Wishing for the Girl Next Door

Piney Brook Wishes #3

by Tia Marlee

He isn’t looking for a relationship. She’s determined to protect her heart. Will attending her sister's wedding open their eyes, or are they bound to be in the friend zone forever?

Evan has a nearly perfect life. He’s got a great job, amazing friends, and a close-knit family. What he doesn’t have is someone to share it with. After a traumatic high school relationship ends with a bang, he’s determined to protect his heart. When the adorable girl next door catches his attention, he vows to place her firmly in the friend zone.

Karlee’s life plan has just been obliterated. Determined to pick up the pieces and create a life on her terms, she moves to the idyllic small town of Piney Brook. What she didn’t count on was a gorgeous and charming neighbor. When she needs a date for her sister's wedding, he seems like the perfect option. She’d sworn off men, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be friends, right?

When the line between friendship and more begins to blur, will they overcome past hurts and find the courage to give love another chance?


Wishing for Forever is a dual POV, clean and wholesome, small-town romance full of heart with a guaranteed happily-ever-after. It's part of the Piney Brook Wishes series and can be read as a standalone.

Author Note:
The books in the Piney Brook Wishes series are interconnected standalones. The books can be read in any order, but if you love growing with characters in a series, I suggest you read them in order starting with His Christmas Wish.

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2023

About the author

Tia Marlee enjoys delivering swoon worthy HEA's in her clean and wholesome romance novels. A small-town girl at heart, Tia's stories have that small-town, Hallmark charm with a dash of real life, and a laugh thrown in for good measure.

Tia is the author of the Piney Book Wishes series featuring unexpected love stories based in small-town Piney Brook, Arkansas. She is also proud to be part of the multi-author romcom series The Coffee Loft season one and two.

Tia resides in Texas with her husband and three teenaged children. When she's not writing or reading, you can find her standing barefoot in her front yard, loving on her 80 pound lap dog, or hauling kids from one activity to the next.

Reviews

[Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet wholesome story that has all the Hallmark kind of vibes. Karlee and Evan’s journey was a joy to read and Evan was perfect with his gestures and the date he planned was so dreamy. This is the third book in the series which I hadn’t read but had no trouble following along so it’s perfect as a standalone read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shanna Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm just melting from the sweetness of Evan, goodness could he be any better?? This story would make such a perfect Hallmark movie (or similar). It's cozy, romantic, sweet, and plenty of funny/awkward moment. Some of the scenes had me giggling so hard because they made Evan and Karlee seem so much more real (compared to cookie cutter characters I have seen in many romance books). They are unique and have off the charts chemistry. I just want to curl up in my favorite blanket and read it all over again.

This is my absolute favorite book from the author so far and I cannot wait for more!!!

[Moni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is book 3 in the Piney Brook Wishes Series and can be read as a standalone, though character and events from the previous books are mentioned so the reader experience may be better if you've read the previous books. Wishing for the Girl Next Door is told through Evan and Karlee's pov and is a sweet neighbors romance.

After Karlee's plans fall apart, moving to Piney Brooks and getting a new start is what she needs. She's not thinking of dating but rather adjusting to living in a new home and town. When she meets Evan, he sparks her interest and challenges her plans not to date. Like her, Evan wasn't looking to date and simply wanted to lend Karlee a helping hand. Yet, the more he sees her and spends time with her, the more he wants to be with her.

Though there was attraction between them upon their first meeting, they developed a fast friendship that they were content with so their romance was a slow burn. Karlee and Evan both had wounds from their past relationships that made them carry doubts. I liked how they slowly took their time getting to know each before attempting to have a relationship. The romance was a clean one consisting of descriptive, not steamy, kissing and no foul language was used. Aside from the romance, I liked the supportive family and friendships both had. Overall this was a story I enjoyed and I can't wait for the next installment in the series.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karlee has suffered the worse kind of betrayal. She has moved to Piney Brook for a fresh start.

Evan has pretty much sworn off women. He got severely burned in his last relationship, which has made him hesitant to enter into a relationship with another woman. That is until Karlee moves next door. Their initial meeting is the stuff of a dreamy movie. It gives new meaning to "meet cute".

Karlee and Evan have so much in common. Their painful pasts give them more in common than they realize. Even though this is a slow burn romance, you can feel the chemistry between Karlee and Evan immediately.

