Straight Girl Next Door

by S.E. Chandler

She's not her first love, but could she be her last?

Billy is curious when her neighbor's daughter moves back home after a divorce. A couple of gruff encounters with Andi and Billy thinks she understands why she's suddenly single. Except she can't stop checking out Andi's sculpted legs and reveling in her IDGAF personality.

After a brunch disaster with crying in public, and a light-hearted game night with friends, Billy starts wondering what's next on Andi's agenda...and if it could be her.

Tropes: Return to hometown, second-chance at love, hurt/comfort.

Genres: Romance, Lesbian, Adult

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 19, 2024

About the author

First published as a poet on the wall of her elementary school in 1988, #1 Bestselling author Susy Chandler has spent decades dashing poems in private. After major life changes brought her to North Carolina, she cut her cable and wrote her first novel to celebrate finishing her MBA. As part of her oxymoronic lifestyle, she is pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing at the Thomas Wolfe Center for Narrative at Lenoir-Rhyne University of Asheville.

Reviews

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billy tries but relationships don't seem to work out. Mind you she does have a steadfast circle of friends (including an ex - weird huh?) that have her back when things don't work out. Andi moves back home (she's divorced and back living with her mom who's Billy's neighbor) and is an immediate distraction. Weeks go by, Billy doesn't know whether she's coming or going and Andi fits right in with the group game nights. Then a hot tub leads to a hot, hot, night that has Billy hoping for more. She knows what she wants but Andi is a mess. A romance with humor, angst, sadness and acceptance of another failed try for love. She loves, me she loves me not, U-Hauls and toasters, maybe, just maybe, it will all work out - Andi follows her heart and Billy gets her girl next door.

[John Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok romance, the lead characters, Billie our MC and Andi, recently divorced and living with her mother across the street. Unfortunately the cast of supporting characters and narrative are pretty bad, especially Billie's ex Mel, who would have such a person as her be your friend as she broke up with Billie a while ago. Had its moments, but not great. 2.5 stars.

[Vita L. Licari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Billy has been in love, and was hurt . Her neighbor Margeaux's daughter Andi is coming home divorced to live with her mom until she gets her feet under her.
Billy and Andi get off on the wrong foot, but Billy keeps handing over the olive branch. Slowly, Billy starts falling for the straight girl. This is a beautiful slow burn,toaster oven, age gap (10 yrs) love story. It's worthy of 5 stars!

[Lez_be_readin_ya · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful book. Andi's back story is heartbreaking, and Billly is such a great friend to her. Billy invites Andi to join her and her friends at their game/move night when Billy's feelings for Andi continue to grow into more than just friends.

The undeniable connection between Billy and Andi is beautifully written, and the storyline is such a wonderful read, I didn't want it to end. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from SE.

I thoroughly enjoyed the friendship in this book. The connection between everyone is brilliant, and I can't wait to read more from all of them.

This book is out now, so get your copy now. You will not regret it.

Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥

[JAYNE · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Straight Girl Next Door by SE Chandler is a return to hometown, age gap romance. Because of her decision to leave her husband, Andi has now moved in with her mother. Her mother's next-door neighbour, Billy, is happy to help her neighbour with tasks around the home every now and again. Not only is she quite handy, she’s also a great cook. Comprising only a few individuals, including her ex, Billy's group of friends is small, but they make it a point to meet up regularly. Deep down, Billy longs for a stable relationship.

The first few chapters didn't capture my interest, but as I continued reading, I gradually became more engaged with this book. Although I didn't quite connect with Andi, one of the main characters who came across as quite needy, there were still some moments in the story that provided entertainingly funny elements. In my opinion, the book would have greatly benefited from some additional editing.

I received an ARC for my honest review.

[Siddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billy’s neighbour Margeaux has a daughter Andi, just divorcing. When Billy meets her for the first time they really don’t get on, even though Billy thinks Andi is hot! Even Margeaux comments how difficult her daughter is. Eventually Billy finds reasons for Andi being so guarded, and Billy is the catalyst to help Andi come to terms with a very difficult time in her life. This is the story of how they eventually grow together, with love and warmth.
I found it a good story, well written, some very funny moments, as well as some very emotional ones.
However, there are some significant editing issues (in the ARC I received - these may have been sorted later). There are several continuity problems, where things happen in the wrong order or the wrong place. Please, if this is not the case in the copy you have, let me know and I will happily change this review.

[Siddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billy’s neighbour Margeaux has a daughter Andi, just divorcing. When Billy meets her for the first time they really don’t get on, even though Billy thinks Andi is hot! Even Margeaux comments how difficult her daughter is. Eventually Billy finds reasons for Andi being so guarded, and Billy is the catalyst to help Andi come to terms with a very difficult time in her life. This is the story of how they eventually grow together, with love and warmth.
I found it a good story, well written, some very funny moments, as well as some very emotional ones.
However, there are some significant editing issues (in the ARC I received - these may have been sorted later). There are several continuity problems, where things happen in the wrong order or the wrong place. Please, if this is not the case in the copy you have, let me know and I will happily change this review.

[Wes McGie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good romance book and this one definitely is. Billy and Andi are really enjoyable characters. I loved Billy’s friends too. They are a hoot, especially Rick and Mark. I’d read a book about them. Although Mel got on my nerves. But the story is about Billy and Andi. It was fun reading about the progression of their relationship. There are parts with Billy that made me cringe though. I was thinking, “Oh girl. You’ve gone too far.” But it worked. I would have given up a long time ago. Good for Billy because she got the girl. It's very appropriate that I finished this book on Valentine's Day. I can’t wait to read the other books in the Straight Girl series.

[Amber Justice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this age gap, toaster oven romance between Billy and Andi. In particular, Andi's grumpy demeanor in the beginning and the way she and Billy interact made me laugh quite a bit. It was fun watching them fall in love with one another, though there were a few obstacles/twists-and-turns along the way. Billy's friend group is a plus as well and they are the kind of friends/support group that everyone should have. If you want a fun read, and especially if you enjoy the toaster oven trope, then I would recommend checking out Straight Girl Next Door.

[Doug Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Straight Girl Next Door follows the developing romance between Billy and her neighbor’s recently returned, straight, daughter Andi. The setup is reasonable, but the chemistry between the main characters seemed a little thin. There is a basic supporting cast, who seem to waffle between hindrance and helpful. In large part this is a low angst tale except for several scenes towards the end that border on melodrama. That aside, this is a pleasant enough read with a satisfactory conclusion.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has both humor and heart. The characters are realistic, relatable, and we'll developed. I had no problem picturing them and the events occurring. The story was well paced and very believable. I found myself rooting for their happily ever after.

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

[Ngoni Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a five star novel, the trope is just so exciting and the characters Billy and Andi are just lovely. A true slow burn, toaster oven, age gap romance. This was a well written novel and its worth reading.
I received an advance review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn!

This book hits hard. Like knocks the wind out of you hard. In both a good and bad way. It is a wonderful book, but make sure you're in a happy place when reading it. It will drag you down to the pits of despair before it gives you the wings to soar. Definitely recommend... bring tissues.

[Philippe · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great story, even if I was sometimes confused by the abbreviations and emojis in the messages.
Will they be able to find each other?

a few mistakes - proofreading and editing
Arc provided by The Authors in exchange for an unbiased review

[Megan Quinn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't know. I guess the idea was cute, and I liked Andi, but I found Billy incredibly unlikable and disrespectful. The sex was lackluster and coupled with the typos, this is just kind of a no from me.

I'm not saying don't read it, I'm just saying it wasn't what I expected.

[Valerie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bullying and immature behaviors. Graphic and selfish. A “look” into some LGBTQ relationships. A lesbian woman pursues the straight woman across the street. Billy is nearly 40. She exhibits some immature behaviors while stating some basic truths about love.
-⭐️ book 81 for 2024

[Christine Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow fantastic storyline I loved the main characters their connection was beautifully presented with the twists and turns that kept you reading on wanting more a must-read congratulations

[Tariqul Islam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent but needed an editor.

[L E · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book and the virtual recording is growing on me. I think there is another book and I would not mind reading it either.

[Mariana · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[Andrea Szymanski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es una historia rápida de leer. Los personajes, están descritos se comportan de tal forma que fácilmente resuenan entre los lectores. Segundas oportunidades para uno mismo

[Ericka Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute!