Matched with the Playboy Next Door: A Small Town Opposites Attract Romance

by Lily Jacobson

He’s a reformed playboy. I’m his next-door neighbor. Falling for him would be a terrible idea.

He’s polished, charming, and far too comfortable being the center of attention. A former Manhattan playboy with a smile that suggests he’s never taken anything too seriously—least of all love.

Now he’s my next-door neighbor.

I didn’t build my quiet life in small-town Kentucky to be distracted by a city boy with expensive shoes and too much confidence. I’ve worked too hard to become independent, to stop needing anyone, to believe I’m better off on my own.

Ethan says he came to Bardstown for peace.
A slower pace. A fresh start.

I don’t believe him.

But the longer he stays, the harder it is to ignore the way he challenges me, matches my sharp tongue beat for beat, and looks at me like I’m not something to conquer—but someone worth choosing.

The chemistry between us is impossible to deny.
And that scares me more than anything.

Because when Ethan’s past finally catches up with him, the fragile trust we’ve built is suddenly on the line. I’ve been here before—believing in someone who swore they were different, only to be left behind.

Now I have to decide if Ethan is worth the risk…
or if walking away first is the only way to protect my heart.

Grab a copy if you're a fan
✔️ Opposites Attract
✔️ Neighbors-to-Lovers
✔️ Small-Town Charm
✔️ Reformed Playboy
✔️ Found Family

A sweet, kisses-only romantic comedy filled with flirty banter, swoony moments, and heartfelt emotion. A standalone story in the Matched for Love series, with a guaranteed happily-ever-after.

Genres: Romance

162 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2025

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg loved loved loved this book!!! First I live like 45 mins away from Bardstown Ky!! So that made it very interesting !!! I absolutely love Riley and Ethan, but at times I wanted to knock some sense into Riley … lol I got why she was like she was, all I can say is Ethan is a patient guy !!! My favorite character was Dottie, always matchmaker … lol ..I can not wait to read more from this author !!!!! This was an ARC book !!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored the main characters in this story. Ethan moved to have the small town feel hoping to find himself after having enough of being the 'good son' that blindly did what was expected by his parents - at the expense of losing himself. Riley has had a difficult life to this point, having lost her parents at 16 and needing to grow up quickly with only her Aunt Dotty. She was good at her job, and happy to help people when needed, but she refused to let anyone in close enough to hurt her again.

Things didn't start well between these neighbors, as Riley tagged him quickly as the "city boy" and essentially refused him even begrudge service when asked. Honestly, she was blatantly hostile and I'm not sure why Ethan bothered with her (other than his cousin, Mia's insistence that she'd warm up eventually). IMO, Ethan went above and beyond in demonstrating himself to be honest and forthright, it was Riley and her issues that created innumerable issues and obstacles. The strikingly one sided nature of this plotline eventually grated on me, especially with Ethan accepting accountability for Riley's poor decisions/misinterpretation. Honestly, you can't control someone's dogged determination to undermine their own happiness. Oh, but he did! Read it yourself to discover if she pulled her head out of the sand or not.

My rating is given for the character development and feeling a part of the story, as well as the well written nature of the story. Had I rated it based solely upon my enjoyment of the way the plot itself developed, my stars would have been fewer. I did voluntarily review a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[R.S.05 · Rating 3 out of 5]

My second book from this author, and like the first one I read, this was just as cute.

Riley and Ethan’s push and pull in the start was great. Their banter and witty remarks were extremely entertaining.

At times, I felt like Riley was a bit too harsh towards Ethan - from the moment they met, she was on his throat.

As their relationship grew through this book, their connection depended.

And then things happened about halfway into the book.

Ethan, Ethan, Ethan.

Oh my how dense you suddenly became about halfway into the book when your girl best friend decided to come visit you… I wasn’t a big fan of this part, the “other woman drama” that could have been avoided, but it is what it is.

Everything turned out ok in the end, and that’s all that matters.

There was one thing I would have loved seeing in this book.

Sam and Emma, the couple from the other book I’ve read by Lily Jacobson: “Matched with my best friend’s brother” was mentioned, and I would have looooved to see them appear in this book.

All in all, I think this was a pretty good book. A lot of cute elements, flirting, banter and love - exactly what’s needed in a romcom.

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

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable reading with a H who has decided that his life as heir apparent of his father’s very successful real-estate company in NY is not for him and moves to a small town in Kentucky where he buys an estate at the edge of town. It happens to be next door to the house of the h’s aunt where the h lives. They meet when the H is just moving in and the truck blocks their common driveway. Their first encounter is not friendly on the part of the h. The H moves the truck and the h rushes past. She then returns telling the H her rules as neighbors. He responds in his friendly manner. The h happens to own and run the local hardware store and the H needs various tools to whip his yard into shape. Their encounters are filled with frustration as the h does not want to deal with the H and he is always so friendly. Their banter every time they meet is so funny. The aunt and her friend, who happens to be the H’s cousin, decided that they would play matchmaker for the two of them. The H likes the h but the feelings are not mutual. They go through various ups and downs but in the end the matchmakers are successful and they get their HEA. Hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. ENJOY!

[Genesia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town girl, big city boy, makes for sparks to fly. Riley built walls around her heart after her parents died when she was sixteen, she doesn't want to care for someone afraid that they'll leave her and she'll be heartbroken. But she forget about the people who love her and wants her to be happy. A small town romance with whit, enemies to friends and maybe more, laughter and a community that adore her. I loved it, from start to finish was entertaining and I recommend it to fans who love small town romances. Thank you for the opportunity to read it, I can't wait for the next book.

[Star Painter · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

This book is so good! I love the characters! Dotty and Mia are hilarious. I want Ethan in my life ASAP. The amount of quotes I highlighted proves it. Ethan is so patient with Riley and it warms my heart. I plan I reading as many books as I can from this author.

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

[Frida · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a big city girl who moved to a slow paced, small town, I can totally relate to some of what Ethan was going through. Riley got a little bit on my nerves, but without giving much away, it was such a a great story. Ethan was dreamy throughout and I OMG if they ever break up, please send him my way! Lol.

[Annette Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

How sweet!

I enjoyed reading this small- town romance where big city boy meets small town damaged but determined girl. All the town’s people rally around them and they create something beautiful!

[Reann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice storyline & I enjoyed the quick read. but it felt a bit choppy & slim. It could have been fuller with more detail & timeline clues.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked matched with the playboy next door. It was a fun, and entertaining read. And a new author, for me. I received a copy of the book and voluntarily leaving this review.