Next Door Jack

by Bellame Bootz

Rescuing a drowning intruder in my Hollywood pool wasn’t on my agenda.
Instead of a Hero’s welcome, I accuse her of being Paparazzi.
Big mistake.
She happens to be Magnolia Verde, my groundskeeper sister and caring for his dogs while he’s away.
She’s stubborn to forgive my irrational outburst.
But quickly becomes a haven for my children, Peter and Bella, who recently lost their mother.
With her teaching degree, I offer her a generous sum to homeschool my kids.
Each day, she draws close, ingraining herself deeply into our lives.
But my fear of the public eye and Maggie’s new opportunity is pulling us apart.
I’ve secluded myself for far too long, thinking I had life all figured out.
Now faced with a choice of Maggie pursuing her dreams or staying with us, I’ve come to realize that no man is an Island.

188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2023

Reviews

[Kia B · Rating 5 out of 5]

OVERALL RATING –5

First my usual points:
- I do not do spoilers unless warned.
- Read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate.
- No errors that I caught as far as editing.
- The author was not new to me.

BOOK:
- Genre/troupe: contemporary romance / clean / starting over / grumpy H & optimistic h / single parent-tutor
- 1st person POV alternating

Star Ratings - 1 (poor) - 4 (READ THIS BOOK)
• Writing Quality: 5 stars
• Story ingredient: 5 stars
• Ease of reading/Pace: 5 stars
• Plot strength: 5 stars
• Steam Level: 5 stars

Personal Opinion:
This is the second book I've read by this author. As the first was, it was a wonderful, easy read. I would highly recommend this author for those with teens wanting to read romance but without all the 'details'. Frankly, these romances portray a very healthy relationship in that the characters 'fix' and 'complete' themselves before pursuing seriously.

On a personal note, I'm not one that enjoys the illustrated covers that are so popular but do not let that turn you off. These stories are so enjoyable without serious drama and angst or outragous silliness found in many other romances these days.

Loves:
• Awkward meet
• kids
• reclusive H
• family
chapter titles

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful POV sweet romance that has you turning pages to see how things really work out. Maggie is house sitting for her brother so she can take care of his dogs while he's away. But when one of the dogs gets away and ends up in her next door neighbor's pool, her introduction to the neighbor, Jack, becomes anything but friendly. He accuse her of trying to get photos of his children. He is a widower who has two children, Peter and Bella. He wants them to be home schooled and when he finds out who Maggie really is, that she's not paparazzi, he hires her to teach his children. Things develop from there with the children trying to push their father and Maggie together. Can Jack get over his fear of the public eye and open is eyes to Maggie? When Maggie is offered her dream job, what will she do? Stay or go? This is a wonderful book with a sweet ending. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a grumpy dad finds someone in his pool , he’s on the offensive straightaway Magnolia loses her dog and falls in herself . Jack mistakes her for paparazzi and thinks she’s trying to take photos of his children …. In reality Maggie is his ground keeper’s sister who is looking after his pooches while he’s away . Despite their first impressions, he asks her a favour and pays handsomely. This teacher just got a king and I vibe going except there’s no wife and only two children …. Compelling , entertaining story well written with good descriptions. I read a free copy of this book and I leave my review voluntary in my own words

[MacKenzie Emery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another amazing story from Bellame Bootz! This is a dual pov, clean romance. I love her stories about single dads. The kids just bring an amazing side character (or characters in this case). The kids needs and plans always give me a good laugh while they try to push the main characters together. Maggie and Jack’s relationship is written well. They share conflict but also work out their problems within the story. I enjoyed the days being labeled to give an easier understanding to the timeline of the story.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie is house sitting for her brother and meets the neighbor under less than desired circumstances. Jack is a widower with two kids that is scared to let them off the property. He ends up hiring her as the kids teacher. Will they become more than friends? Can he get over his fears? What happens when she is accepted to a school program?.

I received an ARC copy via Booksprout. Review voluntarily given.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me laughing out loud. Trying to wrap my mind around a total recluse suddenly seeing a dog in his pool and then finding Maggie drowning. I’m not sure their first meeting comes under the heading of “meet cute”. Bella and Peter are delightful and add a lot to the story. I really enjoyed this book.

[Melissa B · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet and clean single dad - tutor romance.
Maggie is a house sitter and looks after her brother's dogs while he is away.
Jack is the widower dad next door who rescues her when one of the dogs gets into his pool.

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

[James Harmon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only reason it's not getting a 4 star is because chapter 13 is out of order. This book needs a better editor