Dare to Love the Guy Next Door

Forever Marriage Match #2

by Ellie Hall

A dating dare? It could turn out to be the perfect match or it could be worse than a slap on a sunburn.

Me, little ol’ Paisley Jones, envisioned glitz and glamour with my movie star fiancé until a humiliating, public scandal explodes in my life like damp confetti. I escape to the family cottage with an ocean view and am not looking for love until a dare and a crazy seagull send me next door.

Griffin Sanders was a late-blooming goofball, but now, as a competitive surfer and business owner, not much stops him. However, when an injury keeps him out of the water, he’s stuck on dry land. Turns out his teen crush is hiding out in the neighboring cottage.

That would be yours truly, but I don’t recognize him at first. Big waves. Big surprise.

Quirky and independent, I never quite fit in the celebrity world. I’m not sure where I belong until I get on a surfboard. But it’s hard to tell if the popular surfing instructor is just another guy seeking fame and fortune, the silly kid from my childhood summers, or someone I can ride the waves with.

Will we take the plunge or will our affection for one another drop like the tide?

Genres: Romance, Clean Romance, Audiobook, Rom Com, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Contemporary

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 15, 2021

About the author

Ellie Hall is a USA Today bestselling author. If only that meant she could wear a tiara and get away with it. ;) She loves puppies, books, and the ocean. Writing sweet romance with lots of firsts and fizzy feels gives her joy. Oh, and chocolate chip cookies are her fave. Ellie believes in dreaming big, working hard, and lazy Sunday afternoons spent with her family and dog in gratitude for God’s grace.

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Newsletter: http://bit.ly/EllieHallNL
Website: http://www.elliehallauthor.com
Facebook: http://www/facebook.com/elliehallauthor
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/elliehallauthor

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Series and suggested reading order:

The Only Us Sweet Billionaire Series
•these billionaires have everything, but will they find love...?•

1. Only a Date with a Billionaire
2. Only a Kiss with a Billionaire
3. Only a Night with a Billionaire
4. Only Forever with a Billionaire
5. Only Love with a Billionaire
6. Only Christmas with the Billionaire
7. Only New Year with the Billionaire

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The Hawkins Family Clean Romance Series

•five brothers, torn apart and the women who help put them back together...•

1. Second Chance in Hawk Ridge Hollow

2. Finding Forever in Hawk Ridge Hollow

3. Resort Getaway with a Bodyguard

4. Going Home to Hawk Ridge Hollow

5. Christmas in Hawk Ridge Hollow

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The Blue Bay Beach Reads Romance Series

•a small-town restaurant, a dating dare, and happily ever afters...•

1. Summer with the Marine

2. Summer with the Rock Star

3. Summer with the Billionaire

4. Summer with the Cowboy

5. Summer with the Carpenter

6. Summer with the Doctor

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Ritchie Ranch Clean Cowboy Romance Series

•Cowboy hats & kisses with small-town charm•

1. Rustling the Cowboy’s Heart

2. Lassoing the Cowboy’s Heart

3. Trusting the Cowboy’s Heart

4. Kissing the Christmas Cowboy

5. Loving the Cowboy’s Heart

6. Charming the Cowboy’s Heart

7. Saving the Cowboy’s Heart

8. Wrangling the Cowboy’s Heart

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Falling into Happily Ever After Rom Com

• Sweet, heartwarming & uplifting romantic comedy

1. An Unwanted Love Story

2. An Unexpected Love Story

3. An Unlikely Love Story

4. An Accidental Love Story

5. An Impossible Love Story

6. An Unconventional Christmas Love Story

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Forever Marriage Match

• Five friends have to find true love or else...romcom

1. Dare to Love My Grumpy Boss

2. Dare to Love the Guy Next Door

3. Dare to Love My Fake Husband

4. Dare to Love the Guy I Hate

5. Dare to Love My Best Friend

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Home Sweet Home Small Town Romantic Comedy Series

Mr. & Mrs. Fix-It Find Love

Designing Happily Ever After

The DIY Kissing Project

The True Romance Renovation

Extreme Heart Makeover

Building What's Meant to Be

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The Costa Brothers Cozy Christmas Comfort Romance Series

