry makes a decision that leaves Dion floundering, Dion pulls strength from somewhere. In Lola’s heels, he struts through the pain, with his sister and his therapist’s encouragement. While he navigates all of these new feelings, as he finds himself, he may just find his way back home. To Henry.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2023
About the author
Avery Easton
12 books38 followersWith over ten years of wedding planning experience and a lifetime onstage, Avery Easton knows romance. She began writing at age seven and hasn’t stopped since. If she's not reading, writing, or planning weddings, you can find her on the beach or belting out showtunes. She lives in Chicago with her husband and two adorable cats.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 3, 2023
Thank you for the eARC.
Avery Easton writes delightful, complex performance backgrounds (and thank God it's not too technical for us who only know how to be in the audience!), sweet and sexy relationships, and cackle-worthy one-liners. I really appreciate that, while being a damn good time, her books always include realistic emotional issues that the characters actually come to terms with. It's rare to find such a satisfying combination.
This is a fantastically nostalgic and fun "the one that got away" romance. I don't have the proper adjectives for how much I loved Dion and Henry. Just YAY. Gobbled it up in two sittings and I'm still thinking about it (and singing Not The Boy Next Door).
Avery Easton writes delightful, complex performance backgrounds (and thank God it's not too technical for us who only know how to be in the audience!), sweet and sexy relationships, and cackle-worthy one-liners. I really appreciate that, while being a damn good time, her books always include realistic emotional issues that the characters actually come to terms with. It's rare to find such a satisfying combination.
This is a fantastically nostalgic and fun "the one that got away" romance. I don't have the proper adjectives for how much I loved Dion and Henry. Just YAY. Gobbled it up in two sittings and I'm still thinking about it (and singing Not The Boy Next Door).
September 16, 2023
Sometimes the sweetness and truth of a thing gets to be a little too much for me and I have to either put it down or consume it in a single sitting. (I don’t always respond well when something is too aggressively “FOR ME”… see Red White & Royal Blue). But I barreled through this in a day because I knew the characters immediately and felt their journey deeply. There is a quality to Easton’s writing that you cannot turn your back on, even if the words on the page “rhyme with” your own life (IYKYK). Grateful to Easton for this one and for giving us grumpy old queers something to get dreamy about. Henry and Dion stayed on my heart for a week and I have a feeling I’ll return to them again soon.
August 1, 2023
Not The Boy Next Door
Hearts of Broadway Book 4
By Avery Easton
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶🌶
Dion has once again lost the principal role and to add insult to injury, his boyfriend dumped him. So, Dion returns home to Illinois for a reset, but running into his first love, Henry, may change all of his plans.
Let’s begin with my undying hatred of Blake! What a douche! I seriously don’t think I’ve ever wanted to throat punch a character more. His mistreatment and gaslighting of Dion is just disgusting!
Okay I’m good now! Dion was a good character and watching him bloom from the shell of a person when he moved to Peoria to a more self assured person by the end was a great character arc. Henry was just, insert swoon here! I loved him so much and I now need a Henry in my life. It wast grand over the top gestures. They were just little things, the way he held Dion’s hand or just was in his presence giving him encouragement. He was just a great guy that seemed attainable, not the perfect Prince Charming that just doesn’t exist.
The side characters in this were so great! I loved Dion’s family most. His sister is his constant cheerleader and his nieces and nephews were freaking precious. The friends he made or remade while putting on a Kinky Boots, were supportive and kind without being a bunch of butt kissers. Real friends tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.
I wasn’t sure going into this ARC what I would find. I’ve never read any of Avery Easton’s books before, sorry, but after this I will definitely be adding them to my TBR.
🚨 🚨 Spoiler Alert🚨 🚨
I really hope they get married in their field/ golf course.
When Henry told Blake to GTFO, he was cemented as a permanent book boyfriend!
Dion’s line "Your heart was like a compass. Guiding me back to where I belong." Ugh too freaking adorable!!
Hearts of Broadway Book 4
By Avery Easton
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶🌶
Dion has once again lost the principal role and to add insult to injury, his boyfriend dumped him. So, Dion returns home to Illinois for a reset, but running into his first love, Henry, may change all of his plans.
Let’s begin with my undying hatred of Blake! What a douche! I seriously don’t think I’ve ever wanted to throat punch a character more. His mistreatment and gaslighting of Dion is just disgusting!