There is a great cast of characters, including the two main characters. Characters from the first two books make their appearances. You do not have to read books 1 and 2 first, but I highly recommend it. If for no other reason, read them because they are so good. Evan was a dreamboat in more than the looks department. He was such an incredible uncle to his niece and nephew. He was a perfect gentleman in every way as well. Piney Brook knows how to grow their boys to be good men. I found myself cheering for these two to find their happily ever after as they both deserved happiness in their lives.

This is another heartwarming installment in the Piney Book Wishes series that will tug on your heart strings and leave a smile on your face.

Thank you to BookSirens and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Karlee gets her heart broken by her cheating boyfriend, she’s moved to another town called Piney Brook to start over. It’s a small town, quaint and idyllic. She gets a new job at the local hospital. She meets her new neighbor, Evan after he helps her rescue her cat. Evan has a wonderful life with family, great friends and a job he loves. He isn’t looking for a relationship. When he meets his new neighbor, he thinks she beautiful. They become friends so Karlee decides to ask Evan to be her plus one for her sister’s wedding. She thinks he’s easy to be with, enjoys hanging with him, he’s handsome and kind. When she asks he agrees. That’s what friends are after all. Something shifts after the wedding and Evan wants to see where the relationship could go. As they try to figure out what their future looks like, their feelings become stronger. Evan continues to woo her. Can they make a go of it or will they just stay friends? Evan didn’t think he wanted marriage and a family but as he sees his friends start families, him wants it with Karlee. He had to work slowly since Karlee was hurt and doesn’t trust easily. Can the two work it out? It’s about forgiveness, trusting again and letting the past go for the future to begin. The characters are wonderful. Worth the read. I received this book for my honest review s I give it voluntarily

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evan had just about everything he could possibly want, except for a special someone in his life. After a disastrous end to a relationship with his high school sweetheart, he was a little gun shy about starting a relationship with anyone else. That was until he met Karlee, his new neighbor.

Karlee had moved to Piney Brook after a horrible breakup with her long-time boyfriend when she found he was cheating on her with her best friend. She needed a fresh start but she didn't want or need a man in her life for now. When her new neighbor helped her rescue her cat on her first day in town, she found him helpful and handsome. As they began to spend more time together, she couldn't deny that if she had been looking, he would have been the perfect boyfriend. When she needed a plus one for her sister's wedding, she thought they could go as friends and when others began to see that there appeared to be more than just friendship between the two, Karlee had to ask herself if that was something she really wanted.

This was a sweet, clean, adorable, swoon-worthy story about healing and finding love after heartbreak.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

[Shilo Goodson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series. While you will see the characters from the previous two books, I felt like this one was really more about Evan and Karlee rather than about the group as a whole.

I really like Evan and Karlee together. They are probably the best-matched pair in the group. There's something about Evan, though, that's hard to describe. The best way that I can explain it is to say that he's super sweet and cute because Karlee likes him, but his behavior could be a bit creepy if she didn't like him. I did feel like he should have been a little more reluctant to start a relationship since the plot makes a bit deal out of how he hasn't dated in a long time because of his ex-girlfriend. I never sensed that reluctance.

This is a clean book. You will not find any swearing, sexual content, or violence. There's some mild kissing. There is some drinking, but the characters are of age, and it's not glorified. Our two main characters do not drink alcohol.

I received a free ARC through BookSirens, and I left a voluntary review.

[C.Y. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really think I need to move to Piney Brook. How can one little town have so many amazing men living there? First, it was Brant, then Daniel, and now Evan. I liked from the very beginning of this book. Well, actually, I liked him from other books and I’m so glad he got his own story.

I thought the first encounter of them meeting was funny. I don’t want to give it away because I want you to enjoy this book as much as I did, but it’s really cute. Mostly, I love the way Evan treated Karlee. It’s nice to read stories where MC is respectful to the FC. Evan was kind, he loved cats, and he loved his family. I love the interaction he had with his nephew and niece. This was just a feel good love story that made me smile throughout the whole book. They introduced a new character that I hope gets a story because he deserves it as well.

I was given in advanced copy of this book for free, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful and sweet love story!

I have been thoroughly enjoying Tia Marlee’s Piney Brook series. I may have no read them all order but honestly, they are still enjoyable. Ms. Marlee does a great job weaving in your favorite past characters in each story which then allows the reader to get updates and more glimpses into each couple’s lives.

Evan is totally swoon-worthy. He is so thoughtful, charming, and very understanding. He is the dream book boyfriend. 😜 Karlee is beautiful as well as a dedicated and a hard worker. She gets a fresh start from breakup after moving way from her hometown to Piney Brook. They had the most adorable meet cute, and the whole time you are reading, you’ll be cheering for their happily ever after.

Clean romance, plethora of swoony kisses, fun, meddling friends & family and a plenty of sweet romance!

I received an advanced copy of this book from Book Sirens and all my thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wishing For The Girl Next Door by Tia Marlee. I extend thanks to the author and publisher for the Advanced Reader Copy that was gifted to me.

I really enjoyed this book for a variety of reasons. I don't know why. But when authors the point of view character's name and the chapter title, it just makes reading so much easier, especially if you may get interrupted as you're reading. The characters in this book were so well developed and the plots were defined so that it was easy to follow along with the story.

The story has so many great life lessons and perspectives and give hope that. Even when circumstances and situations seem to be too difficult there's always reason for hope.

I recommend this book and will be taking the time to go back and read the true previous books. Even though this one does it's best to stand alone.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clean romance. It is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone.

Karlee is excited and believes her boyfriend is going to propose. Instead, he breaks up with her as he has been seeing her best friend. She is devastated and moves three hours away and gets a job in Piney Brook. She moves into an apartment across the hall from Evan. He's very much a gentleman. She keeps him in the friend zone. But, even though he said he'd never fall in love, he is starting to. Will she ever feel the same way?

I felt sorry for Karlee in the beginning. I enjoyed seeing how they became friends and was working on things. This was a good story and I can't wait for the next book. I em really enjoying this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third member of the Piney Brook auto shop, Evan, is the next friend to find his ‘forever’ partner. This story takes place almost simultaneously to Book 2, with several get-togethers of the group being mentioned again, but from Evan’s point of view, allowing it to be enjoyed as a standalone.
Evan’s perception of Karlee’s feelings shows sensitivity in a character who hides behind a casual attitude, while Karlee struggles to trust again after a previous relationship ended badly for her.
Ms Marlee’s Piney Brook books are easy to read and are generally light-hearted romances, although each one includes some more serious issues for the characters to resolve.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karlee & Evan

Kaylee and Evan have both been betrayed and badly hurt in their prior relationships, albeit in very different ways. They are both exceedingly cautious about even considering the thought of entering into a serious relationship. Watching Karlee and Evan getting to know each other was so sweet. I loved how they became friends first. I also appreciated that they could both admit that they had made a mistake or jumped to conclusions. I like how the author lets us see glimpses of earlier couples in the series and how those relationships are continuing to grow. I think that is my favorite part of a series like this.

I received a free advance copy of this story from BookSirens and voluntarily chose to share my review.

[Ann Leatherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Tia Marlee story. Evan and Karlee have past histories that have made them skeptical about the future for themselves in the romance department. Karlee leaves her home town to get away from the possibility of running into her past and moves in to an apartment across from Evan. They meet and become "just friends". Their story is interesting and I enjoyed reading it. I am glad I read the first two stories in this series. It is no necessary to do so, but I like having some background on the others in the story. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion. Thank you Tia Marlee for this opportunity.

[Janice Siew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating piece of romance! I love reading the alternate points of view between the 2 protagonists. Maybe most of the romance novels I read had mostly female POV, so I loved it when I saw that the book had 2 sides.

I love how both Karlee and Evan are being portrayed. The lone souls who seek love in each other's companion.

What had me laughing were their friends/colleagues, who take things in their stride. We would like such great friends too!

I recommend this book, which I finished within 2 days!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tabitha Cagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t wait to read Evan’s story and it did not disappoint. He is selfless and sweet. I loved that! Evan and Karlee’s chemistry was amazing. I’ve read all three of the books in this series and I love that the characters are in each. It feels like we are a part of this big happy friend group. Their friendship into relationship flowed amazingly and it felt real. I felt like this could have been something that happened to me, it wasn’t far fetched, it just felt natural. I love when I read romance books that I can see happening in real life. It’s refreshing and Tia did an awesome job! I can’t wait to read more of her books!

[Andrea Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly swoony story!

Tia Marlee's Wishing for the Girl Next Door is Book 3 of her series, Piney Brook Wishes. You do not need to read the first two in order to enjoy or understand this one.

Evan and Karlee are so sweet and their story is incredibly swoony. Their kittens only make it better!

I would highly recommend you reading them in order. There are several scenes and crossovers with the characters that I really enjoy. If you like the connections and the community and framily groups, these books are packed with them.

The series is absolutely wonderful. It is totally clean and I would recommend it for anyone of any age.

[Red Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

"He won't settle for less than a forever love. She is determined to protect her heart."
Wishing for the Girl Next Door is the third book in the Piney Brook Wishes series and I loved this one so much. This is the perfect read for the fall! We follow Karlee and Evan as they find love in this page turning read that had all the Hallmark vibes. Even though this is the third book in the series it can be read as a standalone. The author wrote this so well and I loved every character in this one. I loved this one a lot and would recommend it to any reader especially to those who love romance. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful book by Tia Marlee!
This book can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading them in order for a more richer experience.
Karlee moves to Piney Brook after her long time boyfriend cheats on her with her best friend. Evan is avoiding romantic entanglements after he experiences his own relationship disaster. They both agree they are just friends but cupid has other ideas!
Both the main & side characters were down-to-earth and the story was lifelike.
I received an advance review copy courtesy of BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Karlee was disappointed when an engagement was not forthcoming, she applied for a position at the hospital in Piney Brook. Evan, her new neighbour, helps her settle in to her apartment, but somehow, he also manages to woo her.
This was so much fun, being able to look in from both sides as to their thinking and scheming on the road to love.
A book I could relax to with good clean vibes and an urge to read more without stopping.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is so sweet, but also has funny moments. I enjoyed how they met, and how their cats continued to be part of the story. Karlee and Evan are both lonely, but enjoy each other's company leading to more. Their Love is so cute, I loved when Evan stepped up and declared he was her boyfriend. This book is so sweet and fun you have to read it. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Adpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet, appealing story! I could have fallen in love with Evan myself, he's such a gentleman. Evan and Karlee are both dating-shy due to a bad relationship each and Karlee has to adjust her attitude to realize she is worth having someone take care of her. Evan is wise enough to realize he needs to "woo" Karlee. Swoon worthy!
I was provided with a copy of this book and my review is given freely and honestly.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet couple. I love this series and I think this is my favorite couple in this series. The story is well written. This book can be read as a standalone but is the 3rd book in the series. Piney Brook is a lovely town and I wish I lived there. I can't wait to see what Tia Marlee has in store for her next book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The man she thought she would marry has another woman!
And she knew nothing until he told her!! So she moves and lives with her best friend. Of course she takes her cat with her — who gets out and runs up a tree . . . .fortunately the man next door is there to help her! But she does not trust men anymore!! TERRIFIC STORY!!! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karlee and Evan are neighbors. They both have trust issues when it comes to romance, but it doesn't hurt to be friendly.

I love how easily they fit into each other's family and friend groups. When the journey to their happily ever after isn't smooth, they discover that talking things through is the best way to handle whatever issues come up.

This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from BookSirens.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wishing For the Girl Next Door is a clean, swoony, heartwarming, small town romance with kittens. Karlee and Evan sound like friends; they are so relatable! I love the supportive family and friends. I like how Ms. Marlee featured the Coffee Loft in this book. I love the meet cute when Evan retrieves Karlee’s kitten from the tree. I simply sat and devoured this well written book because I did not want to leave Piney Brook and these amazing characters.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The author knows just how to bring the characters to life and make you wish they were your friends. Evan and Karlee have both been hurt by their ex's but fall in love anyway. This is a sweet story of falling in love slowly and not being able to resist. I highly recommend this book to all romance readers.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️
Karlee is new to Piney Brook and fortunately she finds a great neighbor in the form of Evan. While both of them are not looking to start a new relationship, over time their relationship soon takes a different path.

I loved how their neighbours to lovers story unfurled, and it is always good to see a woman being treated right. Evan is truly a gentleman, and we have to thank Mommy Thompson for doing a great job raising him.

[Bryanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another sweet romance! I loved seeing old characters again but from a new perspective. Evan is an adorable main character and the perfect ladies man. Karlee is a night shift nurse and so good about trying to change her life when she finds things she isn’t happy about with it. Their love is cute and I’m always a fan of a fake dating trope.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton]

What a delightful romance. This heartwarming, wholesome story was entertaining and well written with friendship, love, humor, romance and small town charm. The characters were realistic, relatable and interesting. I really enjoyed the book, it was entertaining and fun to read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.