Tommy & Merry and the 12 Days of Christmas

Bruno & Gloria and the 5 Golden Rings

Luca & Ivy and the 4 Calling Birds

Gio & Joy and the 3 French Hens

Paulo & Noella and the 2 Turtle Doves

Nico & Hope and the Partridge in the Pear Tree

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The Love List Series

The Swoon List

The Not Love List

The Crush List

The Kiss List

The Naughty or Nice List

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Love, Laughs, and Mystery in Coco Key

The Romance Situation

The Romance Fiasco

The Romance Game

The Romance Gambit

The Christmas Romance Wish

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On the Hunt for Love

The Grump and the Girl Next Door

The Bitter Heir and the Beauty

The Secret Son and the Sweetheart

The Ex Best Friend and the Fake Fiancé

The Best Friend’s Brother and the Brain

Select titles are available in audiobook, paperback, hardcover, and large print formats. Happy reading!♥

Reviews

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like the others this was so cute!!! I had this laying in my kindle dying to be read

only issue is I wish it told us in a bigger font or in the audiobook that like the last 20 ish pages are the other books.

other then that I absolutely loved this book! can't wait to finish this series

[Smile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want to read a love story about a surfer this is a good one. The author focuses on the story instead of trying to write terrible surfer talk. It was a cute short read!

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the first book but enjoyed Dare to Love the Guy Next Door better. This series is best read in order because it follows a group of five friends, and you might get spoilers if you read them out of order.

Paisley and Griffin's first meeting is kind of funny. It is definitely memorable, although I was feeling pretty sorry for Paisley while trying not to laugh. I lost the battle. Griffin proves he is a true gentleman at their first meeting.

There is one scene that got me completely riled up. I was driving to work and I started fussing at Paisley and Griffin. They were dealing with miscommunication which is one of my pet peeves. I almost turned the book off because I was so aggravated 😤 🤣. Thankfully, things settled down a bit. Of course, they eventually worked things out, and we get the anticipated happily ever after.

I finished this book about a week ago, and "Thorndike" still pops into my head 😂. I want to say so much, but it would give even small spoilers away. I loved the character growth, especially in Paisley.

If you are looking for a fairly light story that will bring out a lot of emotions, this one is perfect. Did you hear the one about the lawyer and surfer dude? No? Well, this is it!

[Shauna Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can two broken hearts help each other heal?
Paisley was engaged to Hollywood’s hottest leading man, when she caught him cheating. Griffin was ready to become engaged to an in-demand swimsuit/sportswear model, when he finds out she’s cheating on him. Paisley was used to improve a playboy’s image. Griffin was used to get more media attention and grow a model’s career. Both need time to heal. Both head to their family’s beach houses where they become reacquainted. As each one works to heal themselves and support each other, their relationship grows but with her as a high power attorney in New York and him a professional surfer can there be any future? This is a fun, light read that not only deals with heartbreak and healing but also the loss of loved ones and the effect their deaths have on the present. An enjoyable read. This is my honest review and I recommend it.

[carlybanarly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I overlook a lot of things in a romance book. Fiction is fun, and I really don’t mind if things aren’t too realistic. But for some reason the smallest things in this book annoyed me. Like how a lawyer, a profession whom usually gets paid ridiculously well, has run out of cell phone data. Or if your clothes get stolen at the hotel gym and you are left naked but still with your phone, why on earth wouldn’t you just call someone (like the front desk) to bring you clothes? Nope, instead you walk around naked and hiding behind a trash can. And all “insults” her friends use against her ex weren’t even understandable. I get not wanting to use foul language, but you can still insult someone using everyday speech. It felt like baby babble. That being said, I did manage to finish the book, so either I got immune to it’s annoying-ness, or it got less annoying. Not sure which.

[Gentle Audiobook Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Format: Audiobook
Platform: Kobo Plus

This one settled in fast as an easy, familiar reunion romance. Paisley and Griffin already know each other's histories before the story even properly starts, and that shorthand made the early chapters comfortable rather than slow.

