What do you think?
Rate this book
Honeybrook Hollow #1
Next to You
Stranded in a snowy cabin with my secret high school crush and only our steamy chemistry to keep us warm?
Yes, please.
And all this because I wanted some tacos and a chance at happily ever after.
Five minutes into another terrible date, I realized I should have just stayed home.
After storming off with my take-out consolation prize, I ended up spinning my car into a snowbank.
A light dusting of snow—yeah, right.
Thankfully, my knight-in-shining-tow-truck arrives to save the day and rekindle my crush. But because nothing is ever easy, we are forced to seek shelter from the rapidly worsening weather.
Cut to me stuck in a picturesque snowy cabin with my secret high school crush and plenty of time on our hands. Things are looking up!
And it turns out he’s always had a thing for me too. Who knew?
Spencer Cassidy might be a hot-as-sin mechanic who rebuilds cars for a living and spends his winters pulling tourists out of ditches, but he’s also a gentleman—respectful, protective, and worried about taking advantage of me. So we agree not to start anything while we’re trapped together.
But after years of dating non-committal boy-men and repeatedly having my heart broken, a chance with a real man like Spencer may be too tempting to resist.
NEXT TO YOU is a forced proximity, only one bed, small town romance. If you want a quick, lighthearted escape from reality with plenty of banter and spice and a swoony happily ever after, grab a mug of hot chocolate and a cozy blanket and visit Honeybrook Hollow, Oregon.
Yes, please.
And all this because I wanted some tacos and a chance at happily ever after.
Five minutes into another terrible date, I realized I should have just stayed home.
After storming off with my take-out consolation prize, I ended up spinning my car into a snowbank.
A light dusting of snow—yeah, right.
Thankfully, my knight-in-shining-tow-truck arrives to save the day and rekindle my crush. But because nothing is ever easy, we are forced to seek shelter from the rapidly worsening weather.
Cut to me stuck in a picturesque snowy cabin with my secret high school crush and plenty of time on our hands. Things are looking up!
And it turns out he’s always had a thing for me too. Who knew?
Spencer Cassidy might be a hot-as-sin mechanic who rebuilds cars for a living and spends his winters pulling tourists out of ditches, but he’s also a gentleman—respectful, protective, and worried about taking advantage of me. So we agree not to start anything while we’re trapped together.
But after years of dating non-committal boy-men and repeatedly having my heart broken, a chance with a real man like Spencer may be too tempting to resist.
NEXT TO YOU is a forced proximity, only one bed, small town romance. If you want a quick, lighthearted escape from reality with plenty of banter and spice and a swoony happily ever after, grab a mug of hot chocolate and a cozy blanket and visit Honeybrook Hollow, Oregon.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2024
176 people are currently reading
537 people want to read
About the author
Nora Everly
32 books1,213 followersSign up for my newsletter: https://www.noraeverly.com/newsletter
Nora Everly is a lifelong bookworm. She started reading the good stuff once she was tall enough to sneak the romance novels off the top of her mother’s bookshelf and it has been non-stop ever since.
Once upon a time she was a substitute teacher and an educational assistant. Now, she’s a writer and stay at home mom to two small humans and one fat cat.
Nora lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and her overactive imagination.
Follow Nora!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authornoraev...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nora.everly/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoraEverly
Nora Everly is a lifelong bookworm. She started reading the good stuff once she was tall enough to sneak the romance novels off the top of her mother’s bookshelf and it has been non-stop ever since.
Once upon a time she was a substitute teacher and an educational assistant. Now, she’s a writer and stay at home mom to two small humans and one fat cat.
Nora lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and her overactive imagination.
Follow Nora!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authornoraev...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nora.everly/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoraEverly
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 14, 2025
This book was kinda meh for me. I was looking for something light hearted and fun to read after reading a very sad book (Rebecca Yarros you know who you are) but this book didn’t really do it for me. The characters are old high school friends/ acquaintances who reconnect by chance in the middle of a snow storm and get stuck in a cabin for days while they wait to be plowed out of the snow. While stuck they both discover that they have had crushes on each other since high school, mix in a few spicy scenes and that’s about the whole book. Maybe I’m just dead on the inside that I’m not overjoyed for these characters finding their way back to one another but it just wasn’t that interesting of a story to me🫠
December 20, 2024
“I watched him walk away with a rekindled flame of hope burning into my heart.”
I had the honor of reading an early copy of Next to You by Nora Everly. I fell head over heels for Lucy Darlington and Spencer Cassidy! Lucy is a quirky, adorkable, sweetheart whose crappy dating luck leaves her stranded in a snowbank. Spencer is a warmhearted, hometown mechanic who lives rent-free in my heart. I’m obsessed with the green flag lumbersnack and knight in shining tow-truck. When he rescues Lucy, they’re forced to take shelter in his family’s cabin. A traumatic experience and forced proximity bring feelings and long-buried truths to light in this charming, snowed-in, spicy romance. Spencer’s dad and brothers were awesome and Nora’s helicopter mom was so sweet. Nora packs small-town charm, flirty banter, mutual pining, and a whole lot of heart into Lucy and Spencer’s love story. Lucy’s unfiltered awkward and hilarious inner monologue had me in stitches. I won’t be getting over Spencer’s gooey marshmallow cinnamon roll character and Nora’s genuinely sweet storytelling. If you crave door leans and a book boyfriend who will melt your heart like marshmallows in hot cocoa, grab Next to You now! I love the new Honeybrook Hollow crew and can’t wait for more!
Spice Level: 🌶️.5 Swoon Factor: ♾️🫠
I had the honor of reading an early copy of Next to You by Nora Everly. I fell head over heels for Lucy Darlington and Spencer Cassidy! Lucy is a quirky, adorkable, sweetheart whose crappy dating luck leaves her stranded in a snowbank. Spencer is a warmhearted, hometown mechanic who lives rent-free in my heart. I’m obsessed with the green flag lumbersnack and knight in shining tow-truck. When he rescues Lucy, they’re forced to take shelter in his family’s cabin. A traumatic experience and forced proximity bring feelings and long-buried truths to light in this charming, snowed-in, spicy romance. Spencer’s dad and brothers were awesome and Nora’s helicopter mom was so sweet. Nora packs small-town charm, flirty banter, mutual pining, and a whole lot of heart into Lucy and Spencer’s love story. Lucy’s unfiltered awkward and hilarious inner monologue had me in stitches. I won’t be getting over Spencer’s gooey marshmallow cinnamon roll character and Nora’s genuinely sweet storytelling. If you crave door leans and a book boyfriend who will melt your heart like marshmallows in hot cocoa, grab Next to You now! I love the new Honeybrook Hollow crew and can’t wait for more!
Spice Level: 🌶️.5 Swoon Factor: ♾️🫠
December 18, 2024
Next to You - ARC Review
There’s this wonderful thing that happens when you’re lucky enough to be immersed in a Nora Everly story. I think in part it’s in her tender and humorous rendering of the ‘every woman’ and ‘every guy’. You can’t help but find yourself routing for, empathising with, getting frustrated or laughing out loud at who may as well be one of your friends or siblings. There are no billionaire bachelors, Hollywood starlets or royalty from fictional principalities here. Don’t get me wrong, those can be fun too but there is a particular joy to be felt from seeing glitter in the familiar. And I don’t mean the kind that gets everywhere and is bad for the environment. I mean experiencing the aurora borealis from your own back garden. That’s the skilled craft of Nora’s delicious storytelling, evident here again in the first book of her new series Honeybrook Hollow. If you loved the Sweetbriar series as much as I did, then Spencer and Lucy’s story will give you all the swoony feels. If you need a comforting respite, Next to You is the ideal balm. A good reminder to us all that amazing things can come to those who wait. Speaking of… I can’t wait for book 2!
There’s this wonderful thing that happens when you’re lucky enough to be immersed in a Nora Everly story. I think in part it’s in her tender and humorous rendering of the ‘every woman’ and ‘every guy’. You can’t help but find yourself routing for, empathising with, getting frustrated or laughing out loud at who may as well be one of your friends or siblings. There are no billionaire bachelors, Hollywood starlets or royalty from fictional principalities here. Don’t get me wrong, those can be fun too but there is a particular joy to be felt from seeing glitter in the familiar. And I don’t mean the kind that gets everywhere and is bad for the environment. I mean experiencing the aurora borealis from your own back garden. That’s the skilled craft of Nora’s delicious storytelling, evident here again in the first book of her new series Honeybrook Hollow. If you loved the Sweetbriar series as much as I did, then Spencer and Lucy’s story will give you all the swoony feels. If you need a comforting respite, Next to You is the ideal balm. A good reminder to us all that amazing things can come to those who wait. Speaking of… I can’t wait for book 2!
December 19, 2024
Lucy is one lucky lady. A blind date has gone really badly. Her night was doomed. Her life is in a ditch. Then she is rescued by Spencer and then is lucky enough to be snowed in with him. All kinds of secrets come out as I swooned over Spencer. Why, oh why, aren't there more super swoonworthy guys around?
