The Off-Limits Grump Next Door

by Skye Evers

Brother’s best friend. Grumpy enemy. Now my forbidden protector… and my biggest mistake.

I hate him. I want him. Worse, he knows it.
Luke Bennett is my brother’s best friend—the grumpy jerk who’s spent years reminding me I don’t belong in this small town.

But when my bakery is destroyed and danger stalks closer, he’s the one kicking down doors.
The one who won’t let me out of his sight.
The one who drags me into his world—and into his bed—like I’ve always been his.

One stolen kiss we never should’ve shared.
One night that shatters every boundary.
One forbidden promise that ruins us both.

I swear it’s just proximity. Just protection. Just heat.
Until I see the way he looks at me—like forever is already ours.

But secrets don’t stay buried—especially in a small town.
And when the man hunting me comes too close, the only thing more dangerous than falling for Luke…
is surviving without him.AUTHOR'S This story is packed
💔 Forbidden romance (brother’s best friend!)
🏠 Small-town drama (where everyone knows your secrets)
🔥 Possessive protector vibes (door-kicking, bed-stealing, rule-breaking)
⏳ A slow-burn that builds until it explodes into toe-curling, bed-breaking passion

436 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2025

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small town drama.

This was overall a good read, although I found myself frustrated with Luke’s constant indecision in the first part of the story. I couldn’t understand her brother’s opposition to the relationship as Luke really wasn’t that bad a person. Harper’s character is very sweet and she is determined to win Luke over, cookie by cookie, although the words ‘sugar’ and ‘cinnamon’ are a bit overused throughout the book. Harper has faced a lot of bullying in her life in that small town, both past and present and it is satisfying when she finally stands up for herself against one particular person. There is plenty of mystery and suspense in this story which brings out Luke’s protective nature and I particularly liked the last few chapters where the HEA is finally attained.

[Armenia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow burn tease

I had high hopes for this story. It grabbed my attention for the first 9 chapters. I really liked Harper and Luke as characters. She's sunshine and funny and full of optimism. He's grumpy, hot, and protective.

What lost it for me was the slow burn for 35 chapters of continued desire and denial from Luke. Because, you know, it's forbidden. He's not allowed to date his best friend's little sister, he's broken, or he's incapable of love. Pick any reason. It became a cycle of rinse and repeat. Then things were happening, finally, intimacy but it became, I felt, a repetitive formula. I found that I was skipping all the hot stuff as it was redundant, and wanting to find out who was Harper's stalker. Nice ending but the execution left me feeling flat.

[J.p · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do enjoy a brothers best friend childhood crush that years later turns into something more. Harper has harboured feelings for Luke for years, he just laughed it off! When Harper returns to Wildwood to reopen her grandmothers bakery Luke has his eyes opened as his feelings towards her are changing and never more so when she’s being threatened and he becomes her ‘hero’. A grump/sunshine brothers bff, hate to love story. Great MCs although Luke was a tad annoying with his constant doubts but overall a pretty decent guy. Harper was sweet, sassy and strong particularly when she eventually confronted her lifelong bully. A good, enjoyable read.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harper has moved back to Wildwood to get her grandmother's bakery up and running again. She's living in Luke's rental, he's her brother's best friend, she had a crush on him years ago. Now she's grown up!
All's going well until she starts receiving threats and events take a turn for the worse. Luke insists she stay with him, which she's happy to do, her crush has evolved, and Luke is fighting his attraction to her!

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

A great romantic suspense from Skye

[Debdutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Off-Limits Grump Next Door” by Skye Evers

-A brother’s best friend love story in the small town of Wildwood. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Harper returns to her hometown to restore her grandmother’s bakery and collides with her old crush, Luke. The slow-burn romance simmers with tension, mystery, and protective sparks. Luke’s indecision drags at times, but Harper’s determination (and cookies) shine.

A heartfelt small-town romance with suspense, heat, and a satisfying HEA.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the way this romance story begins, and the way Harper hate's Luke but after a simple little kiss things turns into a full-blown inferno of heat. Their relationship unfolds slowly but OMG well worth the wait to see how everything unfolds. Skye does not disappoint you with this PHENOMENAL romance book.

[Haylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy and suspenseful all in one! There were a few parts that were repetitive but I still really enjoyed this book!

[Harmeen]

DNF - 13%

It’s boring and confusing. Where’s the bakery? Above Luke’s garage or what ? Then why is she living in a bakery that has a bed ? Writing style is also not good.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the off limits grump next door which was Luke and Harper’s story. I thought it was a fun read. I received an early copy. And voluntarily leaving this review.