Neighborly Complications

Stories of Serendipity #1

by Anne Conley

Claire is a jilted bride, jumping at the opportunity to hunt for treasure in the house her uncle left her in his will. Her goal? To start fresh in this tiny town called Serendipity, fix up the old house and start a bed and breakfast. The hunky widower next door is not in her plans. And when he seems to show up all the time, butting into her business, she can’t seem to dampen her frustration. Or control her urges.

Max has the same problem. Something about the woman next door has made him forget all about the comfortable memory of his wife. He feels an inexplicable need to explore the tumultuous emotions that Claire evokes in him, but it seems like all he can ever do is make her mad.

But damn, she’s sexy when she’s mad…


Warning: Mature content not suitable for readers under 18

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Erotica, Amazon, Ebooks, Fiction

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 27, 2013

About the author

Anne has written her entire life and has the boxes of angst-filled journals and poetry to prove it. She’s been writing for public consumption for the past several years. She lives in rural East Texas with her husband and children in her own private oasis, where she prides herself in her complete lack of social skills, choosing instead to live with the people inside her head.

Currently, she has five romance series. Playing with Fire explores the trials and tribulations of a small team of fire fighters in the fictional mountain town of Pamona Gulch. In Pierce Securities, she gives us Ryan, Evan, Miriam, Zack, Quinten, Jordan, Hollerman, and Simon. Her favorite series, Book B!tches, is all about a group of women in Mystic, Texas who get into all sorts of shenanigans. In Stories of Serendipity, she explores real people living real lives in small town Texas in a contemporary romance setting. In The Four Winds, she chronicles God’s four closest archangels, Uriel, Gabriel, Raphael, and Michael, falling in love and becoming human.

Reviews

[Sarah Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm giving this book 4.5 out of 5.

I finished this book quite fast. It isn't a completely fast moving book. There are one or two complications between the two main characters. I actually found this book rather entertaining and it caught my attention nearly instantaneously.

I loved Max the whole way through as soon as he he appeared in the book, cause come on who doesn't love the sexy next door neighbour. He's drop dead gorgeous, funny, caring and he shows his feelings. He lost his wife to a horrible event and blamed himself for along time.

Claire was the one person I loved and got so angry with the whole way through, well up until the last few chapters. She is a very complex person who seems to let her past run her life, she feels like she's not good enough to be loved and she is so scared of letting Max in emotionally just in case he scars her too.

......Full review will be on my blog shortly
www.sarahbooklover.co.uk

[Suzanne Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire's uncle had properties all over and let her pick between a beach house and the old fixer upper in Serendipity. The stories always were there was treasure hidden somewhere in the house in Serendipity. Claire loved the fixer upper thought it would be the perfect bed and breakfast so she took on the challenge. Well she never thought falling into a well would bring her such a big hot sexy challenge in the form of the single carrying way to much heavy baggage as the neighbor who saves her from the well. The house happens to come with a very special helper in search of the treasure and moving on with her live, but this helper loves circles, and puts them everywhere. Can Claire find the treasure, fix the house up herself and deal with a very sexy neighbor who she feels the sparks flying with but they can't seem to get on the same page at the same time?? This book if free on AMAZON, NOOK and SMASHWORDS, and is definitely worth your time.

[Black Butterfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT A GREAT BOOK JUST TOO DA*N SHORT BUT VERY, VERY WELL DONE. THE MAIN CHRACTERS MAX & CLAIRE WERE SO FUNNY TOGETHER, THEY STARTED OUT LOL FUNNY. MAX WAS A SWEETHEART BUT A ALPHA MALE IN EVERY WAY CLAIRE WAS JUST A LITTLE DIPPY. THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN THEM WAS FANTASTIC, THEIR FIRT MEETING WAS HILAREOUS. I WISHED IT HAD BEEN LONGER BUT FOR A SHORT READ IT WAS GREAT. SUPER H.O.T.!!!

[Jill Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great short story. A perfect start to this wonderful series about some great characters in a cool little town. The steamy chemistry between Max and Clair make this story something you won't want to put down.

[Nicoletta Campanelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. Looking forward to reading more of Ms. Conley's books and the Serendipity series!

[Shawna Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book!

[Nola Arganbright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun short story

A fun and steamy story of New neighbors. Texas is called the Friendship state and Serendipity, Texas is the proof.

[Elsa Carrion · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clair, has inherited a fixer upper from her dead uncle; with the hope of finding the treasure that her uncle claimed he hid somewhere on the property, she would like to turn it to a B&B but needs a lot of TLC and has very little funds to do it. Max, a contractor, loved that house since he was a teenager and wanted it so he could also turn it into B&B, but her uncle refused to sell it to him and now Clair, has too.