What stayed strongest for me was the quieter grief thread running underneath the beach house setting. Paisley's brother died there, and that loss shapes a lot of what she's actually working through while she figures out whether she even wants her old life back. Griffin is working through his own version of the same question, wondering who he is once surfing stops being the only thing people know him for.

I listened to this across evening chores, school pickup, and a slower work week that stretched the whole book out over several days. It genuinely survives interruptions, and earphones were only needed for a handful of kissing scenes. Nothing about the pacing punished a busy week.

I will say the workplace fallout for Paisley, fired essentially over publicity she didn't cause, stretched plausibility more than I wanted it to, and the emotional beats didn't sit with me quite as long as Britta and the Beach Boy did, another surfing-adjacent read I finished not long before this one. It's a lighter listen by comparison, even with the grief layer doing real work underneath.

Warm, easy company for evening routines, with just enough underneath to make it more than a comfort listen 💛🎧

[Anna M_82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book about returning home, finding yourself, and finding love with a childhood friend. Both Paisley and Griffin are nursing heartbreak by returning to their childhood beach homes. These two characters were pretty funny and very entertaining to read. Griffin is a famous surfer so be prepared for fun slang and lingo.

I liked the addition of stories from their past so we can get a good foundation for how well they knew each other growing up. I also liked the references to Paisley’s brother that passed away. Having recently lost my brother in law, I could identify with her having conversations with him and trying to live a life that honors him.

I adored Griffin and Paisley as a couple. I loved how quickly these two built a connection. Some miscommunication and misunderstandings occur, but a forever love can weather those things. Read their story, you will love it. It’s fun, sweet, and has a terrific ending.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megan Shultz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m currently reading through this series, and it’s a cute, fun-loving series that got a lot of potential.

Paisley’s story starts off with her being on a fast track to marriage. She’s surprising her long-time, movie famous fiancé for his birthday. But when the doors open up to the party, someone else is in his arms, and Paisley left with frosting and confetti. Running from the public scrutiny, she heads to her family’s beach house where she runs into a long time friend, and crush.

Paisleys story is pretty good. She finds her strength, bravery, and maybe even her Forever Marriage Match. But are the tides in her favor?

There were parts of the book that I had to reread whole chapters again to figure out what went wrong in the writing. Towards the end of the book, you may notice too, that it seems as though the author omitted sections of the novel during edits and some of the dialogue and plot just don’t make sense.

However, I did like our main characters. Lots of chemistry and an evil seagull named Thorndike really bring the book alive. For the most part, I liked it!

[Tracey Rommel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another sweet book by Ellie Hall in her series Forever Marriage Match. Paisley is engaged to a movie star but when she surprises him by jumping out of a cake she’s the one who gets a surprise. Her fiancée has been seeing someone else. She knows she should be broken hearted but she realizes that she wasn’t truly in love with him. When she goes to change her clothes she realizes someone has stolen them and has to leave the restroom and get back to her room without anyone seeing her. Sadly, that doesn’t happen she finds a trash can and a good looking man offers her his shirt. He recognizes her but she’s in a hurry so no one takes photos. Paisley decides she needs to get away from all the attention her breakup has gotten from social media. She returns to her families summer house. Her next door neighbors is Griffin the guy who offered up his shirt. They realize they have known each since kids. Griffin has always had a crush on her. What will happen with the spend the next few weeks together.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't really surprised that Paisley and her fiance Jason broke up. He was more into himself than anyone else. But getting stuck naked at the gym searching for clothes sounds like a nightmare to me. I'd love to try surfing someday and her family beach vacation cottage neighbor Griffin is a pro and sounds like a hottie with a big heart and plenty of patience to teach her. I thought it was cute that he had a crush on her as a teen. But they have to deal with his ex and a rival getting all up in their business and messing with their budding relationship. It took a lot of courage for Paisley to consider giving up being a lawyer after all the years of education and on the job. I don't think I could do it in her place, although the long hours and being away from the one I was falling in love with would make me very unhappy. The crazy seagull that caused so much chaos made me laugh out loud.

[Laura Fincher · Rating 4 out of 5]

"She leans her head on my shoulder and I can't help but think that I'm her anchor in the storm and she's my beacon."

I was in the mood for a cute and funny romantic comedy and this checked all my boxes! I loved diving into Paisley's story after learning about her in book 1. So far, she's my favorite member of the Fab 5 with her genuine quirkiness and ability to connect with others. I loved how the beach setting was almost like an additional character in the story. It was the perfect place for Griffin & Paisley to fall in love and find themselves. How cute is it that they were each other's first kiss? The history between them really added depth to their love story.

4/5 stars
This was a super fun read! I'm glad I added it to my collection and can't wait for book 3!

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much goodness in this book! With broken hearts, Paisley and Griffin come to their families' beach houses to heal, and end up healing each other. They have a really cute (she's naked) meeting in a hotel lobby, where he gives her the shirt off his back. Literally! Their friendship develops into something more, and it's wonderful to watch them learn to trust the other. I love the group chats with the Fab Five - she couldn't ask for a more supportive group of friends. And Thorndike is just hilarious - her avian nemesis, she's certain that he's out to get her. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Khadejah R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has me seriously jonesing for time at the ocean

I am so glad Paisley got the second book in this series. We got a glimpse of her shaky relationship with her fiancé in book one, so it was no surprise that it ended early on in this book.

Griffon is such a fun character and really helps Paisley overcome past grievances. They grew up together and have a slight history, even though time and life has had them separated their entire adult lives.

Together they find peace, stability, and a future.

The third character of this book is definitely the ocean. The author’s description of the ocean, waves, has me craving time at the beach.

[Cathy P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

Good storyline and characters. I felt bad for both main characters. Both dumped on by family, both lost family and were chested on. The story is written well. To much tell along with the show, maybe. I didn't connect with th characters for some reason. The h was willing to just hide and let her job and ex control the narrative. I like a stronger heroine. Everything was just ok for me. There were some cute moments and I even laughed once. Crazy seagulls. She is a lawyer with zero backbone. At 60% I started speed reading to get through it. Not because it wasn't good, but because it was just ok. It may have been just me. I have really liked others by this author.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of a second chance romance, Paisley and Griffin knew each other as childhood playmates. He loved her even then but a few years go by before she catches up to him. One thing about this series is that I'm learning about things I've never experienced. This book gave me surfing and South Africa.

I love the friendship of the Fab 5. Such great support as they go on with their separate lives. We only got to see them through text messages this time around but they were definitely there. The romance itself is playful and the story is pretty predictable but that is okay. It was enjoyable to read.

No sex, language or violence

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a smart lawyer gets dumped by a major motion picture star, she ends up sneaking down a resort's corridors naked with only a trash can and an empty backpack for cover. A kind stranger stops to help and literally gives her the shirt off his back. Imagine the shock of leaving that situation and escaping to a family ocean facing cabin in a town called Seaspray and discovering that shirt sharing stranger living next door. Only he's not a stranger! It's the neighbor from her childhood who was her first kiss!

Sweet and funny story about learning to love, to challenge yourself, making better choices and dealing with the past.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surfs up.....and so is love

Dare to Love the Guy Next Door is the second book in the Forever Marriage Match series. This book is a really lovely RomCom and a great way to cleanse your reading palate if you usually read dark and heavy books. I really enjoyed this beach/surf book that find two people who knew each other years ago and now find themselves looking at a chance to find love and home.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paisley and Griffin grew up in the same town, but both now are dating famous people, only to find they are both cheating on them. When they both separately go to the cabins their families have to get away from all the fallout, they find a second chance next door. This storyline is so fun and just what the doctor orders for a downer day, to cheer you up. The characters are wonderful and the igniting of a great relationship is well done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erralee Hendrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about Griffen and Paisley. They both decide to take a break at their family cottages to think and decide what is the best way to deal with some challenges in their lives. The irony is the cottages are next door and they know each other from way back when. Griffen is a surfer and teaches Paisley to surf too which is a great way for them to have fun and get to know each other better. The story is great and the flow is good. I enjoy the characters and the way they gain insight to what they really want to do with their lives.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

review w spoilers

I’m giving it 5 stars with a couple complaints. 1. He has to wait for a perfect time to say I love you? Just say it! She’s already said it. 2. He just leaves her in Africa and neither try to talk to each other about their assumptions? He left her in another country without a word! He knows she doesn’t like Brody. Why?
Common theme in both books in series, so far, are stupid assumptions and lack of communication. It’s aggravating. Author’s characters are sweet and deserve happiness. They are the true joy in these stories. On to book 3

[The Flipped Page (Susan K) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, flirty, sweet romnce

Romance, sweet, contemporary; series, but stand alone read.
Paisley and Griffin's story is a sweet romance with a fantastic backstory and setting. The family pasts, the beach\surfing setting helped !make this fun, sweet romance a hard to put down read. Their personal backstory made this second chance romance even more fun.
Strong, honest, hurting hearts made P & G a perfect read. Their HEA and beach setting along with the notoriety of fame, and the surfing backstory was a perfect recipe for Sweet romance.

[Natscleanreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOL 🤣 hilarious!

I was literally laughing out loud. The first few chapters are hilarious if you ignore the cheating now-ex's. Although there are fun parts, this story is a reflection of real-life drama and choices. Very well-written. I love the chemistry between the MC's.

This book contains no swearing, non-descripted kisses-only scenes, main characters do not drink alcohol with supporting characters consuming alcohol.

Trigger warnings: both main characters get cheated on, previous death of a close family member, past partying and drinking behavior.

[Wysteria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a sample of this in the first book of the series and loved it! I couldn’t wait till I was able to read it!

Reading the rest of it was even better! Immediately you fall in love with Griffin!

Even though the story was great the message was even better! This was a truly inspiring book to live your life to the fullest and to stop living in fear.

An amazing installment to an already great series!

I received an ARC and am leaving an honest review.

[vicki zimmerman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too slow moving

I stayed with it till the 57% point, when I finally accepted the fact that I was bored out of my mind.
Over half-way through the book, and so far, they have rediscovered each other from their pasts, met and talked.
That’s about it.
For me, this is much too slow moving, with no chemistry at all. As a romance, I would call this one a ‘fail’ and will not be recommending it.

[Wndrgrl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awww. I love childhood friends to lovers. This is so cute, not to mention a great summer read.

I love Paisley and Griffin. I like this one. Plus, if you like to imagine running away from the life in a city and living on the beach, then this one is for you.

The plot was light yet adorable. I like every part of it. I like how easy it is to read. No traumatizing plottwists. Just a fun, cute read.

Now, I actually can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading Paisley's story. That griffin had a crush on her for so long was so sweet. Their interactions were cute and fun, and I enjoyed learning more about surfing. Like the last book, though, the buildup to what happened to be the conflict in the relationship was good but the forgiveness part of it was a little anticlimactic. I was a tad disappointed by the...non drama of it. Overall though it was a good read

[Berly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars...
If you are looking for an easy, breezy mindless type of romcom, you may enjoy it. It had a few of my biggest pet peeves in it. Weather inaccuracies and assumptions. I listened to the audio and that may have detracted me also. I know many use this narrator, she just isn't my favorite. Her tone or infections drive me crazy sometimes. I like Ellie Hall on Instagram, but this series hasn't been my favorite. Maybe I should move to a different one or read instead of listen.

[Heather Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surf boards and super stars

Wanted to give it a 5 because it started out so strong and laugh out loud hilarious, but it lost something at the surf competition in Africa. It was like the mcs switched places with characters from a different book. Their reactions and responses and lack of communication weren't in keeping with their personalities throughout the rest of the book. It was strange. But a fun beach read on the whole.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She thought she had everything until it all blows up in her face so she goes away to refocus. Next door is a surfer who knew years ago but she does not recognise him at first. Could this be good for them? Will they fall for each other? See how they get on

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dare to Love the Guy Next Door

This is a really fun book with a few serious moments. I enjoyed Paisley and Griffin and their second chance romance. They had both known each other a long time and had suffered through the aftermath of cheating by their ex. If you love to laugh throughput a book you will not be disappointed by this one. Check it out.