The Rival Next Door: A Sweet Small Town Romance

by Nina Oliver

I’m trapped with the grump who tried to buy my bookshop.

The day Evan Carter walked into Turning Pages and offered to buy it, I wanted to scream.

He’s arrogant, brooding, and everything I can’t stand about outsiders. The town agrees—he’s bad news.

But when a twist of fate strands him here, I end up stuck with him.

And somewhere between his sarcastic smirks and secret acts of kindness, I start to see a different man. He fixes my leaky windows. He donates rare books. He listens.

Against every ounce of common sense, I fall for him.

Then I uncover the truth. Evan isn’t just a grumpy stranger—he’s the billionaire whose scandal is plastered across every tabloid. The one man who could ruin everything I’ve fought to protect.

Now I don’t know what’s worse—trusting him… or losing him.

Because if he walks away, he won’t just take my bookstore. He’ll take my heart.

52 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2025

Reviews

[Marilyn Burrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

She was going to lose her bookstore. The one that her Grandmother built. Grandmother told her that she would have to fight to keep it. And now, some fancy shiny shoes came in and made her an offer. Little did she know he was extremely wealthy. She didn’t like him at all. He helped her when she needed help anyway. He even fought off a competitor who wanted the store and more. But he had to build trust and she did not give it easily

[Laurie reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet. Thank you!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadie Collins runs a small bookshop first started by her grandmother. She is having a story hour with children when a man enters and asks to buy the store. Sadie promised her grandmother that she would hold on to the store but a developer has been sniffing around and wants to buy the businesses and tear them down. She learns that the man is Evan Carter and he is notorious for predatory buyouts but he assures her that is not why he came. He is tired of people hating him for destroying their lives. He wants to reset his life and he does by helping Sadie in the shop. The fundraiser is a success. Evan says he would like to be a silent partner and help but the overall running of the business would be Sadie’s job. She agrees but says she wants him. A kiss seals the deal.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadie was carrying on the family legacy by running her late Grandmother's book store.  She'd often told Sadie, don't ever let anyone take this store away from you.  She was taken back when Evan, a sophisticated stranger, barged in wanting to buy Turning Pages. Is he the mysterious investor to want to tear everything down and build new?  Why has he come to this small town for a lifestyle reset?  Why does he keep helping her? Why does he want to help her save her store?   What about the scandal in New York?  A short novella that packs a lot in.  A cute small town enemies to friends book with likeable characters.  I read a free arc via the author and voluntarily chose to review it.