This is the second book I had the chance to read by Anne Conley (it’s free on Amazon last time I checked). Compared to her others, this was the shortest one. I like the characters especially Max, but man was he desperate. There was no way a normal guy would take that abuse from a female that he just met and would stick around. I found that their relationship was really fast paced. I would have like for a much slower pace especially when it deals with relationships because, really, who would jump into a relationship that quickly. It just wasn’t very believable for me. Clair was a female dog towards Max. She has some chip on her shoulder toward guys, I can’t remember her past but someone must have really hurt her.

There were sections that had me with my mouth open and thinking “that’s not normal” who would do that? Check out the yard scene, bar scene, window scene, ect, ect.

Clair, is a little too “hardhead” for my taste and was getting on my nerves toward the middle of the story. Max was sweet but if I was him I would have dropped her behind!

The plot was good but it just seemed rushed. The POV switches between Clair and Max, but it worked well in this story. Although, the cover is not that great to look at, I get it. Neighborly Complications, is a quick and short read for a mature audience. If you have a few hours to spare pick this up you’ll love Max.


Title: Neighborly Complications
Author: Anne Conley
Format: ebook 85 pgs
Genre: Romance
Cover: 2 stars
Characters: Clair & Max
Rating: 3 stars
Series: Yes


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[Sandra Lopez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Claire just inherited a house, a “fixer-upper,” which is, of course, a euphemism for “shack crap.” Never one for having the best of luck with men, she runs into hot, Texas-cowboy neighbor, Max. Actually, he saves her after having fallen into a well. Instantly, there is a smoldering attraction between the two.


At first, however, the two get off to a bumpy start…..mostly because she was just an uppity broad that thinks women can do anything men can and don’t need any of their protection. Well, she certainly changes her mind about that when she couldn’t lift that jackhammer. Part of me wondered what the hell was wrong with her. Who wouldn’t want a big, strong, protective man who can fix up a house? And he was STILL there even when she was acting crazy and bitchy! Now HE was a keeper! I thought that Claire was too bossy with him, but he seemed to like it. She was also kind of trampy. Who answers the door without a bra? But I was glad that Max protested against THAT. No woman of his was going to be answering the door in her underwear. Still, he did put up with a lot of her bitchiness and he liked it, too. Obviously, something was wrong with him.


Set in the lovely country town of Serendipity (in Texas,) this story has a brazen writing style and a quirky sense of humor. This town also had some meddling neighbors, which just reinforces the rule that one should NEVER get TOO chummy.


Some parts were a tad too erotic for my taste. I mean, my god, Max felt her up in an open bar! I think I enjoyed the short preview of "Dream On", but I think that might have the same level of eroticism.

[Mary Lou Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: NEIGHBORLY COMPLICATIONS
Series: Stories of Serendipity #1
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: ungraded – book received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Anne Conley (in exchange for an honest review)

This is the first book in the Stories of Serendipity series. Each does stand alone, but, as always, I recommend reading the full series (especially when it is one of my favorite authors). In fact, I’ve read books 7, 8, and 9 before starting here at the beginning. I’m not lost and you won’t be either.

Max and Claire are just the sweetest couple and the way they meet is fabulous – it’s just the kind of “I’m a dumb-ass” move that I would have made! LOL

This is one of those books that I call an easy read. Yes, there is some suspense, but it’s not nail-biting and you just know that the good guys will always win, so it’s all okay. There is just enough whimsy and a touch of paranormal to make it fun. I can’t wait to return to Serendipity, TX once again!

I have loved all of the books that I have read from Ms. Conley and will continue to read as quickly as she can create.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't let Claire fool you she might be shy but when she's upset she's a pi**er, "I didn't buy it. I inherited it from my uncle, and it's not for sale." Her words were clipped, and the anger emanated from her in waves that almost shimmered." Max is someone who wears his feelings and heart on his arm, "stung, he mumbled a curse before turning to leave. Before reaching the hedges, he stopped and tossed over his shoulder. "Get some effing curtains on your bedroom window." He's also very protective of his woman and doesn't want others to see her in a certain state, which made for a very entertaining conversation for me:
"So, you don't have a bra on, for Christ's sake, and that tee shirt is completely see-through, showing off your astonishing ti*s to the entire neighborhood."
"Max! This is my house! This is my delivery! This is my damn neighborhood! If I want to answer the house in the nude, I will do it. I will do what I want to in my own house!" She was yelling at him, and as much as he liked it, he knew he needed to tread carefully."
I enjoyed reading this story, it was entertaining and I loved it.

[C Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost gave this a 4-star rating but I didn't like Claire's hot and cold reaction. I got this free on Amazon by the way.

Both Claire and Max have histories, and it's understandable that Claire is wary of new relationships. Her track record when it comes to choice of a significant other isn't exactly stellar. I want to understand her reaction to Max. The poor guy was bearing the brunt of her angst towards past relationships.

She's really insecure but at least it was explained why. Max was really strong to trust a stranger with the way he told Claire his story. Not spoiling anything here folks!

To be fair to the author, the love story was hard and fast, the sexual tension was always there but their relationship had a lot of re-starts at the beginning. They are good together and the sex was exciting.

The paranormal angle was unexpected but not unwelcome. I liked the secondary characters and if not for them, problems won't be solved.

[Michelle Friedhoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first comment that comes to mind is the refreshing role change in Max and Claire.

Max is open with his feelings around Claire. He wears his heart on his sleeve instead if being the aloof and ever composed manly man. Don't get me wrong, he's definitely all man.

Claire is stubbornly independent, easy to get p*ssed when she thinks she is being treated like she's weak. She works harder than most men I know and she isn't afraid to take on the tuff tasks.

Until she meets Max, that is. He's a bit more complicated than she can handle. She isn't sure whether she should push him out the door or throw him to the floor and roll around in the remodeling debris.

There is an element of paranormal to the story but not so much that it's distracting. It's subtlety weaves around in the plot.

[Gwbroussard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Although the back and forth and apologies for being an ass, got a little old real quick.

Max was a really cool character. I enjoyed his confidence yet cool demeanor. My heart went out to him for all he has endured and the giref and guilt he has been dealing with. I was glad that he was able to also see what was right in front of him and act on it. Although he went about it the wrong way most times, he still tried very hard and I had to love him for that.

Claire was way over the top independent and 'I am woman' character. Goodness, everything was taken to another level and I'm not sure that was needed so often. But some woman are really like that so it made for real life reading and understanding. Yet I wanted to strangle her a few times LOL

They are a cute couple and compliment each other well.

[SandyL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Claire inherits a run-down house in a small Texas down that has a rumor of gold hidden on it. After breaking up with her fiancé, Claire moves into the house with plans to fix it up and turn it into a B&B. Her neighbor Max is licking his own wounds, having lost his wife five years ago and having trouble moving on. Max rescues Claire when she falls into an old well. They are attracted to each other, but neither is looking to get involved with anyone. After a few days Max does decide he'd like to get to know Claire better, but here's where the book got annoying. Claire would encourage Max, and then get mad and fight with him. Over and over, she sent so many mixed signals that is surprising Max was even speaking to her by the end of the book.

[Stephanie (Between the Coverz) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When given a choice of which house she wanted of her uncle’s, Claire chose the old fixer upper located in Serendipity. Rumor has it that there is a treasure hidden somewhere in the house. Claire had thought the house would be the perfect bed and breakfast so she set out to fix it up. While working to clean the house up and get it ready, she fell into a hole where she met Max, her sexy neighbor, who came to her rescue.

This was such a sweet enjoyable read. It was a nice relaxing read that makes you feel happy about love. Once I started reading it, I didn’t want to put the book down. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series from the author.

[Jovanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neighborly Complications:Real satisfying read! Inheriting a house from an uncle, associated with a rumor of hidden treasure in the property of the house. One neighbor, Max can't help but to be attracted to Claire. Indeed, the treasure is at last discovered and finally after constant asking, Claire decides to have Max in her life. Even after, dreadful past relationships. Oh, let's be honest... just your neighborly complications!

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claire's uncle left the house in Serindipity to her in the will. She was hoping to find the legendary gold, fix up the house and open a B&B. But what she found was a house in need of major repairs. Rusty appliances, missing windows, floors in need of replacing and re-finishing. Major work and a neighbor that was irritating and sexy too. But she was not looking for a relationship. She had just broken up with her finance and was looking for a new start.

[Adriana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Neighborly Complications by Anne Conley

A good and promising start with a really funny scene and some steamy chemistry between Claire and Max but it got a bit disjointed toward the end. I would have like more closure on the break-ins and the treasure.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this, I found it hard to put down. There was a bit of a flip flopping with Clair's feelings that was getting annoying after a while, and I wish the ghost was more prominent in the storyline.

[Pam Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a nice change for me to read a short story. Once I started I didn't want to stop reading. A love story in a small town with good neighbors and great chemistry between Clair and Max. Awesome.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story with a happy ending. Perfect quick read when you want to feel good on the last page.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good quick read!