It is funny how they have known each other all their lives and they have secretly pines after each other. They start sharing while snowed in a little cabin in the woods. The back and forth banter kept me entertained for hours. I couldn't wait to see what would happen when it all came too much.
Spencer became a knight in shining armor taking care of Lucy. His respect for her was mindblowing and pedestal worthy. I couldn't wait to see how their plans would come to fruition. Heart palpitations.
It is funny how they have known each other all their lives and they have secretly pines after each other. They start sharing while snowed in a little cabin in the woods. The back and forth banter kept me entertained for hours. I couldn't wait to see what would happen when it all came too much.
Spencer became a knight in shining armor taking care of Lucy. His respect for her was mindblowing and pedestal worthy. I couldn't wait to see how their plans would come to fruition. Heart palpitations.
December 16, 2024
I binge read this book the same day I received the arc!! Love me some snowed in, hunky hero, heroine in distress, small town love stories with hidden feeling!! Love love love this story!
Spencer and Lucy are a delight! They have amazing banter, chemistry and sheer will power to “behave” while stranded. Nora gives us an amazing story that will make you laugh, swoon and fall in love with these two amazing characters.
Spencer is the ultimate cinnamon roll who will do anything to care for Lucy while stranded. Lucy cracks me up..she sassy, flirty and so thankful Spencer rescued her.
A fantastic read that will warm your heart and make you smile!
Spencer and Lucy are a delight! They have amazing banter, chemistry and sheer will power to “behave” while stranded. Nora gives us an amazing story that will make you laugh, swoon and fall in love with these two amazing characters.
Spencer is the ultimate cinnamon roll who will do anything to care for Lucy while stranded. Lucy cracks me up..she sassy, flirty and so thankful Spencer rescued her.
A fantastic read that will warm your heart and make you smile!
December 17, 2024
Aww this book has my heart. It is a perfect Christmassy small town romance and I loved it. Spencer and Lucy are childhood friends who have secretly crushed on each other. They are pulled together during a snowstorm and have to survive in the cabin ( yep one bed!). All the best tropes ! It’s a slow burn as they come together but it was utterly charming and I loved reading it.
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
August 8, 2025
I need to plan a trip up to Oregon soon. It was a nice surprise that this book was set in a town on the way up to Mt. Hood. Childhood friends Spencer and Lucy finally reconnect after Lucy returns to their small town after being away for some time is spurred by a drift into a snowbank.
January 5, 2025
A nice and cozy novella about Spencer and Lucy, who have been crushing on each other for forever but only a terrible snowstorm can finally bring together. Also, fun fact, if you are a Nora Everly true fan you will recognize Charlotte who is Spencer’s sister as Cade’s love interest in Change of Heart!
Currently reading
December 15, 2024
Next to You is coming to Kindle Unlimited December 19th!
Get ready for all the snowed in with my old high school crush steamy fun!
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘!
https://mybook.to/NextToYouNEverly
NEXT TO YOU is a forced proximity, only one bed, small town romance. If you want a quick, lighthearted escape from reality with plenty of banter and spice, and a swoony happily ever after, grab a mug of hot chocolate and a cozy blanket and visit Honeybrook Hollow, Oregon!!
August 24, 2025
entertaining but redundant
Do you remember in school when an essay had to be certain number of pages and words so would would through fluff in to reach those parameters? That’s what this book was like. While the story was cute the ending was known in the first chapter but it took FOREVER to get there. Literally 50% of the book was “I want you but I can’t have you” while they are stuck together, snowed in at a cabin with no electricity or heat. Overall it was cute but about 3 times as long as it needed to be.
Do you remember in school when an essay had to be certain number of pages and words so would would through fluff in to reach those parameters? That’s what this book was like. While the story was cute the ending was known in the first chapter but it took FOREVER to get there. Literally 50% of the book was “I want you but I can’t have you” while they are stuck together, snowed in at a cabin with no electricity or heat. Overall it was cute but about 3 times as long as it needed to be.
January 17, 2025
Next to You is the first book in Everly’s Honeybrook Hollow series a spinoff of her Sweetbriar Mountain series where in the last book in that series Change of Heart, we met the Charlotte Cassidy and briefly her brothers. Her brothers are the male protagonists this series is built around.
I’m not saying this is a bad book. But it was such a sweet love story it almost gave me a cavity. Sort of like the name of the series. If you like your romances full of a lot of sweet professions of love, a little bit of sex and even less angst, you’ll love this book. The only real tension in this story comes from both Lucy Darlington and Spencer Cassidy’s unjustifiable fears that what they’re experiencing with each other can’t possibly be real after years of bad dating experiences even though they’ve known each other their entire lives. Lucy and Spencer have known each other since kindergarten. Usually seated alphabetically in school, Lucy was almost always seated directly behind Spencer through high school. Lucy has had a crush on the handsome and kind Spencer and Spencer for Lucy for just about as long. But because of fear of rejection and later bad timing they’ve never shared more than a few words together. Now at 33 years old with countless bad dates between them they have both had it with the dating scene. While rushing home from her latest and presumably last bad date Lucy gets caught in a surprise ice and snowstorm on the mountain roads outside of Honeybrook Hollow. She slides off the road and into a snowbank. Spencer whose family owns an auto repair shop and towing service is driving the same road in his tow truck when he sees Lucy’s car off the side of the road. He rushes to her car, gets her safely into the warm cab of his truck and tows her now damaged car out of the snowbank. His plan is to take her to her house but the weather has gotten too bad to drive in. So Spencer suggests they hunker down in his family’s nearby cabin until the storm passes. Lucy agrees with this plan. The snow just keeps coming down trapping Spencer and Lucy in the cabin for three days with only a fireplace to keep them warm. During that time they say all the things to each other they’ve been holding back from saying for almost 3 decades. They get very, very close. But as close as they become both emotionally and physically they both still harbor fears that once they leave the cabin life and their relationship will go back to what it was. Which quite honestly made absolutely no sense to me at all. Nor did their reasons for trying to avoid physical intimacy while they’re at the cabin since they’ve basically been crazy about each other for again, almost thirty years. Of course, they eventually figure out their fears are baseless because this is a contemporary romance so we have to get some sexy times and a HEA. Besides introducing us to Spencer’s brothers and Lucy’s half-sisters that’s about all there really is to this story. Spencer is the world’s most perfect boyfriend and Lucy is just adorable and sexy. The End.
I’m not saying this is a bad book. But it was such a sweet love story it almost gave me a cavity. Sort of like the name of the series. If you like your romances full of a lot of sweet professions of love, a little bit of sex and even less angst, you’ll love this book. The only real tension in this story comes from both Lucy Darlington and Spencer Cassidy’s unjustifiable fears that what they’re experiencing with each other can’t possibly be real after years of bad dating experiences even though they’ve known each other their entire lives. Lucy and Spencer have known each other since kindergarten. Usually seated alphabetically in school, Lucy was almost always seated directly behind Spencer through high school. Lucy has had a crush on the handsome and kind Spencer and Spencer for Lucy for just about as long. But because of fear of rejection and later bad timing they’ve never shared more than a few words together. Now at 33 years old with countless bad dates between them they have both had it with the dating scene. While rushing home from her latest and presumably last bad date Lucy gets caught in a surprise ice and snowstorm on the mountain roads outside of Honeybrook Hollow. She slides off the road and into a snowbank. Spencer whose family owns an auto repair shop and towing service is driving the same road in his tow truck when he sees Lucy’s car off the side of the road. He rushes to her car, gets her safely into the warm cab of his truck and tows her now damaged car out of the snowbank. His plan is to take her to her house but the weather has gotten too bad to drive in. So Spencer suggests they hunker down in his family’s nearby cabin until the storm passes. Lucy agrees with this plan. The snow just keeps coming down trapping Spencer and Lucy in the cabin for three days with only a fireplace to keep them warm. During that time they say all the things to each other they’ve been holding back from saying for almost 3 decades. They get very, very close. But as close as they become both emotionally and physically they both still harbor fears that once they leave the cabin life and their relationship will go back to what it was. Which quite honestly made absolutely no sense to me at all. Nor did their reasons for trying to avoid physical intimacy while they’re at the cabin since they’ve basically been crazy about each other for again, almost thirty years. Of course, they eventually figure out their fears are baseless because this is a contemporary romance so we have to get some sexy times and a HEA. Besides introducing us to Spencer’s brothers and Lucy’s half-sisters that’s about all there really is to this story. Spencer is the world’s most perfect boyfriend and Lucy is just adorable and sexy. The End.
December 24, 2024
Next to You is Nora Everly’s latest holiday-themed steamy romantic comedy. It’s the first story in her new Honeybrook Hollow series, set in a fictional small mountain town in Oregon. While the hero was a side character in previous books, Next to You can absolutely be read as a stand-alone.
33-year-old Lucy Darlington is a successful author of the Larry the Llama children’s books. She lives in a small cabin behind her grandparents’ Honeybrook Hollow Lodge on a mountain in rural Oregon. She is single and has had terrible luck with dating, but she decides to try online dating one more time. When her New Years Eve date is terrible, she abandons him at the Mexican restaurant and gets her tacos to go. On her way home, her car slides on an ice patch and she slides into a snowbank on a mountain road. Luckily for her, a classmate and secret crush drives by in his tow truck.
Spencer Cassidy is a 6’ 5” tow truck driver and mechanic, who is in business with his brothers. He was introduced in Change of Heart as Charlotte’s brother, and also made an appearance in Let It Snow. Spencer is glad to assist Lucy during her time of need and grateful to have an opportunity to spend time with her. He has had a crush on her since high school but always thought that she was out of his league. Since there’s a blizzard going on, it makes sense for them to take refuge in the Cassidy family cabin.
Naturally Lucy and Spencer are forced to share the single bed and conserve body heat in his family’s cabin. They’re snowed in for New Years and spend the time getting to know each other in a romantic way. Things heat up even more when they each discover they had a secret crush since high school. The questions is if they can forge a lasting relationship, instead of a one night stand.I really enjoyed reading Next to You; this is my second time to read this author’s works outside of the SmartyPants Romance umbrella. Both Lucy and Spencer are wonderful, realistic characters who the reader will engage with. There are many humorous scenes throughout the story, and the side characters add flavor. The reader never worries that they will die in an avalanche or some other awful ending. Next to You is a sweet romance with a few steamy romantic scenes that can be enjoyed while bundled up with a hot beverage. Now I’m anxiously awaiting Make You Mine, the next story in this Honeybrook Hollow series!
I received an advance review copy (ARC) from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
33-year-old Lucy Darlington is a successful author of the Larry the Llama children’s books. She lives in a small cabin behind her grandparents’ Honeybrook Hollow Lodge on a mountain in rural Oregon. She is single and has had terrible luck with dating, but she decides to try online dating one more time. When her New Years Eve date is terrible, she abandons him at the Mexican restaurant and gets her tacos to go. On her way home, her car slides on an ice patch and she slides into a snowbank on a mountain road. Luckily for her, a classmate and secret crush drives by in his tow truck.
Spencer Cassidy is a 6’ 5” tow truck driver and mechanic, who is in business with his brothers. He was introduced in Change of Heart as Charlotte’s brother, and also made an appearance in Let It Snow. Spencer is glad to assist Lucy during her time of need and grateful to have an opportunity to spend time with her. He has had a crush on her since high school but always thought that she was out of his league. Since there’s a blizzard going on, it makes sense for them to take refuge in the Cassidy family cabin.
Naturally Lucy and Spencer are forced to share the single bed and conserve body heat in his family’s cabin. They’re snowed in for New Years and spend the time getting to know each other in a romantic way. Things heat up even more when they each discover they had a secret crush since high school. The questions is if they can forge a lasting relationship, instead of a one night stand.I really enjoyed reading Next to You; this is my second time to read this author’s works outside of the SmartyPants Romance umbrella. Both Lucy and Spencer are wonderful, realistic characters who the reader will engage with. There are many humorous scenes throughout the story, and the side characters add flavor. The reader never worries that they will die in an avalanche or some other awful ending. Next to You is a sweet romance with a few steamy romantic scenes that can be enjoyed while bundled up with a hot beverage. Now I’m anxiously awaiting Make You Mine, the next story in this Honeybrook Hollow series!
I received an advance review copy (ARC) from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 3, 2025
Next to You is a forced proximity, one-bed romance featuring Lucy and Spencer, who have know each other since kindergarten and have secret crushes on each other. Set during a snowstorm leading up to New Year’s Eve, the story begins with Lucy stranded on the roadside due to the unexpected blizzard. Spencer, driving his tow truck, comes to her rescue, but the storm forces them to seek shelter at his family’s cabin.
As the storm rages outside, the chemistry between Lucy and Spencer becomes impossible to ignore. Despite their undeniable attraction, both are determined to keep their emotions in check, leading to a mix of tension, humor, and heartfelt moments. The narrative alternates between their perspectives, allowing readers to delve into their thoughts, their shared history, and their witty banter.
I enjoyed seeing how they managed the situation and appreciated the refreshing focus on healthy communication, which kept the story engaging and satisfying. Additionally, the glimpses into their families added depth to their characters, enriching the story. I’m can't wait for the next book in the Honeybrook Hollow series.
As the storm rages outside, the chemistry between Lucy and Spencer becomes impossible to ignore. Despite their undeniable attraction, both are determined to keep their emotions in check, leading to a mix of tension, humor, and heartfelt moments. The narrative alternates between their perspectives, allowing readers to delve into their thoughts, their shared history, and their witty banter.
I enjoyed seeing how they managed the situation and appreciated the refreshing focus on healthy communication, which kept the story engaging and satisfying. Additionally, the glimpses into their families added depth to their characters, enriching the story. I’m can't wait for the next book in the Honeybrook Hollow series.
January 19, 2025
Spencer Cassidy & Lucy Darlington
I liked the idea of this book. High school crushes ending up stranded together, but I was promised banter and spice, and I don't feel like this book delivered.
I think my interest waned with all the freaking reassuring that was going on after Spencer "rescued" Lucy. Dude, I get, she can trust you. I also felt like if you know the weather man is horrible at his job, why wouldn't you be prepared for any eventuality when you leave the house. At least dress for the possible weather or have some back up things in the car. It's not like you're know to the area and don't know what to expect.
Anyway, the constant reassurance got on my nerves, but I did like how openly they communicated with one another. By the time they left the cabin I was actually more intrigued by Lucy's family dynamics more than anything else and wondering what happened with Paige and her ex, and what might happen between her and Spencer's brother (I think his name was Hunter).
I liked the idea of this book. High school crushes ending up stranded together, but I was promised banter and spice, and I don't feel like this book delivered.
I think my interest waned with all the freaking reassuring that was going on after Spencer "rescued" Lucy. Dude, I get, she can trust you. I also felt like if you know the weather man is horrible at his job, why wouldn't you be prepared for any eventuality when you leave the house. At least dress for the possible weather or have some back up things in the car. It's not like you're know to the area and don't know what to expect.
Anyway, the constant reassurance got on my nerves, but I did like how openly they communicated with one another. By the time they left the cabin I was actually more intrigued by Lucy's family dynamics more than anything else and wondering what happened with Paige and her ex, and what might happen between her and Spencer's brother (I think his name was Hunter).
December 23, 2024
After a dreadful first date, Lucy’s car gets stuck in a snow storm. Lucky for her highschool crush Spencer rescues her with his tow truck. The snow prevents them from getting home and they end up snowed in in Spencer‘s family‘s cabin where they spend the next few day together…… and to make things interesting there is only one bed.
This was such a cute story. Spencer was such sweetheart and gentlemen. I love his pov. Lucy was a shy nerdy girl but i love her becoming confident and getting all flirty. The flirty banter was good, and the chemistry and tension of their will to behave while being stuck together in warm cozy romantic cabin with a fireplace and only one bed, while having crush on each other since school. I love how take care of her. I love what they talked about wanting in a relationship and that was so real and sweet. Plus also her talking about how does he make her feel like don’t give her one and that was so sweet.
This was such a cute story. Spencer was such sweetheart and gentlemen. I love his pov. Lucy was a shy nerdy girl but i love her becoming confident and getting all flirty. The flirty banter was good, and the chemistry and tension of their will to behave while being stuck together in warm cozy romantic cabin with a fireplace and only one bed, while having crush on each other since school. I love how take care of her. I love what they talked about wanting in a relationship and that was so real and sweet. Plus also her talking about how does he make her feel like don’t give her one and that was so sweet.
January 2, 2025
This was a wonderful story about realistic people. I'd love to meet them, hang out with them, play a few board games, and wish them a great future together. Lucy and Spencer get themselves stranded in his family's cabin during a blizzard, and unbeknownst to each other, they've crushed on each other since high school. Watching their step-by-step mutual "reveal" of their feelings was virtually a privilege - suspenseful and adult, with tiny jewels coming to light as their "snowed in" time continues. The banter and flirting between them is so engaging. When Spencer and Lucy are freed from their blizzard isolation, there are plenty of family members and friends to give advice and cheer them on. And the spicy bits are so right - advancing the story, completely believable, and so much fun! I am looking forward to reading future novels in the Honeybrook Hollow series. And I hope to have some audiobook experiences in the future as well.
I was given an ARC and volunteered to provide a review.
I was given an ARC and volunteered to provide a review.
January 9, 2025
Such a cute read! I loved Lucy and Spencer’s story!
Read if you like:
🩵Forced proximity
❄️Snowed in
🩵Teenage crushes meet again
❄️Small-town romance
Lucy has been on an awful first date when she gets stuck in a snow storm m, landing herselfin a ditch on her way home. Ill prepared for the unexpected snow, she is thankful when Spencer Cassidy shows up with his tow truck. Lucy has known Spencer since kindergarten and has always had a crush on him, especially during her high school years.
The snow gets worse, with Lucy and Spencer having to hunker down in Spencer’s family cabin located nearby.
Next To You is such a sweet story. I loved how these two got to know each other on a deeper level over their days snowed in together. There are some little connections to the author’s Sweetbriar series and I can never go past big families in a small-town! Looking forward to the next book in the series, bring on more Honeybrook Hollow.
Read if you like:
🩵Forced proximity
❄️Snowed in
🩵Teenage crushes meet again
❄️Small-town romance
Lucy has been on an awful first date when she gets stuck in a snow storm m, landing herselfin a ditch on her way home. Ill prepared for the unexpected snow, she is thankful when Spencer Cassidy shows up with his tow truck. Lucy has known Spencer since kindergarten and has always had a crush on him, especially during her high school years.
The snow gets worse, with Lucy and Spencer having to hunker down in Spencer’s family cabin located nearby.
Next To You is such a sweet story. I loved how these two got to know each other on a deeper level over their days snowed in together. There are some little connections to the author’s Sweetbriar series and I can never go past big families in a small-town! Looking forward to the next book in the series, bring on more Honeybrook Hollow.
December 19, 2024
Spencer and Lucy’s story is a great start to this series!
Spencer and Lucy are snowed in his cabin for three days after she got stuck in a ditch and he rescued her. They’ve known each other their whole lives and each had a crush on the other but never acted on it. They live in Honeybrook Hollow, Oregon. Being the gentleman he is, he takes care of her through her being so cold because she’s not dressed properly, through a migraine and just because. They call themselves the Team Snowbound. The intense anticipation between them grows and grows but he swears he’s not going to do anything until they get out of there, and besides he has no condoms. Can people fall in love in three days? Read and find out their short journey together. It’s full of raw truth because that how Lucy is and Spencer follows suit.
Spencer and Lucy are snowed in his cabin for three days after she got stuck in a ditch and he rescued her. They’ve known each other their whole lives and each had a crush on the other but never acted on it. They live in Honeybrook Hollow, Oregon. Being the gentleman he is, he takes care of her through her being so cold because she’s not dressed properly, through a migraine and just because. They call themselves the Team Snowbound. The intense anticipation between them grows and grows but he swears he’s not going to do anything until they get out of there, and besides he has no condoms. Can people fall in love in three days? Read and find out their short journey together. It’s full of raw truth because that how Lucy is and Spencer follows suit.
June 3, 2025
Oh my heart! Next to You was so sweet! Lucy Darlington is having a bad day. After an awful date that's been proceeded by a lifetime of bad dates, she's heading home to Honeybrook Hollow and now is stuck in a snow storm! Spencer Cassidy is a local mechanic and tow truck driver and notices a car stuck in the snow and is shocked to find Lucy of all people. These two have known each other all their lives and unbeknownst to each other, have been harboring massive crushes for years. Stranded in Spencer's father's cabin for days, they finally open up to each other about their pasts, wants and hopes for their futures. Next to You was the sweetest slow burn ever! Think Hallmark with heat! It was told from dual POV and I'm really looking forward to reading more of the Honeybrook Hollow series in the future.
December 20, 2024
Lucy is about to get a second chance with her former crush when they end up stranded in his family’s cabin during a snowstorm.
Next to You is the first book in the Honeybrook Hollow series. This forced proximity romance can be read as a stand-alone and it does contain open-door content.
Snowed in at a fully stocked cabin? Sounds like a pretty good way to spend New Year’s. The MCs already have history together even if it wasn’t romantic so the pace of their relationship moves quickly. It’s less love/lust at first sight and more “I've never stopped thinking about you”. All it took for them to get together was a little pining and some tacos.
Overall, Next to You is a fun and flirty start to what I know is going to be a great series. This is a great option if you're looking for a winter read that isn't Christmasy. I can’t wait to see who’s story we get in book two.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Next to You is the first book in the Honeybrook Hollow series. This forced proximity romance can be read as a stand-alone and it does contain open-door content.
Snowed in at a fully stocked cabin? Sounds like a pretty good way to spend New Year’s. The MCs already have history together even if it wasn’t romantic so the pace of their relationship moves quickly. It’s less love/lust at first sight and more “I've never stopped thinking about you”. All it took for them to get together was a little pining and some tacos.
