Totally Opposite

by Nellie Holloday

I wanted small- town bliss, not a grumpy outdoorsman, his Great Dane, and a front-row seat to chaos.

Running a small-town café should come with predictable problems.

Like burnt scones, quirky customers, and the occasional small town drama.

Not Eric Middleton moving in next door.

He's my brother's best friend, my sworn enemy and a gorgeous grump in flannel.

And the one person I can’t stop thinking about.

We're forced into each other's world by one mischievous dog, and a string of chaotic mishaps.

They say opposites attract, but do they survive dog-induced chaos?

I'd rather stick to what's running Riverside Cafe, and keeping my heart under lock and key.

But every splash, snark, and stolen glance pulls us closer.

And despite my best efforts to stay in the safe lane, I’m falling—hard.

Falling for my next-door nemesis is risky.
But not telling him how I feel means losing him forever.

"A small town romance where opposites collide in the most awkward, hilarious and unexpected sweet ways."

opposites attract, Enemies to lovers, Forced proximity, Next Door Neighbors, small town romance, Grumpy sunshine, Brother’s best friend

154 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2025

Reviews

[Cindy Burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally Opposite is a sweet and heartwarming story with wonderful characters that will leave you believing in love again. It’s filled with drama and romance that will keep you invested in their story. Our story takes place in the small town of Rivers Edge. Rivers Edge reminds me of Mayberry where the Andy Griffith show took place (I know some of you younger readers may or may not have heard of this show, but reruns are on, so check them out.) where everybody knew everybody and looked out for each other. I grew up in a small town and loved it. Cami owns and operates The Rivers Edge Café, and she is feeling sad because “the owner of Rivers Edge Rafting Expeditions located next door has decided to retire.” She’s wondering how her life will be with their early morning talks and friendship. Cami is worried about the new owner and what he’ll be like. She’s imagining the worst possible scenario. She sees movement out of the corner of her eye and before she can even figure out what it is, a huge animal tackles her to the ground. She immediately covers her face and starts screaming. Cami had a bad experience when she was five years old with a German shepherd that belonged to her neighbor. As a result, she now has panic attacks when she feels threatened. Either the sun has gone behind a cloud or someone is there. She opens her eyes and it’s a man. He chastises her for her reaction over a dog and refers to her as a drama queen. Hendershot is a Great Dane and quite large, but he’s just full of energy and loves licking people. To top it all off, Eric is the new owner of the Rafting shop next door.
Cami is determined to stay away from him and, of course, his huge dog. Karma steps in and as she turns around quickly to head back inside, her foot catches on a chair, and she begins falling backwards. Fortunately, “strong masculine arms appear out of nowhere and catch me before I hit the ground.” She sees who it is and pushes his hands away, then sharp pains shoot up her ankle. She tries to play it off, but she’s in too much pain.
Eric is trying to get his store ready for customers when he hears screaming coming from next door. He rushes over to find her on the floor, covered in eggs and “Hendershot is standing over her, drooling, and pushing her with his nose.” Now, there’s tension between these two, but there’s also some noticing going on as well.
You must get this book, it’s a short read, but well worth it. I loved the characters and the storyline and everything about it, well, almost everything. Hendershot keeps going into Cami’s place and stealing food from customers, she takes a dramatic step to keep him out that backfires and infuriates Eric.
Will the two of them be able to be neighbors peacefully? Will Hendershot learn to stay calm? What will happen when another man steps in and wants Cami to choose him? You don’t want to miss this sweet story filled with drama, mischief, competition, a huge loveable dog, and more. Get your copy of Totally Opposite by Nellie Holloday today!

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Grumpy/sunshine
- BANTER
- Small town romance
- Sassy FMC
- Hilarious doggo

I was looking for a bit of lighter reading and this totally checked my boxes! I loved the town, and, of course, Hendershot!

There is something about small towns that just get me. This book reminded me of a little river town I visited years ago and made me smile all the way through it.

I am a huge fan of banter and this book had plenty to keep me kicking my feet! And grumpy Eric??? What is it about a grumpy man that makes me instantly all in for their story?

I totally loved this book and look forward to reading more from this author!.

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

[RoseVE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cami is introduced to Eric from the floor of her Cafe with a Great Dane standing over her. Eric is the owner of the dog and the business next door, Rivers Edge Rafting Expeditions. Hendershot the dog continues his hilarious messes until he busts into the Cafe while the inspector was there, resulting in threats to close the Cafe. Eric and Tim (Cami's brother and his best friend) build an enclosure to finally restrict Hendershot. This is a sweet story of unexpected attraction and support for each other. Great characters, lots of enjoyable moments. I really loved it.

[Sheri Bolinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun book! Eric, our MMC is our grumpy new neighbor with a sad heart and menace for a dog! Cami, our FMC is so sweet and loving. She's also a little bit fiesty, which I love! Put these two working beside each other,add in a dog with a penchant for trouble and help-your-self snacking mentality with Cami's café customers and trouble ensues. I was just rolling with laughter! This book was amazing. I just want to know what happens next!!! Im attached to the characters now 😊.

[Angee Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute, easy, and fun read! It’s a grumpy sunshine romance between neighbors. I love that the FMC is a little sassy. It gives her another layer to her character. The banter between the couple was cute. I actually laughed out loud a couple of times throughout the book. The story was well written, great character development, and just an all-around feel-good story. I received an ARC of this book from the author, and this is my voluntary review.

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of Sweet Opposites Attract Romcom series was perfectly imperfect chaos of Cami and her new neighbor Eric. And, of course, of Hendershot.
They started as enemies, definitely attracted to each other enemies. And it was funny and entertaining love story to enjoy.

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

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Nellie. I enjoyed the characters and the plot very much…well except for Luke. I found his character to be quite annoying. I am looking forward to reading book 1 in this series. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet romance with a dancing dog

I like the main characters. I like Hendershot. I liked the town. I liked how they balanced each other and made things easier. I will read more by this author.

[Rhondalynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute Story

Loved this book. Several Very laugh out loud parts thanks to the very loveable great Dane.

This is a cute love story one I highly recommend!

[LaRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! The dog is a hoot! The slow burn chemistry is good! This is just a feel good book! Loved it!

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story that kept me laughing! Love the characters, including Hendershot. Fun, entertaining, and worthy of 5 stars!