Okay I’m good now! Dion was a good character and watching him bloom from the shell of a person when he moved to Peoria to a more self assured person by the end was a great character arc. Henry was just, insert swoon here! I loved him so much and I now need a Henry in my life. It wast grand over the top gestures. They were just little things, the way he held Dion’s hand or just was in his presence giving him encouragement. He was just a great guy that seemed attainable, not the perfect Prince Charming that just doesn’t exist.
The side characters in this were so great! I loved Dion’s family most. His sister is his constant cheerleader and his nieces and nephews were freaking precious. The friends he made or remade while putting on a Kinky Boots, were supportive and kind without being a bunch of butt kissers. Real friends tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.
I wasn’t sure going into this ARC what I would find. I’ve never read any of Avery Easton’s books before, sorry, but after this I will definitely be adding them to my TBR.
🚨 🚨 Spoiler Alert🚨 🚨
I really hope they get married in their field/ golf course.
When Henry told Blake to GTFO, he was cemented as a permanent book boyfriend!
Dion’s line "Your heart was like a compass. Guiding me back to where I belong." Ugh too freaking adorable!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2023
Not the Boy Next Door - Avery Easton
Diving into 'Not the Boy Next Door' was like finding a soothing balm for my soul. This book beautifully weaves the tapestry of community life, introducing a captivating cast of characters. It fearlessly delved into the profound impact of emotional and psychological abuse on individuals, highlighting the arduous journey of self-discovery.
The story of Dion and Henry tugged at my heartstrings, immersing me in their heart-wrenching struggles. Yet, amidst the tears, it also painted a vivid picture of a small-town community adorned with glitz and show tunes, a true celebration of resilience and togetherness that lifted my spirits.
Avery's mastery in crafting heartwarming yet authentic tales truly shines through. She has an incredible knack for writing feel-good stories that resonate with reality. For example: While there are indeed moments of spiciness, they are crafted with such tasteful and considerate writing that the overall experience leans more towards sweetness than spice.
If you're on the hunt for a delightful read, I wholeheartedly recommend immersing yourself in this one. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, it's also a part of her enchanting 'Broadway Hearts' Series, where worlds seamlessly converge. It's a real treat for those who've delved into the earlier books, adding an extra layer of enjoyment, but fear not, newcomers, as it won't leave you feeling lost.
Romance ∘ LGBTQA+ ∘ Show Tunes ∘ Young Love ∘ Fate ∘
Happy Reading,
Alie
Rating: 💜💜💜💜
Aesthetic: 🎶👢👨🏻❤️💋👨🏾🎭🏡🎙❤️🩹💙
Spice: 🍬
Diving into 'Not the Boy Next Door' was like finding a soothing balm for my soul. This book beautifully weaves the tapestry of community life, introducing a captivating cast of characters. It fearlessly delved into the profound impact of emotional and psychological abuse on individuals, highlighting the arduous journey of self-discovery.
The story of Dion and Henry tugged at my heartstrings, immersing me in their heart-wrenching struggles. Yet, amidst the tears, it also painted a vivid picture of a small-town community adorned with glitz and show tunes, a true celebration of resilience and togetherness that lifted my spirits.
Avery's mastery in crafting heartwarming yet authentic tales truly shines through. She has an incredible knack for writing feel-good stories that resonate with reality. For example: While there are indeed moments of spiciness, they are crafted with such tasteful and considerate writing that the overall experience leans more towards sweetness than spice.
If you're on the hunt for a delightful read, I wholeheartedly recommend immersing yourself in this one. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, it's also a part of her enchanting 'Broadway Hearts' Series, where worlds seamlessly converge. It's a real treat for those who've delved into the earlier books, adding an extra layer of enjoyment, but fear not, newcomers, as it won't leave you feeling lost.
Romance ∘ LGBTQA+ ∘ Show Tunes ∘ Young Love ∘ Fate ∘
Happy Reading,
Alie
Rating: 💜💜💜💜
Aesthetic: 🎶👢👨🏻❤️💋👨🏾🎭🏡🎙❤️🩹💙
Spice: 🍬
July 18, 2023
As per usual Avery Easton writes the perfect love story, not just between two people, but to musical theater. This book centers mostly around the importance of community, and the impact of community theater on our lives. Dion, returns home to Illinois after a toxic breakup to reconnect with his roots, recenter, and decide his next step, but ends up falling back in love with home, family, his hometown community, and his first love. While there he decides to participate in a community theater production of Kinky Boots. One of the most heartwarming parts of the whole book was watching the city come together to support their local artists after their theater production is threatened. It showcases how much LOVE goes into a community theater production, and how everyone comes together to make it perfect. I also enjoyed showcasing the difference between a labor of love that is community theater and the pride of work that goes into being a professional actor and where the two coincide and differ. As Dion’s summer of discovery and kinky boots comes to a close you’re left rooting for both of Dion’s potential futures- To stay with his second chance romance, or to go back to NYC to live the Broadway dream that’s inside every theater kid.
This book tugged on all the heartstrings and had me kicking up my heals with delight at the romance. While the spicy scenes weren’t overly explicit the heat and passion still came through.
Thank you Avery Easton for the e arc. My opinions are my own.
This book tugged on all the heartstrings and had me kicking up my heals with delight at the romance. While the spicy scenes weren’t overly explicit the heat and passion still came through.
Thank you Avery Easton for the e arc. My opinions are my own.
September 11, 2023
I loved this book. I devoured it, and found myself crying quite a bit while reading it (in a good way!). I loved the characters, the setting (small town, home-town), the plot ... everything. Personally, it was a book I needed to read at this moment because, like Avery's main characters, I'm an artist, and it's really easy to feel like nothing you do matters and if you're not a star/rich/famous, you find yourself frequently wondering if the universe is telling you that you should give up. I've thought about moving back home, generally as a negative thing, and Not the Boy Next Door does a beautiful job of presenting the opposite narrative -- what if packing up your life and going back home ISN'T an admission of defeat? That success isn't defined by location. That being home again can be magical and fill your cup and inspire more creativity.
The long and short is that I cared very much about her characters and what happened to them, and Avery's so adept at writing feel-good stories that feel realistic.
If you're looking for a good read, I urge you to treat yourself with this one. It's a stand-alone, but it's part of her "Broadway Hearts" Series, so the worlds merge, which is really fun if you've read the earlier books (but won't confuse you if you haven't).
The long and short is that I cared very much about her characters and what happened to them, and Avery's so adept at writing feel-good stories that feel realistic.
If you're looking for a good read, I urge you to treat yourself with this one. It's a stand-alone, but it's part of her "Broadway Hearts" Series, so the worlds merge, which is really fun if you've read the earlier books (but won't confuse you if you haven't).
July 29, 2023
This book was just too cute, and I loved it too much.
I love a good Second-Chance romance, and this book ticked all of the boxes. I love how Dion and Henry didn’t originally break up through hate when younger. And I love how, when they reconnected, it wasn’t followed by difficulties due to prior hurt created by either of them. Now, don’t get me started, I am a big fan of grovel romances, but, I could not have enjoyed the calm, respectful and loving relationship that blossomed between Henry and Dion throughout the summer that they spent together.
I do a regular weekly series on books to read when getting over a seizure; they are all on audible, and whilst this book is not yet on audible, I believe this would be a fantastic book to read on audible in the final days of recovering from said seizure. The found family, the adorable relationship between Henry and Dion, and the amazing supporting characters, just bring a delightfully relaxing, yet entertaining book.
If my future love isn’t like Henry and Dion’s, I don’t want it.
This is the perfect summer read. I highly recommend it.
I love a good Second-Chance romance, and this book ticked all of the boxes. I love how Dion and Henry didn’t originally break up through hate when younger. And I love how, when they reconnected, it wasn’t followed by difficulties due to prior hurt created by either of them. Now, don’t get me started, I am a big fan of grovel romances, but, I could not have enjoyed the calm, respectful and loving relationship that blossomed between Henry and Dion throughout the summer that they spent together.
I do a regular weekly series on books to read when getting over a seizure; they are all on audible, and whilst this book is not yet on audible, I believe this would be a fantastic book to read on audible in the final days of recovering from said seizure. The found family, the adorable relationship between Henry and Dion, and the amazing supporting characters, just bring a delightfully relaxing, yet entertaining book.
If my future love isn’t like Henry and Dion’s, I don’t want it.
This is the perfect summer read. I highly recommend it.