Overall, Next to You is a fun and flirty start to what I know is going to be a great series. This is a great option if you're looking for a winter read that isn't Christmasy. I can’t wait to see who’s story we get in book two.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 19, 2025
Embrace the magic of snowed-in, hunky heroes, and heroines in distress, set against the backdrop of small-town love stories that ignite hidden feelings! This tale of love and connection will uplift and inspire you! 💕
Spencer and Lucy's journey is a beacon of hope, filled with witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and a strong will to overcome adversity. Nora's masterful storytelling will leave you beaming with joy, your heart full of love, and your spirit soaring! 🌟 Spencer, the ultimate hero, will capture your heart with his selfless devotion to Lucy, while Lucy's sass, flirtation, and gratitude will make you smile. This heartwarming tale will radiate positivity, leaving you feeling uplifted and inspired! ❤️
Spencer and Lucy's journey is a beacon of hope, filled with witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and a strong will to overcome adversity. Nora's masterful storytelling will leave you beaming with joy, your heart full of love, and your spirit soaring! 🌟 Spencer, the ultimate hero, will capture your heart with his selfless devotion to Lucy, while Lucy's sass, flirtation, and gratitude will make you smile. This heartwarming tale will radiate positivity, leaving you feeling uplifted and inspired! ❤️
December 19, 2024
One bed! Forced Proximity due to a snow storm! New Years Eve novella. Secret high school crushes that end up in a Snowy cabin in the woods! This was so cute, sweet, spicy, no drama, wonderful flow and just great characters. The migraine care part had me in tears so bad -Spencer did such a good job and thanks Nora for putting that in!!
If you need a little pick me up this holiday season or early winter this is a perfect little novella to get you out of a slump or give you a happy day!
If you need a little pick me up this holiday season or early winter this is a perfect little novella to get you out of a slump or give you a happy day!
December 19, 2024
Lucy’s car gets stuck in a snow storm after a dreadful first date. Lucky for her highschool crush Spencer rescues her with his tow truck. The snow prevents them from getting home and they end up snowed in in Spencer‘s family‘s cabin where they spend the next few days and nights….
This was such a sweet romance. Lucy and Spencer were lovable characters and I really enjoyed reading their story. A perfect winter romance!
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was such a sweet romance. Lucy and Spencer were lovable characters and I really enjoyed reading their story. A perfect winter romance!
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2025
A Fun Winter Romance
I'm A fan of Norah Everly, but I was back and forth on this book. I ultimately ended up enjoying it, so leaned into the 4 star. I liked Lucy and Spencer and the fact they've known each other since kindergarten. It made the quickness of the romance more believable. However, the dialog seemed to drag on on several occasions. Overall, I liked the book and look forward to the next.book
I'm A fan of Norah Everly, but I was back and forth on this book. I ultimately ended up enjoying it, so leaned into the 4 star. I liked Lucy and Spencer and the fact they've known each other since kindergarten. It made the quickness of the romance more believable. However, the dialog seemed to drag on on several occasions. Overall, I liked the book and look forward to the next.book
December 20, 2024
A short and sweet holiday read about two childhood friends who have had a secret crush on each other for years. The slow burn is really slow but if that's your jam I think you'd really love this book! And now I really want to go spend New Year's with my dream guy in a cabin surrounded by snow... :)
January 3, 2025
Next to You
When two people who have had a secret crush on each other since school, are forced to stay in a snow covered cabin with only one bed and no condoms, it becomes a question of when not if they will fall in love.
To be honest it was a story that could have a lot shorter but I do like Nora's storytelling.
When two people who have had a secret crush on each other since school, are forced to stay in a snow covered cabin with only one bed and no condoms, it becomes a question of when not if they will fall in love.
To be honest it was a story that could have a lot shorter but I do like Nora's storytelling.
April 8, 2025
I’m calling it at 52%. Honestly, I’m just bored and finding myself skimming more than I should. So I’m giving myself permission to move on.
They are 33 and have known each other all their lives, yet somehow they are still stuck in high school. I get being careful with feelings, but it’s a bit juvenile.
I do appreciate the open and honest communication though.
They are 33 and have known each other all their lives, yet somehow they are still stuck in high school. I get being careful with feelings, but it’s a bit juvenile.
I do appreciate the open and honest communication though.
June 16, 2025
This could be described as cosy romance. There was no third act break up for some made up reason. Just a couple who had known each other for a long time, but had to wait for the right time for the love to emerge. I liked the snowed up in a cabin trope, but also that they didn't jump into sex, but spent time exploring their new found feelings for each other. A lovely, romantic read.
December 26, 2024
Super sweet and steamy. Spencer and Lucy have known each other since school but always had bad timing. Lucy gets stuck in a snowstorm and Spencer comes to her rescue. Stranded, one bed romance with no angst. Really enjoyed this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2025
This book started really slow for me. It took me awhile to really connect with them because of that but once it got going I enjoyed it. It just took a lot of time for them to get it together which made the beginning drag a little but overall a good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews