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Being Neighborly
Beau Hamilton spends his days working the family farm, leaving him no time to worry about finding a girlfriend. He wants to settle down and start a family, but his prospects aren’t looking up. He knows what he wants; a nice country girl, who doesn’t mind living on a farm, a girl nothing like his new neighbor Bethany. Bethany screams “city” and it’s only a matter of time before she hightails it out of farmland and back to the land of coffee shops on every street corner. She’s not the type of girl who would be happy, living on a farm for the rest of her life. Despite all the reasons he shouldn’t be, Beau finds himself drawn to her in ways even he can’t dismiss as only being neighborly. ~Note to the reader~ Beau, the main character of this book, was introduced in my novel Sawyer Says.
72 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
January 30, 2018
1.5 stars
Hero thought he was in love with his first two girlfriends, he was pretty serious about the third one too. This makes me question the credibility of his love for the heroine. Specially when it’s instalove and when he was sure of it again within about couple of months.
I think what we have here is a hero who gets attached to EVERY relationship and just assumes he’s in love. Nothing either told or showed me it was any different with the heroine. The only difference between heroine and the other three was that she was there to stay (because it suits her, and not for the hero, also that’s what we know until now, no guarantee she won’t flee the moment she gets bored) whereas the others ran from farm life. Nothing personal about the heroine was different. If she left for any reason he wouldn’t chase her, so no, that’s not loving. If your farm/job comes before the heroine, I’m not buying the love of HEA.
Hero was a true ass by the end. He pushed (almost shipped her off to her parents) her away because she was “too caring” when he was half paralysed.
And then he got mad at her and shut her off because she didn’t tell him about her fiancé but told his housekeeper about it. I do NOT remember a single conversation covering him being in love with three different women and his three almost fiancées. What’s good for the goose is good for gander, no? Apparently not. He got butt hurt over her dead fiancé without even knowing what the issue was.
So no. It was a quite distasteful read!
Hero thought he was in love with his first two girlfriends, he was pretty serious about the third one too. This makes me question the credibility of his love for the heroine. Specially when it’s instalove and when he was sure of it again within about couple of months.
I think what we have here is a hero who gets attached to EVERY relationship and just assumes he’s in love. Nothing either told or showed me it was any different with the heroine. The only difference between heroine and the other three was that she was there to stay (because it suits her, and not for the hero, also that’s what we know until now, no guarantee she won’t flee the moment she gets bored) whereas the others ran from farm life. Nothing personal about the heroine was different. If she left for any reason he wouldn’t chase her, so no, that’s not loving. If your farm/job comes before the heroine, I’m not buying the love of HEA.
Hero was a true ass by the end. He pushed (almost shipped her off to her parents) her away because she was “too caring” when he was half paralysed.
And then he got mad at her and shut her off because she didn’t tell him about her fiancé but told his housekeeper about it. I do NOT remember a single conversation covering him being in love with three different women and his three almost fiancées. What’s good for the goose is good for gander, no? Apparently not. He got butt hurt over her dead fiancé without even knowing what the issue was.
So no. It was a quite distasteful read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2015
See more of my reviews on my blog Thoughts At One In The Morning.
My Thoughts:
After I read and adored The Other Side of Someday, I was itching for another Carey Heywood fix. When I saw she had this novella, I dove for it with both hands. I love love love novellas. It wasn't long before I started reading and kept on reading until the end.
Beau and Bethany are ADORABLE together. I enjoyed the beginnings of them--the whole getting to know you as a neighbor thing, then add in the attraction, and a first kiss... It was all so beautifully done. And who doesn't love a good old-fashioned sweet country boy?
Being Neighborly was the sweetest novella. I loved the romance, I loved the story, I loved how honest and real it was from start to finish. I don't think Carey Heywood could ever disappoint when it comes to writing books, no matter how short or long they are. Keep writing and I'll keep reading!
My Rating: Very Good
My Thoughts:
After I read and adored The Other Side of Someday, I was itching for another Carey Heywood fix. When I saw she had this novella, I dove for it with both hands. I love love love novellas. It wasn't long before I started reading and kept on reading until the end.
Beau and Bethany are ADORABLE together. I enjoyed the beginnings of them--the whole getting to know you as a neighbor thing, then add in the attraction, and a first kiss... It was all so beautifully done. And who doesn't love a good old-fashioned sweet country boy?
Being Neighborly was the sweetest novella. I loved the romance, I loved the story, I loved how honest and real it was from start to finish. I don't think Carey Heywood could ever disappoint when it comes to writing books, no matter how short or long they are. Keep writing and I'll keep reading!
My Rating: Very Good
October 24, 2020
Hørte den som lydbog og den er ikke særlig god og virkelig usexet. Kunne se, at den kun er 100 sider lang, jeg ved korte romaner kan være dybe og detaljeret, men den her føltes som tynd sjap. Den mærkelige ordvalg når den skulle beskrive sexede legemsdele, handlinger osv. Også var historien overfladisk, vi fik fortalt hvad der skete det meste af tiden i stedet for at oplevelse det.
Også irriterede det mig så meget at oversætteren ikke kunne finde ud af oversætte det ene ord, marshmallow til skumfiduser!
Også irriterede det mig så meget at oversætteren ikke kunne finde ud af oversætte det ene ord, marshmallow til skumfiduser!
June 8, 2017
I don't know how Carey keeps doing it but this book is amazing! This book shows that you never have to give up on love and no matter what happens love will find you. Sometimes you just have to look in the neighbourhood. Thank you Carey for sharing this beautiful story!
February 10, 2018
Light, sweet and passionate fast read.
October 31, 2014
Light. Sweet. And just a pleasant read, overall. I didn't anticipate much coming into this book. Knowing it was a sixtyish page story, I pretty much told myself to expect something simple, nothing more. That's what I got. This can easily be read in one sitting and it's the type of leisure read that's welcomed - breaks the monotony of your average day. So, unwind...
Family oriented, well grounded, and a country boy throughout, Beau lives his life working the farm - the one place he won't ever leave. Not for anyone. Sadly, relationships have always seemed to go downhill for him, the closing of his heart as a result. But with the goading of his Aunt, he soon finds his match. Still skeptical about the people who left him, he decides to put a time frame on it and is settled on waiting before asking Bethany out. A year!!
He never took into account his feelings that were quickly forming, for the time they enjoyed the most were the ones spent in each other's company.
Aunt Bess, I thought, played a crucial role here. She was a total mom with the way she treated Beau, but the desire to want the best for him was just sweet. Her words of wisdom and her everything-is-my-business attitude brought the two together.
I enjoyed the characters considering the short time spent with them. But nevertheless, these two were lovable! It's true that the story wasn't very dramatic, but that's what made it light. The plain, simple, and no-beating-around-the-bush MO was what flung you into the story instead of waiting - eventually with a sigh. There isn't much to say about this story if you were to look at it page-by-page, but I felt like there was enough read-in-between-the-lines to quench the lack of well-missed chapters in the book.
Carey Heywood, you make short and simple the way to go!! This is the first of many reads from you.
Family oriented, well grounded, and a country boy throughout, Beau lives his life working the farm - the one place he won't ever leave. Not for anyone. Sadly, relationships have always seemed to go downhill for him, the closing of his heart as a result. But with the goading of his Aunt, he soon finds his match. Still skeptical about the people who left him, he decides to put a time frame on it and is settled on waiting before asking Bethany out. A year!!
He never took into account his feelings that were quickly forming, for the time they enjoyed the most were the ones spent in each other's company.
Aunt Bess, I thought, played a crucial role here. She was a total mom with the way she treated Beau, but the desire to want the best for him was just sweet. Her words of wisdom and her everything-is-my-business attitude brought the two together.
"Sometimes you wait too long and lose an opportunity that you can't ever get back."
I enjoyed the characters considering the short time spent with them. But nevertheless, these two were lovable! It's true that the story wasn't very dramatic, but that's what made it light. The plain, simple, and no-beating-around-the-bush MO was what flung you into the story instead of waiting - eventually with a sigh. There isn't much to say about this story if you were to look at it page-by-page, but I felt like there was enough read-in-between-the-lines to quench the lack of well-missed chapters in the book.
Carey Heywood, you make short and simple the way to go!! This is the first of many reads from you.
October 18, 2014
I feel like there was too much introduced in this novella to be resolved in the 60 pages we were given. Things started out pretty well, but as the page numbers got higher, the plot progressed at too rapid a pace, as though the author remembered that this was supposed to be a novella and nothing had happened yet.
Beau gets bit by a snake and has an allergic reaction! Now he's in the hospital! Now he's out of the hospital, but he has a limp! Now his accident reminds Bethany of the fiance she never mentioned who died! Now Beau is pushing her away for some reason! Now he finds out about the fiance and feels like an ass! Everything was wrapped up too quickly and too neatly.
Also we never learn that much about the characters. I know Beau was introduced in a previous book, so this can be forgiven on his part, but the little we learn about Bethany is given via an information dump when she's invited over for dinner.
Perhaps I'm expecting too much from a novella. It was a cute, quick read.
Beau gets bit by a snake and has an allergic reaction! Now he's in the hospital! Now he's out of the hospital, but he has a limp! Now his accident reminds Bethany of the fiance she never mentioned who died! Now Beau is pushing her away for some reason! Now he finds out about the fiance and feels like an ass! Everything was wrapped up too quickly and too neatly.
Also we never learn that much about the characters. I know Beau was introduced in a previous book, so this can be forgiven on his part, but the little we learn about Bethany is given via an information dump when she's invited over for dinner.
Perhaps I'm expecting too much from a novella. It was a cute, quick read.
August 5, 2015
I have to be honest, I hadn't heard anything about the author, I just wanted a short and light book to read.
I've got to tell you, that it was light and easy to read, but it took me longer than expected even though there are just 60 pages. But still, very good book.
I like the leading male character, very much, Beau, he's a country boy all the way. And cute, very cute.
He fell in love, when he wasn't really supposed to fall in love, and I love stories like that.
I would give this book 3 stars.
I've got to tell you, that it was light and easy to read, but it took me longer than expected even though there are just 60 pages. But still, very good book.
I like the leading male character, very much, Beau, he's a country boy all the way. And cute, very cute.
He fell in love, when he wasn't really supposed to fall in love, and I love stories like that.
I would give this book 3 stars.
October 8, 2015
The perfect romances are the ones that shouldn't be. Beau Hamilton is a country boy who is looking to settle now with a nice country girl.
There is no country in Bethany, she is a city girl through and through and as soon as she can, she intends on leaving the country and going back to the city she loves.
Beau is attracted to Bethany and he shouldn't be, because she is far from his type. But as much as he tries to fight it, there is something about this woman that draws him to her.
There is no country in Bethany, she is a city girl through and through and as soon as she can, she intends on leaving the country and going back to the city she loves.
Beau is attracted to Bethany and he shouldn't be, because she is far from his type. But as much as he tries to fight it, there is something about this woman that draws him to her.
September 8, 2015
This was a good little quick read. beau and bethanys story was good. beau was a country boy working on the farm and bethany was a city girl looking for a new start. They both meet up and hit it off great but when something happens it is nearly the end of a great story but all looks good in the end. I loved the characters and the writing style of this book. xxx
November 29, 2014
Cute, funny and sexy (and a freebie :))
November 27, 2023
Short story about a guy who instantly falls for the girl who moves in next door in a small town. I get it, he doesn't have tons of options. However, it is still very "instant" so be prepared for that. Then, there's an 'accident' that is causes them both to worry. Even though it is a shorter story, there is a bump in the road where the two lovers are suddenly at odds: mainly, he doesn't communicate well and makes assumptions he shouldn't. Overall, it is short and sweet and has plenty of steamy moments. Decent!
May 24, 2024
“Being Neighborly” is a nicely written story of two people getting to know each other.
Beau works on the family's isolated home, he's not big on socialising.
City girl Beth has moved into a nearby house and he offers to help with renovations.
He's attracted to her but wants to wait a year before throwing his hat in the ring. Next thing you know it is down to 11 months and dropping fast.
There's the usual hiccoughs along the way and, of course, a HEA.
It's very short and I got through it in under an hour.
2.5 Stars, raised to 3 Stars.
Beau works on the family's isolated home, he's not big on socialising.
City girl Beth has moved into a nearby house and he offers to help with renovations.
He's attracted to her but wants to wait a year before throwing his hat in the ring. Next thing you know it is down to 11 months and dropping fast.
There's the usual hiccoughs along the way and, of course, a HEA.
It's very short and I got through it in under an hour.
2.5 Stars, raised to 3 Stars.
October 12, 2017
Fast read, easy summer fiction. predictable and safe.
January 11, 2018
Good heartwarming book
August 9, 2020
Short and sweet but it didn't give me any butterflies.
March 7, 2017
Well, parts were really good, but the style was a bit choppy for me. After reading the blurb, I was not expecting the drama that happened and then it felt like it wrapped up quick without much explanation. I had a hard time picturing this big southern farmer saying "Darling" too. Felt weird. I was down with babe, the cussing and the rest but "darling" made me picture some suave gentleman. Maybe my mind just has sterotyped southern gentleman as saying darlin' instead?
Great characters. Good book - just not particularly my style.
Quotes:
The look of sheer delight on Bess's face was not lost on me. As much as I give her grief for trying to set me up with any available woman near my age, I get how lucky I am that she cares. Bess might not be blood, but she's family. Someone loves you, and tries to do a kindness for you, that is something you acknowledge.
“So what kind of book would you prefer, heavy steam or low steam?”
I drop my elbow on to the table and rest my chin on my hand.
“This your way of telling me you edit dirty books?” She blushes which is a definite yes.
“I want to read whichever one is your favorite.” “Thank you, Bethany. I look forward to reading this.”
“Guys who read are sexy.”
Excuse me? Either the room just got warm or I’m blushing.
“Good thing I like to read.”
Great characters. Good book - just not particularly my style.
Quotes:
The look of sheer delight on Bess's face was not lost on me. As much as I give her grief for trying to set me up with any available woman near my age, I get how lucky I am that she cares. Bess might not be blood, but she's family. Someone loves you, and tries to do a kindness for you, that is something you acknowledge.
“So what kind of book would you prefer, heavy steam or low steam?”
I drop my elbow on to the table and rest my chin on my hand.
“This your way of telling me you edit dirty books?” She blushes which is a definite yes.
“I want to read whichever one is your favorite.” “Thank you, Bethany. I look forward to reading this.”
“Guys who read are sexy.”
Excuse me? Either the room just got warm or I’m blushing.
“Good thing I like to read.”
February 2, 2015
This was a great novella involving Beau and his new neighbor Bethany.
Beau has had a tough time in the relationship department as he wants to stay and run his family farm and has no inclination to move to the big city. Most of the ladies he dates want no part of the farm and he is super hesitant to get in another relationship when the girl will most likely leave again.
Bethany has just bought one of the neighboring houses and Beau is instantly attracted to her but is scared to act on it. The two begin a friendship which eventually leads to more.
Then in an instant everything changes and Beau no longer believes that he can be the man that deserves Bethany or that she wants. Will Beau be able to change his own mind or does he believe that Bethany will be gone for good?
The novella is great but I would have loved more on the relationship between the two of them! I know a novella is short but I really enjoyed getting to know these two!!
Beau has had a tough time in the relationship department as he wants to stay and run his family farm and has no inclination to move to the big city. Most of the ladies he dates want no part of the farm and he is super hesitant to get in another relationship when the girl will most likely leave again.
Bethany has just bought one of the neighboring houses and Beau is instantly attracted to her but is scared to act on it. The two begin a friendship which eventually leads to more.
Then in an instant everything changes and Beau no longer believes that he can be the man that deserves Bethany or that she wants. Will Beau be able to change his own mind or does he believe that Bethany will be gone for good?
The novella is great but I would have loved more on the relationship between the two of them! I know a novella is short but I really enjoyed getting to know these two!!
November 23, 2014
Sweet, steamy, faced-paced read. We met Beau in Sawyer Says and were intrigued why this hot, rugged farmer didn't have a woman on his arm. Now in his book, he describes why his love life is stalled where it is; he's a farmer and will always be one, which not very many women are willing to accept. Until of course he meets Bethany. Bethany moved from the big city to help simplify her life. It's quickly apparent to Beau that the city girl needs a little help around her farm, and he of course does the neighborly thing and offers to help. I loved their interactions and how easily their relationship fell into place. The only thing that I didn't really like was the fact that Beau hadn't really seemed like a country bumpkin until he asked a question at the very end...it just didn't jive with the rest of the book for me, but other than that, I loved everything else :)
October 17, 2014
What a great romantic novella by Carey Heywood. The story of farm boy, Beau and his new neighbor, city girl, Bethany. With both of them having difficulties in their past relationships, neither one is sure of a relationship, but there is such a chemistry between them. I could actually see a couple other books written from this story, maybe prequels from the parents POV and Bethany's POV. But absolutely love reading romance from the male POV.
Yes, I will admit that this is the first time I have read anything by Carey Heywood (Now picture my head hanging in shame.) But this is just the beginning. I want to read everything she has ever written now.
Yes, I will admit that this is the first time I have read anything by Carey Heywood (Now picture my head hanging in shame.) But this is just the beginning. I want to read everything she has ever written now.
September 5, 2014
Sweet and beautiful with just the right amount of hotness!!
Carey Heywood writes the most beautiful stories. I am captivated and drawn in from the start and I just don't want to leave. It's quite rare for an author to be able to do that for me as I'm impatient and easily distracted. The way that Carey tells hers stories makes them easy to read and you fall in love with the characters like they are your next door neighbours or your friends. I love your work Carey.
Carey Heywood writes the most beautiful stories. I am captivated and drawn in from the start and I just don't want to leave. It's quite rare for an author to be able to do that for me as I'm impatient and easily distracted. The way that Carey tells hers stories makes them easy to read and you fall in love with the characters like they are your next door neighbours or your friends. I love your work Carey.
October 13, 2014
Sweet, beautiful and sexy
This is the first story I've read from Carey Heywood. I loved it and now I'm hooked. I need to read all of her other books. Beau and Bethany are such a great couple. I really enjoyed each moment they spent together. The story moved along perfectly. Watching them fall for each other was a treat. Nothing felt rushed. It felt real. Bethany is a sweet girl and Beau is the definition of a sexy cowboy. I love them together.
This is the first story I've read from Carey Heywood. I loved it and now I'm hooked. I need to read all of her other books. Beau and Bethany are such a great couple. I really enjoyed each moment they spent together. The story moved along perfectly. Watching them fall for each other was a treat. Nothing felt rushed. It felt real. Bethany is a sweet girl and Beau is the definition of a sexy cowboy. I love them together.
April 18, 2015
Another wonderful read from Carey Heywood.
I love the way this author wraps the reader into her stories. Her writing style is easy, free flowing, engaging and moving. The characters are just as engaging and real; and the couples always pull at my heartstrings. The success of a short story is that it grabs your attention, reels you in, and leaves you satisfied yet wanting more and this one did just that. Thank Carey for another wonderful read!
I love the way this author wraps the reader into her stories. Her writing style is easy, free flowing, engaging and moving. The characters are just as engaging and real; and the couples always pull at my heartstrings. The success of a short story is that it grabs your attention, reels you in, and leaves you satisfied yet wanting more and this one did just that. Thank Carey for another wonderful read!
October 11, 2014
Loved it! Always a fan of Ms. Heywood's writing. Every book she writes is a page turner and this one is no different. It's sweet, funny, sarcastic and an all around great read. I am a huge reading addict and I sometimes find parts of books to be boring at points, but I've never experienced that in Carey's book. Great job!
November 21, 2014
Being a novella, I thought the author did a pretty good job of setting the story up. The characters are interesting, with interesting issues. I really get a kick out of Beau's timeline for how long Bethany needs to stick around before he'll ask her out.
The book did have sexual situations and was a little more than I like in that area.
The book did have sexual situations and was a little more than I like in that area.
September 29, 2015
Intriguing
I have enjoyed each book by Carey that I have read so far and this one in no exception. There was only one thing that really bugged me and that was that every characters name started with a B or the three main ones did at least. Good and sweet story and I would totally recommend it!!
I have enjoyed each book by Carey that I have read so far and this one in no exception. There was only one thing that really bugged me and that was that every characters name started with a B or the three main ones did at least. Good and sweet story and I would totally recommend it!!
November 23, 2015
What a cute story! If you're looking for something short & sweet, you've found it. Beau Hamilton & Bethany are so sweet together. This has a few funny lines, a few I-could-shake-you moments & a couple of typos. They're believable characters, with down-to-earth personalities. And Aunt Bess (even though I don't think he ever called her that) is a hoot too. I really enjoyed it.
September 5, 2014
As is all of Carey Heywood's books, Being Neighborly is is well-written, had an excellent storyline that is intriguing and keeps you interested, characters you can relate to, steamy sex, and then it all wraps up with a great HEA.
October 16, 2014
Was not a bad story. Super short though. I think the story would be a lot better if it was longer and had more details to events. When there isn't a lot of detail (like this story) its hard for me to connect with the charactors.
This is a story I unfortunately will forget by next week.
This is a story I unfortunately will forget by next week.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews