Surviving high school was going to be hard enough, but surviving telling the one girl that he couldn’t live without how he felt was going to be one of the most difficult things that Sebastian Bradford was ever going to do.
From New York Times and USA Today’s bestselling author R.L. Mathewson comes the second novel in the Neighbor from Hell YA series that will bring it all back, leaving you unable to help but smile as you remember the first time that you fell in love.
For years, Sebastian has been lying to himself, doing whatever it took to convince himself that Mikey was just his best friend and the pain in the ass that he couldn’t stop thinking about and now…
He would do absolutely anything to stop screwing this up, but that probably wasn’t going to happen, not with his brother determined to help him. With every soul-crushing piece of advice his brother threw his way, Sebastian found himself thinking about everything that he had to lose if Mikey didn’t feel the same way and wondered if he was about to make the biggest mistake of his life.
The glaring was definitely starting to concern her, but Mikey had bigger problems to worry about than her best friend suddenly acting weird around her, like the teenage girl and her minions going out of their way to make her life a living hell. She couldn’t risk losing her scholarship, not when it meant that she would never be able to do the one thing that she loved more than anything again.
New York Times Bestselling author, R.L. Mathewson was born in Massachusetts. She’s known for her humor, quick wit and ability to write relatable characters. She currently has several paranormal and contemporary romance series published including the Neighbor from Hell series.
Growing up, R.L. Mathewson was a painfully shy bookworm. After high school she attended college, worked as a bellhop, fast food cook, and a museum worker until she decided to take an EMT course. Working as an EMT helped her get over her shyness as well as left her with some fond memories and some rather disturbing ones that from time to time show up in one of her books.
Today, R.L. Mathewson is the single mother of two children that keep her on her toes. She has a bit of a romance novel addiction as well as a major hot chocolate addiction and on a perfect day, she combines the two.
In 2019/2020, R.L. Mathewson will be publishing Devastated, the first Anger Management novel, Tall, Dark & Furious, the 6th installment to the Pyte/Sentinel series, Irresistible, the long anticipated novel for the Neighbor from Hell Series as well as many more books throughout the year, paranormals, contemporaries, and YAs.
I can’t believe how much I loved this book considering it’s classed as YA and the characters are high schoolers but there is something about those crazy Bradfords that make you fall in love with them so I shouldn’t be surprised that their children are exactly the same. Mikey Campbell, catchphrase “I’ve only got little legs” or “carry me” is a little spitfire, loved and feared in equal measure by anyone who knows her. Her lust for vengeance is fierce and her loyalty unbreakable and of course, wherever she goes Sebastian Bradford isn’t far away. Together they’re about to enter their high school years where, shock horror tomboy Mikey will have to wear a skirt! And among the trials and tribulations they’ll face are dodgeball which will leave teenage boys crying for the mommies – go Mikey! And mean girls who not even their teacher uncle Jason can protect Mikey from
This book had me laughing and crying in turn. From camping trips and animal encounters, baseball training and midnight manoeuvres to her defence of her friends and her keeping her own name, Mikey you are a star, but you also pulled at my heartstrings on several occasions. And Sebastian, it was written in the stars for you to love the little spitfire. R.L. Mathewson if you don’t end this series with Mikey and Sebastian married and raising a whole menagerie of genius future baseball stars who are eating them out of house and home, you’ll break my cynical heart.
So, right now I feel like Jamie with all those questions that she has, but lucky Jamie she only has to wait a day to get another part of the story. I have no clue how long we have to wait; I feel like R.L. Mathewson is trying to drive me batty! I need to go stalk her page and see what's up with this, how she must have laughed when I said in my review of Misunderstood that I get why this needs a second book to finish the story. At this rate I'm thinking there are at least another three books, one for each remaining year of school, and then maybe there is one for college years, who knows at this point. While my hopes of this getting to the point and we get to see just where everyone ends up are dashed, I will say this had me laughing my head off throughout the story. The antics these Bradfords get up to are hilarious, along with all the banter and witty comebacks. We are actually getting more than just Sebastian and Mikey, we are getting Cole and Chloe's beginning as well. I will say that having fallen in love with Braxton and Jonathan, I hope that at some point in the future we get to watch them find their neighbors as well. Thanks for the laughs, and even though we have to wait, I give this 5 stars.
Young adult is not my usual pick, but as a huge fan of RL Mathewson's the Neighbor from Hell series, I wanted to give it a go. Thought we would be rounding up Sebastian and Mikey's story, but at least another book is in the cards. If you're looking for something that's sweet and laugh out loud funny, this series will definitely be for you!
ARC Review of Difficult by R.L. Mathewson * * * * * Another hilarious addition to a series that I cannot forget! Spitfire, comedy, awesome family banter, and drama!
Sebastian has a thorn in his side, one that he was not exactly wanting to part with. It came in the form of a smartmouthed short-legged girl named Mikey. As changes begin to happen in their lives, nothing is dull with a girl like that at his side: Interesting gym classes, visits to the principal's office, nasty girls, plans of murder, sneaking out, something that was not a kitten, murderous fan clubs and killer pot roast! As Sebastian battles his feelings, Mikey has her own problems. People want her gone. Horrible pranks. Terrible jokes that hit the heart. Vicious attacks. She's got a fight ahead of herself. But she's not alone.
Just spent my Sunday giggling to myself with this amazing read. So much youthful sarcastic quips and jabs in one afternoon is not healthy because it will reflect on my own language! No regrets though! There is the typical and great Bradford comedy and hilarity this series brings, as always, but Mikey is just funny all on her own. Her determination to get out of school, become a bully, and her unique way of 'sportsmanship' is something I don't want to be facing myself. An interesting introduction...and an ending filled with questions!
...to keep going. I love seeing the family grow. But the story was very repetitive, and I'm really unhappy with the ending. How many books are you planning to try to squeeze out of this? And so many story lines to follow with no credibility. I won't spoil it for others. I was anxiously awaiting this, but don't even care what finally happens.
I thought for sure we were going to get all of Jamie’s questions answered, but alas my hopes were dashed. I really need to know where these two end up. The Bradford family would be so much fun to be a part of, the antics, back and forth banter, I do seem to get hungry when I read another book in this series. I am so happy to have this author, I can’t wait to get their next installment. Bring it on!
*sigh* This was an excellent book. I loved reading more about Sebastian & Mikey and Cole & Chloe. We also find out what happens with Braxton (wondering who he will hook up with).
BUT…I KNEW better than to get involved in a continued series. Because the wait is absolutely INTERMINABLE!!! 😩😭
Also, if you join Ms. Mathewson’s Facebook group you’ll be able to read the snippets she posts (again…a tease 💋!!! 😩😭).
Anyway, so this book wraps up a lot of questions you still have lingering about the young Bradfords and takes you through their sophomore year of high school. Sebastian and Mikey FINALLY get their “moment” 💋 together 😍. Which is wonderful although, again, not a whole lot of 🌶️ (spice) since this is her YA books (well, there is a sprinkling of spice with their “moment” but just not the same as what us NFH fans are used to 🤪). But 🤷🏼♀️. It’s still exciting and you still get super sucked into the story 🤪😁.
Now I can’t wait to read the next book which I am PRAYING will be the last…Because I don’t know how long I can take the wait 😩😮💨. Very much like Jamie over here 🙋🏼♀️😮💨🫠.
I love R.L. and the world she created. However, this book was so hard to read and finish. Which is sad since I've been waiting forever to read it and see Mikey and Sebastians' story unfold. This book was extremely repetitive and long for no reason what so ever. While I'm a fan of her characters and how she writes them since I love the humor she brings, this book was glaring obvious that the characters didn’t have much depth or character development in them. They tended to use the same speaking tone and tactics no matter the characters' age, and this made the book difficult to read since it dragged on.
I wanted to like it. I really, REALLY did, but I just couldn't get a quarter of the way into it without realizing I was forcing myself to get as far as I did. The first book was eh and hard to get through also, but I hope with this second one it would get better, but it just didn't...at least, not for me =/
What a GREAT addition to the already fantastic series! 😍💖 Sebastian and Mikey stole my heart in the Neighbors from Hell series, and I was thrilled to dive into another one of their stories! 😊 This book radiates with youthful energy, and as someone not typically drawn to YA, I found it surprisingly enjoyable! The Bradford comedy and those laugh-out-loud moments are just the cherry on top, maintaining the series' trademark humor. 😂 I must admit, I missed it, and now I'm craving even more! Anticipating the next installment eagerly, I'm left with burning questions about Mikey and Sebastian's relationship and how it’s going to play out. 🤔 The suspense is real, and much like Jamie, I'm yearning for all the answers! 🤷♀️ Sebastian, you sly character, spill the beans! 🕵️♂️ Can't wait to see what unfolds in the next book! 🌟 In a nutshell, "Difficult" is a four-star gem that brought joy to this not-so-regular YA reader! 💫 Looking forward to more Bradford adventures and mischief. #BookReview #MustRead #BookishDelight
Super cute coming of age story, perfect for YA readers. As an adult reading this story it was harder for me to connect to the younger characters and read a strictly YA book about the kids.
I am used to books with flashbacks to childhood and not strictly childhood. I think for me I would have like to have already read the story of these kids as adults, and then gone back to their childhood. But I do understand the author wanting to write a story that ages with their readers. From my understanding the last book will be geared toward adult readers. So I completely understand how this series has started and where it’s going.
Now with that being said I really do want more of this “couple”. I want to know who they are ���now” as adults. Where life has taken them. R.L. Does a great job of keeping you interested in the story.
I personally feel like this story would be perfect for Kindle Villa, and I also think these first two books are great for middle school readers. The characters will be relatable to that age group.
Overall a cute book that I can’t wait to see how the series ends.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Another great instalment about the Bradford kids. If you love all things Bradford, its all there to enjoy in this addition to the series. Boys annoying the girls they have set their eyes on, climbing through windows, sibling hassling and food snatching at every opportunity. At times, the writing is repetitive and the kids seem to have an answer for everything, but ultimately, it didn't take away the laughs and the feels, especially that first kiss. and I'm already waiting for the next instalment to find out what happens next.
“Why does Braxton look like he’s imagining wringing her neck?” Cole asked conversationally, drawing his attention to find Braxton sitting at the top of the bleachers, where he was glaring down at the little pain in the ass. “She brings out the best in people,” Sebastian said, watching as Braxton’s eyes narrowed dangerously on Mikey.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I can't stop daydreaming and telling everyone about this book. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - A great read with all the feels. I would read again. ⭐⭐⭐ - I liked the book but wouldn't it read again. ⭐⭐ - Usually in the DNF pile or I suffered until the end for whatever reason. ⭐- Just no.
I used to love that these books were unlike anything anyone else writes, but the problem is they're all identical to each other. And all the characters are interchangeable. Any given line of dialogue could be said by any character, because they don't have their own voices or personalities. And wow, this one drags on. If you cut out the repetitive conversations in which no one actually says anything of interest - just "I'm afraid I can't do that", "I see", and "Yes you probably should have" on a loop - this book would be half the length. Please can I read that one?
I'm tired of the Bradford food obsession, please god just let a woman eat her food in peace. Also tired of the total lack of plot advancement or character growth. How many scenes of Chloe and Cole doing and saying the same things do I have to sit through?
If I ever see the words "adorable" or "pain in the ass" again it will be too soon.
I don't think I can read any more of these, alas. Haven't dnf-ed this yet (50%) but I might have to if something doesn't fucking HAPPEN soon
✨ Young Adult ✨ Highschool Romance ✨ Coming-of-Age Romance
Gives all the emotions
Mickey and Sebastian are about to begin their high school years. And as always they do it together, meaning where one is there is the other. But everything comes with surprises. Tomboy Mickey has to wear a skirt. But is also confronted with mean girls and teachers. But Mickey is a loyal friend, has Sebastian at her side and her want for vengeance is strong. Sebastian has more changes to struggle with than beginning highschool. He battles his feelings for his friend. The second generation is as good as their parents were. There are a lot of laughing moments, crying moments and an ending with open questions. Can´t wait for more.
Oh my god, what a book! I honestly think I love the second generation of Bradfords more than their parents, which I didn’t think would be possible!! Likely and Sebastian are perfect together, and I can’t wait to carry on reading the rest of their story - I need the next installment ASAP!! Also need to know more about Cole and Chloe’s story too!! I absolutely loved this, the banter, teasing and tormenting between them all (Jonathan, Mathew, Jessica, Braxton, Elizabeth and Katie as well) had me laughing out loud and wanting more. Highly, highly recommend this book, series, the wider / original neighbour from hell series with their parents and the author!!
RL really knows how to tease her readers - that ending!! Giving just enough but leaving you wanting even more!! 💜🩵🥰😆😂💜🩵
Well hello there! Welcome to my review post.. come on in, grab a drink lets get comfy. First of all.. Thi is not a standalone read. I had to read Misunderstanding to get a better understanding. Anyways Sebastian is trying to deny his feelings for his best friend Mikey. Nikey his next door neighbor, the pain in the ass. But as they start high school not all is the same. Mikey is experiencing bullying from the popular girls, they feeling threaten so they lash out. Anyways, this is a story told to a young Jamie trying to figure out what happened to Sebastian and Mikey. I say read Misunderstanding then this book. Go in without any knowledge besides what is said in the blurb. I am along worh Jamie, having more questions at the end of this. What happen next?
Another hilarious instalment in the Neighbour From Hell Bradford Universe. Look if you haven’t read any of these books go back to the start and read the first book Playing for Keeps. This new release continues the story of the next generation of Bradford;and they are funny, loving , smart, sassy, sarcastic & just all around amazing characters. We continue to find out more about Mikey and Sebastian’s love story but we also get a further insight into other characters like Cole and Chloe, Jonathan and Braxton. The banter and the antics these kids get up to- the hilarious responses - have me falling more in love. Cant wait for more in the next book.
OMG WOMAN!!!! You are killing me!!!!!! If you are looking for a funny, heart warming story then look no further. The Bradford clan is back along with everyone else in their world. New faces and old faces. Sebastian and Mikey are starting a new high school. Mikey is there to play baseball and is on a scholarship. But a couple of girls have decided to make her life hell. Sebastian loves the pain in the butt but is afraid to say anything because he doesn’t want to lose their friendship. I know this is a short review but I didn’t want to give anything away. You will not be disappointed and I can’t wait for the next one.
This series is the best of Y/A , kids learning their way into love and life. Mikey has to deal with a bunch of things, school, bullies, family things and of course Sebastian, he definitely keeps her on his toes this book. Sebastian spends most of the story worrying about if letting Mikey know he’s true feelings, worrying if it’ll cause him to lose her……but we know that R.L. Mathewson values her life then to do that to us! Definitely a page turner but yet you don’t want to get to that last page because again R.L.Mathewson loves to torture us. Until the next one I’ll be rereading this one as much as I do Misunderstood!
I have mixed reviews in that it left me hanging at the end. I can't wait for the next book which I assume will tell us the answers to all the questions asked at the end by Jamie. I kind of felt in the beginning of the book was boring and the sentences did not sound like teens but more like kiddies. It flipped between two main character couples and the shift was sudden sometimes. Maybe the last 30% for me is when it got interesting possibly because it then just focused on one couple. Anyways, I can't wait for the next installment. It averaged 3 stars, one a whole, but the ending could make it a 4 stars.
This is the second in this series, and Sebastian and Mikey’s journey continues. These two are about to start high school, and Sebastian’s world tilts on its axels Mikey wears a skirt, and lines become blurred. This is an easy to read, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, loyalty, crazy antics, vengeance, challenges, humor, witty banter, and love, which leads to an entertaining, coming-of-age and high school romance, which tugs at the heartstrings throughout. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
R. L. Mathewson used to be one of my guilty pleasure reads, as I always loved her characterizations, but the writing could be problematic. However, her last three or four books have been excellent. I suspect she found a new editor who has helped boost Mathewson to a new level.
Having said that, I kinda wish I waited to read this series until it was complete. Difficult builds on its predecessor, but it doesn't actually end, and we will have to wait for the next book to learn more. It's an unique type of torture. I can't even say "oh, if Mathewson had done x y z, the story would be wrapped up," because it's clearly demonstrated that multiple books are needed to tell Sebastian's and Mikey's story. While there is a subplot involving a secondary love story, there's no extraneous padding. So we're left to wait for more.
Honestly, I'm not even 100% sure that Mikey and Sebastian end up together. I feel like, how could they NOT, but Mathewson skillfully threads the needle. How many high school sweethearts actually end up together after all?
It was four years between book 1 & book 2. Who knows how long it'll take before book 3 comes out? Apparently Mathewson's started working on it, but no release date as of yet. Torture. Pure torture.
I have always enjoyed the very fun and playful way that the Bradford family has been portrayed. The ups and downs of every day life with interjections of pieces of reality is just too good to be true. Hearing about the second generation of Bradford’s with all their funny quirks, large appetites and absolute support for each other I found addicting. The life and issues of teenagers as well as all the social media/peer pressures of school, family and relationships was just priceless. I really enjoyed the story and now can’t wait for the next one to come out.
"I thought for sure we were going to get all of Jamie’s questions answered, but alas my hopes were dashed. I really need to know where these two end up. The Bradford family would be so much fun to be a part of, the antics, back and forth banter, I do seem to get hungry when I read another book in this series. I am so happy to have this author, I can’t wait to get their next installment. Bring it on! "
This is another great story by R.L Mathewson!! I have read all her books and can say that I can’t even pick a favorite!! All the laughs you get from her books makes me smile. I have to say though this book was pure evil in a fun way, I can’t wait to see where the next one goes!! If you haven’t had the pleasure to read this or any of her books yet… what are you waiting for!!
This book was really hard to finish for me. Not because I didn't love it, but because I knew there's going to be a long wait for the next one. I've been waiting for the kids' stories for *years*, and after getting a few answers to my burning questions, all I get is new questions and more waiting! Isn't there something in the constitution or Geneva convention that covers this? 🤔 Time to lawyer up, lady, I demand answers!! ... and chocolate 😏
I love the Bradford family. I feel like I’m fully invested in this family at this point and each character we get to meet is a new person to love. This series has been a little lighter but just as hilarious as the adult series.
The flow is a different pace. We get to see all the Bradford kids as they grow through some challenges while Sebastian and Mikey navigate high school together.