The Boy Next Door: An If You Can Prequel Novella

by Cheryl Terra

Nellie Belanger never intended to start university as a virgin. But even though she’s determined to have her first time before the summer is over, she has two requirements:

1. She doesn’t want to end up in a relationship.
2. She wants it to be a little more special than “we met at a nightclub and I’m pretty sure your name starts with an N.”

Which shouldn’t be that hard to find… right? After all, all she wants is a no-strings-attached hook up that isn’t completely anonymous.

Someone who she can have fun with and who won’t spread rumours about her.

Someone who would be a bit more memorable than a generic guy in a backwards hat that looks completely different once they step out of the dim lighting of a bar.

Someone who knows what he’s doing so her first time won’t suck as much as everyone says the first time does.

Someone kind of like the boy next door, her best friend’s older brother with the great smile and reputation for sleeping around.

And who just so happens to be the guy she’s crushed on since she was a kid…

The Boy Next Door is the spicy prequel to the If You Can series, taking place 3 years before Kiss Me If You Can, a spicy unconventional romance coming April 12, 2024. Please see book interior or author’s website for all content warnings.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Spicy, Rom Com, Friends To Lovers

155 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2024

About the author

Cheryl Terra writes romantic and adult fiction with drama, sass, and a whole lot of... spice. Emotional and humorous, her books focus on contemporary relationships, inclusive characters, and happily ever afters. Living with her husband in northern Alberta, Canada, Cheryl relies on the heat between her quirky and memorable characters to help keep the gas bill down in the winter.

For more information and to get free books, visit Cheryl’s website at cherylterra.com

Reviews

[Shia · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic intro!

Oooo what an amazing prequel! Definitely got me hooked into reading the series! Highly recommend this steamy and I can’t wait to see their reunion!

[Lisa Mandina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one! I was giggling from the first time I picked it up. The meet cute between Nellie and JP, of course it was when she was a little girl and he was the 12 year old or whatever older brother of her new best friend, it had me laughing out loud! Then there were all the crazy dates that Nellie went on trying to lose her virginity before college, especially after what happened with her ex. There was a lot more than just humor though. Between Nellie’s family and the things that happened along the way with her and them, as well as the crazy guys on the dates, there was a lot going on.

It was definitely a very spicy book for sure though! So if you prefer closed door, you might not be a fan of this. However, this was right up my alley for the type of romance I enjoy. I totally understood Nellie’s thoughts and how she felt about that type of a relationship and guys. And JP was so much fun to see how things went with him, both in his older brother character as well as possibly more than that now that Nellie was grown up and he was too.

I know this is my first book by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last, in fact I see several listed on Goodreads that I need to go back and get my hands on! And I’m very excited for the next book to see just how these two can reconnect and see where they can go! This will be another favorite of the year for me probably!

Review first published on Lisa Loves Literature.

[Msmomo73 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked right from the start. With it being a novella, I read it one sitting and loved every minute of it and I can’t wait to read book 1 on the series.

The interactions between Nellie and JP were perfect. They were the right amount of funny and sweet. I love how we got to see glimpses of the past and then back to how things are now in the present. The chemistry between them was perfection and I am so ready to see where this heads in the first book now that Nellie has embraced herself as a woman.

Nellie and her two friends had me laughing out loud so many times. The way they interacted and joked with each other was perfect. The way Nellie and Celine met was the best. I would love to see a scene play out like that in real life. I hope we get to see them all interacting more in Kiss Me If You Can!

This was a quick 5 star read for me! I did receive an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Joanna Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know you’ve just read a good book when you finish and you’re like “that’s it?! I want more!” This was a SLOW burn and Nellie was such a fun character. Shes determined, but also reserved. I loved how she opened up towards the end. I am SO excited this is the start to a series because I can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Jill (readinginpjs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was unique and refreshing!
I was hooked from the first pages. Hilarious & fun, and felt more realistic than what I usually read.

I’m from Montreal so all the references were fun for me!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🌶️🌶️

*make sure to download the bonus from JP’s POV, it’s so good!

[Chantale Canadian Book Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just couldn’t put this novella down. It’s a great prequel that is funny.

I really like all the Canadian stuff . I was born in Ottawa and my speak both English and French so I completely understood everything. I laughed out loud a few times.

I can’t wait for the first book to come out .

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows Nellie, who has lived with her mother in Toronto for most of her life after her parents' divorce. She has recently graduated from high school and is heading off to university in the fall. Nellie trying to escape the rumours following her from high school jumps at the opportunity to spend the summer with her dad in Montreal before she starts university when he offers to help her financially with her studies if she agrees to visit him more often throughout the year. When she arrives at her dad's house is reunited with her best friend and next-door neighbour Anne Marie.

Nellie, deadset on losing her virginity before she heads off to university, goes on a string of terrible first dates that will leave you in fits of giggles. I loved the friendship between Nellie and her two friends and their hilarious interactions and banter.

I really enjoyed the romance in this story too. I loved the chemistry and dynamic between Nellie and Jean-Paul, both sweet and steamy. Age gap, best friend's brother, and a bit of an it's always been you vibe, are some of my favourtie tropes and I enjoyed reading the start of their story. I can't wait to read more of their story when Kiss Me If You Can releases in April.

Thank you Cheryl for the ARC copy of The Boy Next Door. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review. The Boy Next Door will be available on February 16th.

[MeMe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upon reading The Boy Next Door, it immediately captivated me. Despite its novella format, the story intrigued me and I finished it in one sitting. As an avid reader, I enjoyed every aspect of the story and I am looking forward to reading the first book in the series. Throughout the novel, Nellie and JP interact effectively. Nellie and JP is the perfect combination of funny and sweet. We continued our exploration of the past and present by providing glimpses of the past and returning to the present. The chemistry between them captivated me as a woman, and I look forward to reading about her transition from being a girl to embracing her identity as a woman in the first book of the series. I laughed out loud multiple times during Nellie's visit with her friends because of her cheeky humor. Besides their interaction, I enjoyed how they interacted and laughed together. Nellie and Celine met heartfelt. Seeing this scene played out regularly in the real world would be fantastic. Earlier, I had mentioned that I was hoping to see more interaction between them all in Kiss Me If You Can.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nellie meets her best friend, Anne Marie when she was 4 years old. She had just moved next door with her parents. Unfortunately, she met Jean Paul or JP the same day too and after one interaction she exclaims to everyone that she's done with boys.
Fast forward to when Nellie is 18 she's now living with mom after her parents are divorced and dating Adrian. They've been dating for awhile and Nellie is ready to sleep with him but he's not ready. She finally breaks up with him which ends up getting her reputation destroyed by lies he tells about her. The summer before college she goes to stay with her dad in their old house so he will pay for college although her mom wouldn't approve.
She finally wants to lose her v-card but it ends up being a lot more trouble than she thought it would be.
This novella was everything. It was funny, cute, heartwarming and spicy in the best way. I can not wait for this series to begin in April.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this novella and this is my honest review.

Nellie is a typical high school graduate, in my opinion. She’s handling the topic of her virginity, family troubles, and horrifying school rumors as one would likely anticipate from a teenager. Her best-friend Anne-Marie doesn’t behave as a recent graduate, in my opinion. There were some blurry details, to me, so maybe they aren’t exactly the same age.

The story unfolds reasonably and mostly as anticipated. Having not yet read Kiss Me If You Can, which this book is the prequel for, I don’t know how much of a necessity it is to read it. I will likely revisit once I’ve had the opportunity and can judge if this is a necessity.

That said, it’s a quick, easy read with some laugh out loud moments and realistic characters and occurrences. Looking forward to the next one in April.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This shortie was captivating and full of laugh out loud moments right from page one. There was no gap or drop in story where I felt unengaged with the characters.

Nellie had my heart from the minute she met her brother's best friend, JP. It was a riot for sure! I'm a sucker for a funny meet cute and this one definitely was just that.

The story itself is sweet, but oh so spicy, so hang onto your panties! I am so looking forward to the rest in the series to see what happens with the other characters that were introduced.

👉🏻💥Always check the TW/CW💥👈🏻

Anywho! Time to wrap this up with the goodies:
Read: 4🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 2🌶🌶🌶

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

[Bailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️/5

… the f***??? WTF just happened?
An entire novella about FMC Nellie being desperate to lose her virginity. She and her best friend spend all summer on the hunt for the perfect guy to lose it with, but Nellie suffers from one POS to the next over and over. All the while, she’s getting a huge crush on her best friend’s brother. Decided that JP (brother) is the perfect person to lose her virginity with, has amazing sex with him, goes out and has sex with a different random person the very same day, then the next day leaves for the summer and doesn’t say a word to JP. Ends with saying she doesn’t see JP again.
What the FUCK world of “ROMANCE” is this?? This is much more “the series of unfortunate events” + “desperately horny teenager” ?

[Joanna C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I laughed so much with this book. Nellie is soon to graduate high school. She’s looking forward to graduating and attending university. She would also like to have sex for the first time. Just having recently broken up with her longtime boyfriend. She is now not looking for anything serious but would still like to be comfortable with whoever she decides to sleep with. I think many will relate to Nellie and the troubles she runs into, with her best friend by her side. It was honestly such a fun read. Can’t wait to read more about Nellie’s story.

I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Nellie, Anne-Marie, and her brother, JP are great. Their first meeting of each other when Nellie and Anne-Marie were four and JP, nine did not go over so well. In fact, at that time Nellie was declaring that she was done with men as JP had ruined her brand-new light up shoes.

Anne-Marie is who every girl wants as their best friend. She had me laughing and wanting to hang out with her. The way she kept pushing Nellie towards her brother, JP is charming. I love that she was supportive towards the idea.

Nellie and JP are good together. Except for the jerk move that JP did to Nellie. This prequel definitely got me very excited to read Kiss If Me You Can.

[Kiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute prequel, written well

Very cute prequel, great setup for the characters' history. Anne-Marie is almost too good of a wing woman! Loved the girl power moment in Chapter 6 as well. And the ending is done well, in such a way that you kinda have to pick up the series to find out what happens with Ellie! Bonus points for the fact that I didn't find a single spelling or grammar error in this book which, believe it or not, happens way more these days than you think. This was very well written and fun to read.

[Elizabeth M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to begin. First of all it grabbed my attention and kept it the entire time. Usually books that flip from past to present bug me Becuase it isn’t done well most of the time. THIS book though! Oh my my, it really helped establish connections and back story! The sequel comes out in April and I’m a little upset. Not really but it’s such a good book I know if the rest of the series was out I’d devour it!! Release is 02/16/2024, pre-order it now!

[Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novella and was hooked from the first page! It was so hard to put this book down and I read it in one sitting!

Nellie and JP were so cute! Their chemistry was explosive and I can’t wait to see what else happens between them.

All the characters were amazing and I loved the dynamics Nellie had with her friends.

This age gap, best friend's brother prequel novella to Kiss Me If You can was so enjoyable and I can’t wait to read Kiss Me If You Can!

Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jen Zingaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. The characters are so amusing. Nellie has my heart for sure. When you meet her as a little girl, she is a spitfire and doesn’t even realize how smart and sassy she is. The things she says…. 😂😂. This part of the story is basically watching her grow up and starting to figure out what kind of person she wants to be. She also tries very hard to rid herself of her V Card. Got to read the first chapter of Kiss Me If You Can and I Need it now!!

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a very short book with Nellie trying super hard to give up her virginity until she finally gives it to her friend's brother one day and supposedly ruins her for others because she was so good 🙄. She did this all to prove that she wasn't a skank like a rumor said she was

[Chelsea •chelseas.bookshelf2• · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you InkSlinger PR for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.


This was a cute novella and left me wanting to read the next book! The first half was a little slow for me, but I really enjoyed the second half!! Now we just need a pov from Jean-Paul!

[Heather Davidson-Norman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much to say about it unfortunately. Quick-ish read if catches your attention. Pretty decent set up for book one. Nellie was good, but Anne-Marie was annoying imo. JP definitely has potential. 3/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐

I've got this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Zoey Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute novella! Nellie is such a funny girl I loved her personality. Her and Anne-Marie are such a fun duo as well! I’m very intrigued with that ending as to what’s gonna happen in this series!

[Angel Smathers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Noelle could catch a break and the dating story's about the awful dates I found funny however I really felt for Noelle wanting to give up on dating .
I am glad she kept trying

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great start to the If You Can Series. Devoured in one sitting. My only complaint is that I have to wait until April for the next book release!!!!

[Michell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book to get an idea for, how loosing your v card can be

[w · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute short fun

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this prequel

[Chloe R Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute little romance wished it was longer because i need to read more about Nellie and JP

[Vanessa Hilario Mata · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMGS! Loved this Hilarious and spicy prequel to the If You Can series! Nellie is a spitfire at young age. Her and Jean-Paul have a meet cute. Enjoyed reading Nellie journey to her first time. Want Nellie and JP end up together! Waiting patiently for Kiss Me If You Can! A Must Read!

[Inessa_Akin · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.7/5 stars

Tropes:

~ novella

~ brothers best friend

~ age gap

~ one night stand type situation

This was a quick read (I read it in a sitting cus I couldn’t rip myself from my kindle) I absolutely LOVED the banter between JP and Nellie, they absolutely give off the vibes of “it was always you” it’s KILLING me not having more of them!! I’m in absolute desperate need of their book,

I need them together again, I need them in love, I just need more! I’m so invested and In love with them, this author absolutely ATE UP this storyline, and the tropes? The connection? The tension? Obsessed! I’m so ready for their book now,

I’m like on the edge of my seat in wait of it, you absolutely NEED to read this! So so good.

(You don’t needa read it for the first book in this series but I’d definitely recommend it as it got me UNBELIEVABLY excited to read their actual story!!)