The Playboy Next Door

by Sandra A. Sigfusson

The week before I bought the left side of the duplex, I had dumped my cheating boyfriend and spent every penny to my name securing a mortgage on the purchase of my first home. As if that wasn't enough stress, I soon discovered I would be living next door to the sexiest bachelor in San Diego.

To be clear, Brandon doesn't traffic in modesty. It's also impossible to ignore him.

To preserve my sanity, I decided Brandon was off-limits. I despised everything he stood for and vowed to interact with him as little as possible. The last thing I needed was to be another notch on his bedpost.

But Brandon had other ideas. I became his target, and he persevered in his challenge to get into my good graces. Without warning, my self-imposed non-engagement rule crumbled beneath the weight of his charms. Being in my good graces is one thing. My trust, however, will be harder to earn than he bargained for.

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2023

About the author

Before becoming a romance novelist, Sandra spent four years co-hosting an internet radio program on the subjects of dating and relationships. This experience was more fun and eye-opening than she ever imagined. Her love of romance novels, music, photography and a good laugh has also played an integral part in penning fictional contemporary romance and erotic romance stories.

She is married and has two wonderful adult sons, a rescued Peruvian Inca Orchid Dog, and an adopted cat named Mittens. She has lived in beautiful British Columbia, Canada all of her life.

My social media pages:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandrasigfusson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sigfusson

Reviews

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book from this author that I have read and I really enjoyed it. Brandon and Rachel were a good couple. I really liked the chemistry between them. What started out as being neighbors was able to turn into something much more real. They had their differences but they were able to work them out to get the HEA they both needed and deserved.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Christine Galletly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was a really good story!

I thought that the characters were well developed and they worked well together.

I thought that the plot was very crafted and the story flowed really well.

I liked the pace from the author too - it was a great read overall and one I would definitely recommend as it is certainly worth reading!

It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!!

[Heather Hatfield (purrrfectbooktalks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this book. This was a cute story. I liked Brandon, he was so sweet and I loved his character arc from going to playboy to wanting to settle down with Rachel.

Overall you, I gave it 3 stars. It was a cute, light read.

[BooksCoffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Rachel moves into her new house, she tries to resist her next-door neighbor’s advances. But Brandon eases his way into Rachel’s life and the duo grows closer. With Rachel’s toxic boyfriend still in the picture, Brandon has to clear many hurdles before he could claim Rachel as his own.

This erotic romance, although, starts off with the seemingly self-absorbed and too good-looking protagonists quickly getting under each other’s skin, it quickly evolves into a sweet, witty romantic tale full of surprising twists that lovers of sensual romance will find hard to put down.

Sigfusson’s characterization is great; While Brandon is a charmer, it’s Rachel’s hardheadedness that moves the pair’s love story forward. The couple’s sexual chemistry is immediate and intense. Readers will be charmed by this fresh, funny romance full of genuine emotion.

Provocative sexual tension, red-hot love scenes, and funny dialogue combine into an engrossing tale.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandra A. Sigfusson gave me exactly what I was looking for today. I wanted a light sexy entertaining read and The Playboy Next Door fit the bill quite well. The premise of neighbors in a duplex and the trials and tribulations of shared wall space made for a meet cute. The hero and heroine, though immature at the start, experience growth throughout the novel. I respect the author for making me care about the happily ever after of the couple. Ms. Sigfusson writes with humor and I appreciated the settings and situations in which she placed her characters. The love scenes were well placed and served to move the story along, always a plus. I would read more from the author.
3.5 I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.

[RateTheRomance · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly, this book is not very well written and about 150 pages too long. It starts off well enough with a good premise. And the writing in the first half of the book is fairly good.

The second half is where the writing goes way off. Suddenly, entire months are being summed up with one paragraph each, back to back, within the same chapter. Many main points in the story are rushed or completely passed over, while unnecessary plot lines are drawn out for entire chapters. This book needs an editor and much more focus.

I received an ARC copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Mary Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

The writing is not bad but I found the main 'hero' rude and abnoxious and then I didn't persevere with the story to see if he or the romance improved any. I got about half way through and put it aside, perhaps I'll return to it eventually but life is too short to struggle through something, when there's other great stories out there.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent read. It was light and quick to read. The characters were likable and the overall plot was good. I recommend
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

[Rosanna1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book from this author. I enjoyed reading this book. I found the characters relatable and charming. Well written. I will look forward to reading more from this author.

[Didi Ps · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting, yet strange story for me. I really loved Brandon in the beginning, when his relationship with his older neighbor was described... He really seemed nice & caring. However, when he first met Rachel, his persona seemed to change (what kind of person asks a woman if she’s in the middle of her monthly “shark week”?)... *sigh*

As she goes out with her ex again (who just isn’t good enough for her), that’s when the story gets interesting... Both seem to be a bit interested in the other. Brandon seems nicer here (although a bit self centered... for example, he believes he’s just as good looking as models in fashion shows... a little humility would go a long way here). Whereas Rachel is trying to deal with her boyfriend who just seems jealous & untrustworthy.

They seem to be better when they finally get together. At times they seem to be quite immature, though... For example, he wonders if he should tell her that he didn’t use protection & she wonders if instead of getting tested, maybe she should just trust him more. Or when she sees the value of her side of the duplex is 750k, they seem to discover that both sides must be worth 1.5 m (which is just logical, really).

However, as a couple, they seem to fit well together. I thought for sure that all the misfortunes (the fire, the car accident, the lost ring) would have been caused directly (or indirectly) by Rachel’s ex (maybe with help from Cheryl, esp. when she mentioned her car’s bumper had been damaged... just like Rachel’s car was damaged), but I was wrong... It’s nice to be surprised.

All in all, a nice, quick romance.

I got this book as an ARC (through netgallery) in exchange for an honest review.

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had mixed feelings about this book. Parts I liked, and parts I didn't care for as much. The cocky playboy was kinda irritating at first. While I understand he is meant to come across as arrogant and, well, cocky, I found his behavior to be too high schoolish for his age and supposed maturity. He does improve some as the book goes on, and in fact my dislike for his character switched to become a dislike for her character. She was quick react to things and tended to overreact often. Of course she had her reasons for reacting as she does, it seemed over the top. Both characters had moments where they acted childish and moments they acted their age... and you never knew which version you were going to get in any given situation. I liked the plot of the story as a whole. Two attractive neighbors have a rough start but slowly start to form a friendship (reluctantly at first,) which then turns into more. There are several events that take place that kinda threw me off (not sure if it was intentional or not.) One example... there was a fire, and me being the kind of reader I am... (always trying to guess what's going to happen,) had a theory of what or who caused it, but alas I was wrong and the actual cause was quite boring in comparison. There were a couple other instances like that throughout the book. There is some sexual content.

*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.

[Madhuri Palaji · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Playboy Next Door by Sandra A. Sigfusson is a romantic comedy that will refresh the reader's mind. This is the first book I'm reading from the author and I must say she is very engaging. I received this book in exchange for a honest review.

Brandon and Rachel who share a duplex house meet for the first time in a very strange situation. This leads Rachel to think that Brandon is extremely cocky because of his model-like body and looks. Brandon falls for Rachel almost immediately. 

Their relationship doesn't cross the friendship stature initially because of Brandon's playboy nature and Rachel's relationship with her boyfriend Kurt. But when two people are destined to be together, nothing can stop them from falling hard and fast in love. The story is about the series of events that bring Brandon and Rachel together. And let me mention Brigit and Barkley the two pet dogs of Brandon and Rachel who are in love with each other, too just like their owners.

It's a very easy read. There are some hot erotic scenes which will make your day. So, if you are in for an entertaining book, go for this one. 

[Connie Liñares · Rating 2 out of 5]

At first, I found Brandon extremelly cocky, and I thought I wouldn't get to like him at all. Truth be told, I liked reading how he grew and settled.

On the other hand, I liked Rachel at the beginning, but then came to absolutely disliking her and hoping Brandon would break up with her.

The banter at the beginningwas fun, but I really hated the jealousy parts. Noone should be allowed to tell their partner who they can or cannot see, talk to, or go into business with. When Rachel's boyfriend is jealous and tells her she must not see Brandon again, she agrees and starts meeting him in secret.
When Rachel leaves Brandon, throws her engagement ring after shouting at him without even stopping to see what was going on, just because she sees him with an exgirlfriend, I really hoped he would dump her and not see her again. Instead, he enables her and agrees not to see Cheryl again.

And then, even though he has no steady income, they have no problem spending all his savings in a wedding!

Even though I liked the premise at the beginning, I really didn't enjoy the book once the two characters got together.

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story begins with Rachel moving in next door to Brandon. He thinks she is very attractive but she sets him off in the wrong way from the first day she moves in. she knows he is attractive and does not want to give him the satisfaction of stroking his ego any more than it already has been. Now the two of them going back and forth doing things to each other, but the real killer for him is when she gets back together with her ex Kurt. He still believes that the guy is a cheater. He decides to go visit his sister in Colorado and work at keeping himself busy, wanting to be there for her when the guy falters.
He does of course and now the stage is set for the two of them, but it is not as easy as it seems. She still must work on her issues about cheating, and he is working at showing her that it is only her that his playboy ways are gone for good. Though there are sex scenes I did not find this to be an erotic story, that is just me. Overall a very good book. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[Floraljoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had promise:
There were parts of this book that I liked but unfortunately it didn't live up to its potential for me. I enjoyed the humor found in the first few chapters but thought the novel flattened off and stagnated after that. It was a bit hard to connect with the story as it was written in a "telling" style, even during moments of action. I felt there were also lost opportunities as it built up to dramatic events and then these seemed to just fizzle out. I was also left wondering what happened about Leslie editing Brandon's first manuscript? It was like it had been forgotten about and wasn't mentioned again until the final chapter of the book which was many months later.
It was steamy but I didn't feel a deep emotional connection or a strong chemistry between the two, which again I think was largely due to the writing style.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 Stars!

When Rachel moved in next door to Brandon, she couldn't stand the arrogant a$$hole ... walking around shirtless all the time. But she also couldn't help but be attracted to him ... who wouldn't be with a body and face like his! From the first day Rachel moved in next door, the more Brandon aggravated her and she got pissed at him ... the more he was turned on by the little spitfire. Soon their relationship turned into friendship and then to lovers.

Although the premise of the book is great ... the characters just didn't do it for me. Brandon just seemed a little immature and Rachel had a bit of a temper and reacted too quickly to situations. As the book went on, I liked the characters better and the steamy scenes were off the charts HOT!

I received a copy courtesy of BooksGoSocial through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story of neighbors with an antagonistic beginning that later morphed into something completely opposite and delightful.There was no love lost at the start, not only between these neighbors ,but between Brandon and my initial view of him.His behavior was detestable for the childishness and churlishness of it even while fighting not to chuckle quietly at the ridiculousness of it.Rachel on the other hand ,I found to be a bit too gullible and trusting where a second chance ,much less a second glance was not only unwarranted but foolish.By the end of the book I was cheering for both Brandon and Rachel while seriously channeling an hex on the ex.The story flowed with comic relief and some steamy interludes and was an overall light , entertaining read. The review for this ARC provided by Netgalley was presented without bias.

[Carolynn (All the Books and Chocolate) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brandon a cocky playboy and Rachel a real spitfire live next door to one another, the only things they seem to have in common are their dogs, but maybe there’s more...

This book was cute. I felt like the enemies to lovers didn’t last as long as I would have liked. While I enjoyed this book, I wanted a little more out of it. There were a few things that I felt Rachel was maybe a little hypocritical about. She certainly had some trust issues that may be needed to be a little more worked out than they were at the end of the book.

Brandon was very cute and I understand his appeal. I would have liked a little more background on him though. I felt like we had a lot more information about Rachel than we did about Brandon.

Overall this is a cute read, not especially steamy. It was a quick read with a good story that kept me interested.

[Charlotte Freeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read, enjoyable story. Nice to see depth in the characters and shows never judge a book by its cover. Would recommend

[Urvashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Rachel moves into her new home, she meets Brandon, her sexy neighbor. Under stress of ending a relationship, moving into a new home, Rachel is not prepared for Brandon and thus they keep getting into spats ever time they meet providing some funny laugh out loud situations for us.
Brandon is not willing to ignore their attraction so easily and slowly begins to get into Rachel’s good graces and they finally become best friends. But then Rachel’s ex boyfriend comes back in picture, how will Brandon win over her now ?
The playboy next door is a hot, charming and funny read. Like Rachel I didn’t really like Brandon at the start but slowly he won me over. Their emotions though a little over the top felt real. I enjoyed the storyline and all the funny and hot moments.

[Karen Roma · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Playboy Next Door is an interesting erotic romance by Sandra A. Sigfusson, with witty dialogue, exceedingly attractive characters, and jam-packed with twists and turns along the way. Brandon comes across as cocky and self-assured, but really has huge heart and good intentions. And while Rachel seems hard-headed, she’s deeply emotional and looking for a real relationship without all the drama of her past endeavours. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the path their union takes, is believable and nicely paced. I really enjoyed the storyline, scorching physicality and comedic moments too. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I was looking for a sexy read and this one fit. I liked that the guy wanted the girl but she was going to make him work for it. Rachel was dating a guy and Brandon kept his distance while she was not single, which I appreciated. So they are neighbors in a duplex and they both immediately thought the other was sexy, but Rachel saw Brandon as very arrogant and tried to stay away but then she saw his softer side. Rachel was thinking of Brandon though while with her boyfriend, so that is never a good sign. There were minor things that made the story drag a little for me but still a sexy read.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Rachel moved into her new home she tried hard to resist the player next door but Brandon isn't going to be that easily discouraged Soon they become friends and then it progresses but her ex is still in the picture by his own invitation Can they have a future together You will have to read top see

This is a story that flows well yes Brandon is all alpha and a little pigheaded but Rachel is just as strong a character together they are volatile

[Guilty Pleasures · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story had the potential to be more. Throughout the novel I kept hoping for more but ultimately I just wanted to write an edit note on every emotional moment, "show don't tell." Both sides! His and Hers. The author over explained thoughts and feelings which stole the opportunity from me as the reader to get caught up in the story and characters.

This book was read and reviewed based on an ARC provided by publisher and Netgalley.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this story to start with. Rachel buys a duplex next to sort got Brandon, who is the player in this story. She's just been cheated on and is wary of any man, especially a hot player. I liked how sassy Rachel is, bit it gets a little much as the story goes on.
It started to drag on about 50% of the way. It seemed more like someone telling a story to a friend rather than feeling like we were there, living it with the characters. I really had to battle through the last half.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 4 out of 5]

This romance is exactly as described, a bit of steamy fun that starts off with slightly annoyed neighbors who find their HEA together. The characters weren't as mature or well-developed as I would prefer, but the story flows nicely and kept me entertained throughout. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[MarylineD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written.
Interesting storyline with good characters. Hot and sexy romance for adults...

And a beautiful cover of course... The reason I chose to read this book, I couldn't look anywhere else once I saw that cover.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book. This is my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Donnajo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily Read a advanced reader's copy of this book for a honest opinion.

The Playboy Next Door by Sandra A. Sigfusson a new to me author that I hope to read more books by. A spicy read with likable characters, great character development and dialogue.

[Jill Long · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book just didn't work for me. I found Brandon to be over the top cocky and immature. Rachel was annoying. I had a hard time believing that these two very different characters would like each other.

I received this ARC for my honest review.

[Coco.V]

💝 ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 💝