June 22, 2023
Thank you to the author and Uncial Press for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
CW: coercive relationship
Dion Hart has been passed over for a principal role on Broadway again. His producer boyfriend of five years then breaks up with him. With no job and nowhere to stay, Dion decides to go home to Peoria, Illinois, where he grew up. Once there, he literally runs into his ex-boyfriend from high school, Henry Addison. Henry is a small town boy, or man, and sparks fly again. Dion then gets involved in the local community theater production of Kinky Boots, where Henry is the director. Henry that makes a decision that leaves Dion reeling. Will they have their finale together?
Avery Easton does it again! I love Dion and Henry so much. There is a bit of spice so be aware sweet romance readers. I love all the references to different Broadway songs and the support that Dion's sister gives him is amazing. Otis is such a weird dog, that reminds me of my own pup. If you like Broadway and stories of finding yourself, please read this.
CW: coercive relationship
Dion Hart has been passed over for a principal role on Broadway again. His producer boyfriend of five years then breaks up with him. With no job and nowhere to stay, Dion decides to go home to Peoria, Illinois, where he grew up. Once there, he literally runs into his ex-boyfriend from high school, Henry Addison. Henry is a small town boy, or man, and sparks fly again. Dion then gets involved in the local community theater production of Kinky Boots, where Henry is the director. Henry that makes a decision that leaves Dion reeling. Will they have their finale together?
Avery Easton does it again! I love Dion and Henry so much. There is a bit of spice so be aware sweet romance readers. I love all the references to different Broadway songs and the support that Dion's sister gives him is amazing. Otis is such a weird dog, that reminds me of my own pup. If you like Broadway and stories of finding yourself, please read this.
August 26, 2023
Oh gosh, this was so so so sweet!
I will forever champion books in which the MCs are “better together”, and this one definitely had that! I fell in love with Henry and Dion almost immediately and adored watching them find each other and fall back together again. As a theatre kid, I absolutely LOVED all the theatre references, as I always do with this author’s books, and I loved that it championed Community Theatre. This was an INSANELY easy read, and I was hooked from the start. I loved these sweet characters and just wanted more and more and more of them!
I was given an ARC by the author. All opinions are my own.
I will forever champion books in which the MCs are “better together”, and this one definitely had that! I fell in love with Henry and Dion almost immediately and adored watching them find each other and fall back together again. As a theatre kid, I absolutely LOVED all the theatre references, as I always do with this author’s books, and I loved that it championed Community Theatre. This was an INSANELY easy read, and I was hooked from the start. I loved these sweet characters and just wanted more and more and more of them!
I was given an ARC by the author. All opinions are my own.
June 20, 2023
I honestly don’t even know where to begin with this review. A queer Broadway romance?! SOLD. I’m a sucker for both and this book did NOT disappoint. Dion and Henry…. I literally don’t have any words right now. I just love them so much 😭 You can feel the love they have for each other. I haven’t read anything else by Avery but I’m going to purchase all her other books right now. I can’t wait to devour them!
July 6, 2025
I've loved every book in this series, and this one also did not disappoint! Dion and Henry were adorable, and I rooted for them the whole time. I loved the joy of musicals and central Illinois 😊 can't wait to read the last book in the series!
August 24, 2024
Sweet, endearing book about first loves and our hopes and dreams. Quick and lighthearted, which I truly enjoyed.
July 30, 2023
One of my favorite parts of bookstagram has been discovering independent writers. These are writers with smaller releases that are marketing the books themselves.
Not the Boy Next Door is a follows the love story of Dion and Henry. Dion is looking to escape an unhealthy relationship and a stagnant career so he returns to his hometown to lick his wounds and be near family. Once there, he runs into his high school love Henry who is teaching drama at their old high school and the director at the community theatre.
Henry's directing the musical, Kinky Boots at the community theatre. Lola is Dion's dream role and he's thrilled to be cast as the lead. Slowly Henry and Dion reconnect and rediscover their old spark, if only for the summer. Or will it be longer? Dion may have decisions to make. Can a small town family and friends lure him away from the bright lights of Broadway?
I enjoyed the romantic elements of the book. The men were so articulate about their feelings. LOL! I also enjoyed the small town vibe. The descriptions of community theatre were so charming.The community and family scenes with Dion's family were among my favorite.
Overall this book had a nice authentic feel and quality writing. It's also part of a series. I haven't read the series, but found it easy to sink into this one without feeling like I was missing anything. This book is currently available for pre-order and will be released in early September.
Not the Boy Next Door is a follows the love story of Dion and Henry. Dion is looking to escape an unhealthy relationship and a stagnant career so he returns to his hometown to lick his wounds and be near family. Once there, he runs into his high school love Henry who is teaching drama at their old high school and the director at the community theatre.
Henry's directing the musical, Kinky Boots at the community theatre. Lola is Dion's dream role and he's thrilled to be cast as the lead. Slowly Henry and Dion reconnect and rediscover their old spark, if only for the summer. Or will it be longer? Dion may have decisions to make. Can a small town family and friends lure him away from the bright lights of Broadway?
I enjoyed the romantic elements of the book. The men were so articulate about their feelings. LOL! I also enjoyed the small town vibe. The descriptions of community theatre were so charming.The community and family scenes with Dion's family were among my favorite.
Overall this book had a nice authentic feel and quality writing. It's also part of a series. I haven't read the series, but found it easy to sink into this one without feeling like I was missing anything. This book is currently available for pre-order and will be released in early September.
July 4, 2023
Thank you to Avery Easton and unical press for the eARC of Not the Boy Next door. All opinions are my own!
CW: coercive relationship
I absolutely adore this second chance, small-ish town romance, and with the added broadway backdrop. It’s the fourth book in Avery Easton Hearts of Broadway series.
Dion has come to a crossroads in his life - after being passed over for big roles for a lot of his career, and his abusive boyfriend dumping him, and kicking him out of their apartment, Dion makes the decision to head home to Peoria, IL for some time to recalibrate, recenter, and reconnect with his family. . . and maybe reconnect with the boy who he left behind when he moved to New York to be on broadway.
Dion and Henry’s second chance romance is just so beautifully written! It’s a sweet reconnection with some lovely steamy scenes. The abusive ex throws a wrench in the story midway through and i was so angry. Well done Avery!
It’s also a love story to community theater and how it forges life long connections and gives you a community when you may not know where to find it.
Fave quote: “Failing isn’t bad. It’s just the last thing you do before the next thing you do.”
Avery Easton writes beautiful relationships and a broadway spin. I highly recommend this book and the rest of her Hearts of Broadway series.
Check out her Spotify playlist of music that is referenced in the book!
https://spotify.link/115frWHnuBb
CW: coercive relationship
I absolutely adore this second chance, small-ish town romance, and with the added broadway backdrop. It’s the fourth book in Avery Easton Hearts of Broadway series.
Dion has come to a crossroads in his life - after being passed over for big roles for a lot of his career, and his abusive boyfriend dumping him, and kicking him out of their apartment, Dion makes the decision to head home to Peoria, IL for some time to recalibrate, recenter, and reconnect with his family. . . and maybe reconnect with the boy who he left behind when he moved to New York to be on broadway.
Dion and Henry’s second chance romance is just so beautifully written! It’s a sweet reconnection with some lovely steamy scenes. The abusive ex throws a wrench in the story midway through and i was so angry. Well done Avery!
It’s also a love story to community theater and how it forges life long connections and gives you a community when you may not know where to find it.
Fave quote: “Failing isn’t bad. It’s just the last thing you do before the next thing you do.”
Avery Easton writes beautiful relationships and a broadway spin. I highly recommend this book and the rest of her Hearts of Broadway series.
Check out her Spotify playlist of music that is referenced in the book!
https://spotify.link/115frWHnuBb
July 31, 2024
Can you go back home again?
That’s the question Dion asks himself when nothing seems to feel right in NYC. And the answer is something only Avery could give us with this amazing story.
Second chance romances are a favorite of mine and then you throw in one of my favorite musicals to dream about too, this story is magic.
Dion and Henry’s story is filled with self reflection and acceptance. Acceptance of who they are together and what they need for happiness. This is where Avery soars, she gives us complex characters that are genuine and honest which makes us fall for them too.
This series is a must read if you are a theater fan, heck it’s a must read even if you aren’t!
That’s the question Dion asks himself when nothing seems to feel right in NYC. And the answer is something only Avery could give us with this amazing story.
Second chance romances are a favorite of mine and then you throw in one of my favorite musicals to dream about too, this story is magic.
Dion and Henry’s story is filled with self reflection and acceptance. Acceptance of who they are together and what they need for happiness. This is where Avery soars, she gives us complex characters that are genuine and honest which makes us fall for them too.
This series is a must read if you are a theater fan, heck it’s a must read even if you aren’t!
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