[Rachel Friou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish it was longer!! Great book though!

[Sónia Tigol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read.
I really like the story, the characters are amazing.
It was really nice reading.

[Michelle Paris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute. Had a hard time putting it down. Got a little frustrated with Claire and her flipping back & forth but other wise I enjoyed it.

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

nice

[DJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

For once I am not sure what to say...

I have honestly loved everything I have read by Anne Conley - until now! I have read 3 of her Pierce Security series and have the rest on my wishlist ,just waiting for me to clear space in my TBR pile. I laughed and enjoyed every minute while reading "Fixer Upper". The only complaint I had about "best Laid Plans of Boys and Men" was that it ended way too soon. So I was surprised when only a few chapters into "Neighborly Complications" I was ready to throw the book away!
The push and pull between the main characters Claire and Max in the beginning helped to build the drama and sexual tension. I was interested to see how it would resolve. But the roller coaster of Claire's emotions between "I am independent, I am strong", to "I want him, I will die if I don't get some now" and back again, got old very quickly. Max's declaration that he loved her fiery temper, her strong independent attitude and how he enjoyed that they kept each other off balance, just made me dislike both characters after awhile. Claire came off as a "prick tease" not as a woman struggling to find her way through a series of bad relationships. And those bad relationships, instead of being sympathetic towards her, I wanted someone to point out that it was her own naivety that caused her to pick those men in the first place. If she was as strong as she was with Max, she would have never picked up on those men anyway. Max starts out as a strong alpha male, attracted almost instantaneously to Claire and like Alpha males a little overprotective and too helpful. But as he works through his hero flaws and soul crushing realizations about his past love life, he does "lose some of his man card" as he puts it. I am surprised that his friends who have known him all his life, love him as only best friends can do, do not say something to Claire about her behavior to Max. I did several times while I was reading it. In fact I felt like climbing through the book and shaking some sense into both of them!
The sub-plot of hidden treasure and Claire's life being in danger because of it, I thought could have been developed a little better. It could have relieved some of the back and forth tension between the main characters earlier. Then maybe Claire's "I love him,I love him not" behavior less annoying. Again, I figured out where the treasure must be early on in the story and was again upset that such intelligent characters couldn't seem to find what was right under there noses.
So by now, you may have noted that despite all this I did read the entire book. I began to also realize that a book that has me so caught up in the characters that I want to crawl into the book and shake them, has done what I ask of all the books I read. "Neighborly Complications" had me so involved that I temporarily suspended reality and became a part of the Serendipity Story. I was angry with fictional beings like I would have been if it was my friends barbeque on a back deck somewhere in my hometown. WOW! A writer who can make a fictional world and people seem so real that even temporarily I can almost believe I am there with them, must be a very good writer indeed. To be able to craft with words places and people who can so clearly been seen in your mind is an artist!
So maybe I didn't HATE the book after all. Maybe it wasn't a 5 star work. It wasn't a 1-2 star work either. So maybe I had some issues with characterization and plot derivatives. Yet, in the end I was as caught up in this book as I was in every other book Anne Conley has written. So in the end all I can say is read it for yourself. I would be happy to see what others have to say. I can in all honesty say now what I couldn't say when I started this review, I didn't love it but I did like it. And I will continue to put Anne Conley on my TBR shelf!

[Diana Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet

A sweet story with a very stubborn Claire Dunlap. Claire finds her fiancé cheating on her and decides to take her great uncles inherited gift to her, an enormous house in Serendipity, Texas. Claire has always loved the house and the ancient old story of hidden Confederate gold hidden on the property.

Claire falls into an old abandoned well on the property and her new neighbor comes to her rescue. Max Houston is Clair’s new neighbor and there’s instant attraction between the two. Max is a widower and no one has ever made him feel alive before Claire.

I loved the mystery behind the gold being hidden and the characters were all lovable, except for Claire. She was a bit too wushu-washy for me. I know she’s had heartache in the past but I didn’t see the attraction to her from a sweetheart like Max.

[Alznuthouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit disappointing

I love this author and most of her books. The only reason this fell short for me is the character of Clair. Most orAnges books have strong characters in them. Claire was not a strong character. Just s t just kept saying she was. Truth b told she wild blow up at Max, then want him. The on n off with her emotions and all of the apologizing got old after a.while. she struck me more as being bipolar. And once she told Max what her uncle told her about the gold they sold have figured that out right away. I knew where it was 3 seconds a after his words hit the page. Also this character just gave up way to quickly nears gonna run away, that's not what a strong woman would do.