Just His Neighbor

Southern Roots Sweet RomCom #.5

by Elana Johnson

She’s just his neighbor…until his dog—oops, his brother’s dog—adopts her.

Jillian:

I really should be stronger. I mean, there’s a strict no-dog policy in the apartment next door. I own the building, and the the tall, dark construction manager can’t have a dog.

Except I love his dog, even if his name is Sausage. The more time I spend with him, the more I think my “strict” policy of no dogs and no men…isn’t so strict.

And when Thomas comes to my spa and does the Van-Gogh-ga?

Fine, I may be a goner. If only I wasn’t just his neighbor…

Get ready to enjoy this hilarious, sweet workplace romantic comedy! The romance is clean, the jokes witty, and the office grump swoon-worthy.

Genres: Clean Romance, Romance

159 pages, ebook

About the author

3-time USA Today bestselling author Elana Johnson writes adult contemporary beach romance. She is the author of over 130 books across two names, and there's nothing better than sun, sand, and swoon-worthy kisses! Unless it's a sweet-and-sexy cowboy - read those under her pen name of Liz Isaacson. Or an emotional, heartfelt women's fiction novel - read those under her pen name of Jessie Newton.

Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com

Reviews

[Annemiek]

It definitely misses character development. The idea of the story is cute and has potential but it isn't worked out properly, it feels haste and that is a real shame

[Maven_Reads]

Review of Just His Neighbor by Elana Johnson

Just His Neighbor by Elana Johnson is a heartwarming, clean romantic comedy about two adults whose lives collide over the antics of a mischievous dog and a strict “no dogs” policy that quickly unravels into something much softer and sweeter. In this prequel novella to the Southern Roots Sweet RomCom series, Jillian, a hardworking spa owner and landlord, meets her gruff new neighbor Thomas when his brother’s schnauzer, Sausage, literally adopts her and melts her carefully maintained boundaries.

I loved how naturally this story blends everyday humor with gentle romance. Jillian’s initial resistance to pets and men next door feels so human and relatable, and the way Sausage keeps nudging her heart open made me laugh and root for her transformation. Thomas has that classic office‑grump energy, but beneath it lies a tenderness that comes out in small, thoughtful gestures, especially when he sees Jillian’s genuine warmth and resilience. Their banter is witty and light, and I felt that the chemistry between them grew in a way that was both sweet and believable. The tone stays clean, humorous, and cozy throughout, making it a perfect quick escape for fans of gentle, feel‑good romance.

I would rate Just His Neighbor 4 out of 5 because, while its novella length means it doesn’t dig as deeply into character backstories as a full‑length novel might, it still delivers a joyful, charming romance that left me grinning.

The playful setup, warm character voices, and that irresistible dog‑induced spark make this a lovely start to the Southern Roots world, ideal for readers who cherish sweet banter, community vibes, and love that grows in the most unexpected ways.

[Barbara Campbell]

Super fun start to this series! I have no doubt the other stories will be fun also! The chemistry and banter between Jillian and Tom is great! And Sausage is like the cherry on top of the sundae. There are hilarious scenes.. Tom's classroom antics and the jelly fish incident come to mind! LOL! I love that the MMC & FMC are a bit older.. 37 & 42. I enjoy young love, but there is something about later in life love and especially a second love that follows heartache or perceived failure. And as an added bonus I found myself singing 80s rock while reading this one! IYKYK!

Looking forward to continuing with this series.

[Tori Mitchell]

A super-cute novella and prequel to the Southern Roots series! I don't often read novellas by Elana Johnson, but this was a fun and fast read that got me over the back-to-school hump.
Sausage is an adorable schnauzer, although a bit naughty, and quickly warms Jillian's heart - even though their apartment has a strict no-dog policy. Sausage helps her see that following the rules isn't everything in life and she quickly finds herself falling for his owner, Tom. Tom isn't looking for love, but Sausage might help him find it anyway.

[Kelly]

I cant put my finger on why this book didn’t work for me but i know one thing ….never pee on a jellyfish sting! That put the nail in the coffin for me.

I cannot write so i dont feel like im in a position to critique this book but i couldnt get into it.

Language: none
Spice: very low - some kisses
Angst: low

[MacKenzie]

I enjoyed this story as an audiobook. I believe it was narrated using a virtual voice.

This was a cute and quick prequel to the Southern Roots RomCom Series. I enjoyed getting to see how Jillian got to meet her husband. We see them mentioned throughout the series especially in Callie and Dawson’s story. I liked seeing Thomas trying to win her over while also being cautious and I loved little Sausage. If it wasn’t for Sausage these two would never have bonded in the way they did.

[Marilyn Burrows]

Cute story. And I do love Sausage. Not expecting anything, the new man moves into his new apt with his brothers dog. No pets allowed. But, he isn’t mine, he belongs to my brother. And the story builds into some very funny experiences

[Roberta aka Bobbie]

This was an enjoyable novella. Both Tom and Jillian are interesting characters. There's even a dog with a cute personality. I wasn't crazy about the dog's name but it didn't ruin the story for me.
Just His Neighbor by Elana Johnson is a clean romcom with a HEA.

[Vandy Dodge]

3.5 ⭐️
The book itself was enjoyable. The AI narration was OK but definitely prefer in person,
it was a cute enjoyable story. Clean and definitely some funny moments if you can relate to somebody peeing a little Clancy, unsure of these characters resonate with you.

[Brittany Robinson]

Obviously AI narrated… awful. The unnatural cadence ruins so many conversations and emotional moments during the story… same review I have book number three. I gave it time before finally deciding I can’t in fact get past it… just ruins the story when you’re constantly pulled out of the storyline by awkward narration

[Cara Garland]

Classic girl next door romance. Tom moved into Jillians apartments that she manages and Tom has snuck in his dog as no dogs allowed in this complex. The dog Sausage takes a liking to Jillian and the rest is history

[Emily]

Sweetly written, but it just doesn't go anywhere. Repetition, inconsistent characters, and unfortunately I didn't get pulled into the story and feel that fun zing of them falling in love.

[Linda]

DNF. OK but couldn't get into it somehow

[Suni]

Turns out this is a prequel novella to the Just His series, but isn't listed that way on Goodreads, and I read it last! 🤦🏻‍♀️ it needs to be listed as .5 in the series.

[Leslie]

Cheesy, rushed, and needed more development.

[Ace]

3.15

[Evelyn]

any book with a dog is usually awesome.
+ bonus chapters the wedding & lead in for Bk2.

[Slugpuppy3]

JUST HIS NEIGHBOR is an entertaining, sweet and clean rom com.

[Leah]

The narrator makes a difference.

[Lori Jo]

Fun! loved it! :D

[Karla]

A fun southern romance story. Jillian is a hard working divorced mother. She's trying to please her father and keep her own new spa business going. Tom moves in next door and the sparks fly.

[Ane Graham]

Listened to the audiobook & the digital voice narration ruined it for me.