Playtime's Over

Neighbor from Hell #15

by R.L. Mathewson

Six years is a long time to wait for revenge…

From New York Times Bestselling Author R.L. Mathewson comes the next novel in the Neighbor from Hell series, filled with revenge, questionable choices, and a Bradford determined to make the one woman that he couldn’t live without fall in love with him.

Once upon a time, Kristen Haven was his best friend, his entire world, and the one woman Garrett Bradford couldn’t stop thinking about, but that all changed six years ago when a simple misunderstanding ruined everything, and now…

Now, he was really hoping that she was willing to overlook the fact that he’d made her life a living hell for the past six years.

It was never going to happen.

Not after he’d told her to go to hell, and definitely not after he sent clowns to frolic in her front yard. Now that he knew the truth, Kristen was determined to forget about him and move on with her life, but there was just one problem with that plan…

She needed him.

Which meant that she had no choice but to give in to his demands, remind herself that she needed him whenever the urge to beat the hell out of him with whatever was within reach hit, and pretend that she wasn’t falling in love with the one man that she could never forgive.

A romantic comedy about second chances, revenge, questionable life choices, and one man determined to win back the only woman he’s ever loved…whether she likes it or not.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Forced Proximity, Friends To Lovers, Family, Humor

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 23, 2026

About the author

New York Times Bestselling author, R.L. Mathewson was born in Massachusetts. She’s known for her humor, quick wit and ability to write relatable characters. She currently has several paranormal and contemporary romance series published including the Neighbor from Hell series.

Growing up, R.L. Mathewson was a painfully shy bookworm. After high school she attended college, worked as a bellhop, fast food cook, and a museum worker until she decided to take an EMT course. Working as an EMT helped her get over her shyness as well as left her with some fond memories and some rather disturbing ones that from time to time show up in one of her books.

Today, R.L. Mathewson is the single mother of two children that keep her on her toes. She has a bit of a romance novel addiction as well as a major hot chocolate addiction and on a perfect day, she combines the two.

In 2019/2020, R.L. Mathewson will be publishing Devastated, the first Anger Management novel, Tall, Dark & Furious, the 6th installment to the Pyte/Sentinel series, Irresistible, the long anticipated novel for the Neighbor from Hell Series as well as many more books throughout the year, paranormals, contemporaries, and YAs.

Reviews

[Laur Laur · Rating 2 out of 5]

Used to love this author, and I don't know if my preferences or her style has changed.

I found it very repetitive, 157 uses of "really", 69 of "twitch", and 43 of "adorable". I was incredibly sick of hearing how adorable the fmc was by the end.

Not to mention, apparently crazy things happen when they go places, but because they decide the craziness can never be discussed, the reader doesn't know what happened. How did the fmc make two marines cry in a rage room? We'll never know, because it's too embarrassing? I have no idea because the author won't show *or* tell us. Same applies to the camping trip, but I really (hah) didn't care by then.

Readers also don't learn how bad he treated her, it's all hinted at, and his so-called grovel just involves him carting her around where he wants her and she puts up with it. His 7 uses of the word "sorry" (!?!) involve no details or explanations.

I finished it only because I thought we'd get some reasons and revelations. Whoops, my bad.

[Hira · Rating 2 out of 5]

This author needs to move on to another storyline and characters, this book was difficult to finish manly because in my opinion it felt like some parts were left out or not explained in a detailed way and it seemed very repetitive of all the other Bradford stories. In short it was hard to stay engaged.

[Froggy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is almost impossible to read if you haven’t read a lot of the authors work before (and especially her more recent books). Her writing style over time has really morphed to a point that it’s just extremely difficult to read. There are so many repetitive phrases and run on sentences and constantly changing tenses that make you have to reread sentences a couple times to figure out what she’s trying to say.

That aside, this is probably my least favorite book so far. The plot and relationship is just very weak. It felt like a slog to read it and I felt no connection to the characters. I’m not really a fan of author FMCs because they often are so transparently self-inserts for the author and this was probably the most obvious one I’ve read. K.L. Haven? I mean… come on. It’s not just that though…. It’s the way it’s almost one long complaint about the author’s own fans? It was so bizarre. There are several long rants about fan behavior and while I can understand the author trying to highlight some of the more deranged/obsessive aspects of fandom, some of the moments just felt too pointed. There was one particular fan letter the FMC receives that is brutally attacking her, but all I could think while reading it is that this is what the author thinks about herself or hears in her head when she’s getting negative comments. It was just odd…. Idk how else to describe it but it felt weird to read and to have in the book. Like it felt the whole time as if it was the author venting about being an author and about writers block. She’s entitled to write what she wants of course, it just didn’t make a good story. It felt like she had to drawn out the content with filler because the plot only had a novella worth of content.

I will say I was surprised by the ending, but it’s more because it really came out of nowhere. There was nothing even remotely foreshadowing that outcome.

Overall, I was disappointed. It did feel like it was the author basically saying she’s got writer block and to leave her alone and stop pressuring her. So maybe there is a grain of truth to that because it definitely read that way. It just lacked a lot of the heart that her older work has and kinda felt like it was a chore rather than a passion..

[*CJ* · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Playtimes over” is the story of Kristen and Garrett.

So I really love this series and the blurb excited me. Friends to enemies to lovers, childhood best friends who grew up apart due to misunderstandings- the book begins with the hero learning of his mistakes after making the heroine’s life an absolute hell.

It then proceeds to a series of failed apologies, and typical Bradford shenanigans. This had such good angst potential as the author can really show the humor along with heartbreak as in earlier books- but this was lacking. The hero usually gets his way by being annoying and adorable; the heroine pouts and gives in, there’s so much that’s introduced and never resolved.

What happened with her past? What was the gist of their fight? What about the house he was going to build? What about her loneliness and feelings? What about the dog? Why were they with other people when they fell in love very early? I feel we went from silly antics to the mystery about letters and boom- the book ended.

Disappointed.

Unsafe
2.5/5

[Clarissa Rae · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. I really enjoyed the first few in the series but think that RL has taken the premise just too far, and unfortunately, this could probably be any of the last 10 books in the series just with the names changed.

The standover tactics the “hero” uses to get his way are Neanderthal at best and borderline harassment at worse. Kirsten starts by sticking up for herself, but caves in like all the women in the series.

The Bradfords are a bunch of boors who hide truely atrocious behaviour behind “tradition”.

And the writing style, ending sentences half way through, then jumping ahead and the reader is just supposed to work out, imagine what has happened? Ugh.

I really struggled to get to the end, and really only did so because the weather here is awful I was stuck inside.

I really hope RL can go back to the first few books, and strip it back a bit. The characters, especially the men were much more likeable then.

If you have read all the books, with this one you are just getting pretty much exactly the same thing.

[Jolene Shaffer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed

This book fell very flat. There was no hook, nothing that kept me engaged or made me crack a smile. Parts that could’ve been funny were glossed over without telling the actual tale. I guessed who the “mean person” was before I was halfway through the book. I loved the earlier books in this series but the last few have felt like a recycled story with new characters.

[Laura Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

worth the wait for Kristen and Garrett.

As long as Bradfords books are written, I will read them.
Great fun, lots of humour and everything you want in a traditional NFH book.
Been waiting for this book since The Promise and I am so glad we have eventually got it. Loved both Kristen and Garrett, separately and together. Great plot twist with the villain but the clues were there if you paid attention.
Another five star for me.

[Book Binge · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled with what to rate this one because I generally love this author and series but it didn't quite give me all of the usual feelings...
Things I liked:
The conflict bw the H and h was dealt with mostly in the beginning, no last-minute breakup just for the sake of it.
We got to see some of our old faves from previous books.
This one felt more personal to the writer like she was writing a lot more from her own experiences as an author.

Some things that missed the mark for me:
The humor just wasn't quite there for me this time, it didn't feel as natural as it has in previous books.
I never really came around on Garrett, I mean he basically decided to ruin her life just because she hurt his feelings he never actually thought she did anything to him other than permanently friendzone him.
I just didn't feel as connected to the characters or their thought processes. It almost felt like there was a wall of separation between the characters while they were interacting and like there was some transparency missing from the inner monologues.

Overall, it hit some of the right notes for the series just not all of them. Not my favorite installment, but I am still a loyal fan of the series and it was still pretty good just not quite what I'm used to.

[Joyffree]

I just dropped into this series with Kristen and Garrett’s back-and-forth love-hate relationship.
And lawd can these two screw things up!

Once the best of friends, they are now serious enemies.
And all because….

We don't get that until later, much later in the storyline.

I really liked the characters I just had trouble with the repetitive feel of the story.
In the begining the back-and-forth banter between them, and the insane revenge plot by Garrett were funny.
How Kristen’s writer's block was lifted, and the lengths she would go to, were hilarious.
However, at about 50% of the story, it got too repetitive for me.
kept yelling can we just figure this out!!
Maybe give a little?
You both still love each other, obviously.
And yes, Garrett, we get that she is so adorable.
Do SOMETHING about it!

Also, I want to know what kept happening when Garrett took Kristen out.
They were kicked out of a mall, the national parks, etc.
We only get to see them being escorted out and some slight idea of the damage, but not what or how Kristen accomplished such insanity.
I am going to go back and try to finish this one because I liked the characters, and I want to know how this ends. I just need a break - if that makes sense

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

lived up to my expectations

I have been waiting for Garrett’s book ever since we got a glimpse of him and Kristen in Reed and Joey’s story, and it did not disappoint.

I absolutely loved these two characters. Kristen was funny, relatable, and instantly likeable, especially with her love of The Goonies. Honestly, is there a better 80s movie?

Garrett easily earns a spot in my top five Bradfords. He has that perfect balance of confidence and vulnerability, and his character growth throughout the story felt genuine and well earned. Watching him slowly open up, especially in the way he shows up for Kristen, made this romance incredibly satisfying.

Their chemistry was effortless, the banter was sharp, and the emotional moments hit exactly where they should. This book had the perfect mix of humour, heart, and heat, making it one of my favourite reads in the series

[Jessica Adams may · Rating 5 out of 5]

RL Mathewson for the win!

I have been reading the Neighbor from Hell series since the very first one and love them all and the latest addition to the series “Playtime’s Over” is no exception. It was great! Right from the first chapter I was laughing as I remembered Aiden’s story previously about making his brother believe he was invisible and seeing a glimpse of that right here in his own book.
I loved Kristen and the way she didn’t take any of the Bradford crap he tried but kept him on his toes. I love that end the end true love always wins over misconceptions and pride.
I love that Jenn and her shenanigans made an appearance as well as poor Zoey’s brownies. RL never disappoints an I eagerly await the next adventure with my Bradford’s.

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, Kristen and Garrett’s story! And it was all that we could have hoped for and more. These two were destined to be together, until a moment that changed everything for them. That didn’t keep them apart, oh no, it only intensified and changed the trajectory of their relationship. Fortunes changed things again, and now, long held hurts need to be aired and let go. Shattered trusts need to be shored up and spackled. The feelings that were unrequited need to be acknowledged and brought into the open. This was a hard fought HEA, it took years, and it was worth it all in the end <3

[Wendy Wollenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the wait

I love this story. R L Mathewson never disappoints. I read the book in 24 hours. She spins the tale perfectly, it's cute,
I laughed out loud and was even suspenseful. Let's not forget about the naughty times . Loved everything about it. This book reminded me of her earlier works that I love. You won't be disappointed

[MJ's Book Blog and Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review by: Jennifer
(5 Stars)

I am so in love with the Bradford world! R.L. Mathewson has a knack for giving us a story that sucks you in, giving us quirky fun antics, hot naughty bits, the perfect amount of banter, and a tid bit of drama. I love a story that can have me literally laughing out loud. This was a great addition to the series and I give this 5 stars.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good!

I really love how the stories in this series just interconnect and grow in so many very entertaining ways. Great story!

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a fan of the Neighbor from Hell series and the Bradford family’s customary over-the-top antics, I was looking forward to reading Playtime’s Over, but instead of being entertained, this book left me disappointed feeling more like a draft rather than a finished novel

The story centred around Garrett Bradford and Kristen Haven, childhood best friends torn apart by a vague misunderstanding six years earlier, however, the turning point for this split is never clearly explained, which leaves Garrett’s extreme behaviour feeling unjustified and difficult to accept. Although some of his actions could be framed as pranks, they often cross the line coming across as calculated and vicious, especially given how he deliberately exploits Kristen’s fears and phobias. As an adult and a lawyer, his relentless campaign against her feels less like humour and more like unnecessary cruelty, considering she has no idea what she’s supposed to have done wrong. What’s more frustrating is that even after he realises he’s been wrong all these tears, Garrett continues harassing her trying to force her to forgive him. The romantic development between them is minimal at best, making their relationship hard to believe or become invested in and Garrett’s attempts at charm often miss the mark with his behaviour feeling immature rather than endearing, and sorry but babies and kittens are adorable not grown women!

There are some brief glimpses of potentially hilarious scenarios such an escape room incident that reduced two marines to tears or a camping trip involving a vindictive chipmunk, but like the rest of the story, they aren’t fleshed out in any detail, leaving readers feeling teased and unsatisfied. To make matters worse, the book concludes with a plot twist that comes completely out of left field – my pet hate in a book! I loved the earlier books, and sorry but this one just doesn’t compare.

[Carole Copeland · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a full review

I made it to page 44 and just had to stop reading. I bought this book on the day it came out. I really liked the first NFH books. The recent ones are so hard to read. I said it on the last book, it's nothing but abbreviated sentences and thoughts. Honestly, I am disappointed in this author who has potential to be a good writer. This type if writing us annoying and frustrating for a reader. I give reviews that are not just about the storyline but about the writing style as well. At page 44 of this book I felt that the writer didn't have much to say and just needed to drag out the story by repeating... I'm an asshole...over and over. I don't know if further along we are going to go back in time or not (which I hate the past, present, past, present stories) At some point, I will read this book but more than likely will skim. Wish this author could realise you can have the cutesy dialogue AND have a story at the same time...with more details and depth. Anna Hackett is a great example of writing a story that moves along. Yes, they have the same blueprint as her other books but is able to move a story forward and not too repetitive. This used to be a favorite author but I'm struggling with my brain in this stop and go, stop and go but go nowhere type of writing.

[Shabby -BookBistroBlog · Rating 1 out of 5]

The most confusing plot I've read...EVER!!
The plot has more holes than Swiss cheese. So many sentences finished midway and no clue what the finished thought was to begin with
And weakest characters, their development nil, their Relationship- biggest mystery ever
There are HINTS
Of what went wrong
How did she do with marines
What happened in past
Why it happened
Really sorry to see her talent come to a dead end
Almost.....ALMOST feels like written by Chat GPT or AI
doesn't deseve any stars tbh
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[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I was really excited to jump back into the Neighbor from Hell series by R.L. Mathewson—it’s been a few years since I last read one, and I remember absolutely loving these books. Playtime’s Over definitely brought back some of that classic Bradford chaos and humor that made the series so fun in the first place.

The second-chance romance between Kristen and Garrett had a lot of potential, and I did enjoy the tension, history, and the whole “he’s been in love with her all along” dynamic. There were moments that made me smile and reminded me why I fell for this series to begin with.

That said, this one didn’t resonate with me quite as much as some of the earlier books. At times, the humor and character interactions felt a bit more over-the-top than I personally prefer, which made it a little harder for me to fully connect with the story. The recurring catchphrase among the characters, which gives the dialogue a very distinct style did start to stand out to me as the book went on.

Overall, I’d say this was a solid, enjoyable read—especially for longtime fans of the series—but not my favorite installment. I’m still glad I picked it up, and I’ll always have a soft spot for the Bradfords and their over-the-top antics.

[Jennifer G · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you didn't enjoy this book, you'll know how the author feels about getting anything less than a 5 star review because the main character in this book is an author that seems to struggle with her readers being mean and hateful. This plot point felt a little icky and sort of passive aggressive to her real readers, and it took me out of the fantasy world and dragged me into what felt like the authors frustrating relationship with reviewers.

Other than the issue above, the book was annoyingly repetitive (how many times must he think she's adorable...30-40 times..ugh) and the pacing is frustratingly slow. (I think it was supposed to be a slow burn, but the tension wasn't great, and the story felt forced.) Overall, I just couldn't connect with this book, and the writing felt very choppy.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still my favorite series

No cliffhanger
Standalone though part of a larger series
Told from both POVs
Enemies to lovers romance

Even after 16 books, I am still absolutely obsessed with this series and buy the books the second they come out. It always shocks me how the author is able to make each book not feel repetitive other than in the best ways possible by continuing The Bradfords obsession with food, their banter and their hilarity.

Enemies to lovers is by far my favorite trope so I can only sing the praises of this book. It was the perfect mix of funny, witty and spicy with a touch of angst. Chefs kiss!

I also loved getting a quick little hint of characters from books past and having the next characters introduced!

Can’t wait for Jen and Matt’s story. Here’s hoping RL doesn’t get writers block.

[Sharon A Shovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristen and Garrett. Kristen and Garrett have known each other since school. They were best friends. Then a misunderstanding occurred which had Garrett being a typical Bradford and tormented Kristen 24/7. She finally had enough and left. When she finally decided to come home again guess who lives across her street again? Yep, you guessed it! When he finally believed the truth he realized he really messed up royally. How is he going to fix this? She hates him now and he can’t blame her. But he needs her. How to show the one person he can’t be without and how he feels and wants a second chance? This is going to be interesting! Being a Bradford anything can happen. Good luck Garrett!!!

[Whispers From · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristen Haven is a writer and was best friends with Garrett Bradford for years. Until a misunderstanding caused Garrett to tell her to go to “hel*”. Now it’s been six years and Garrett moves across the street from Kristen. He realizes the mistake he made and it determined to get her to fall in love with him. Kristen wants nothing to do with him but unfortunately she needs him. They come to an agreement and she has to keep reminding herself that she needs him when he pushes her to her limit.
I absolutely cracked up reading this book. I also read it in a couple of hours. I couldn’t put it down. So funny. Second chances. A little steamy. A Bradford get together.

[poppy · Rating 3 out of 5]

While i did kinda enjoy this book,it made me giggle, i have to admit it was not my favorite it just didnt come close to being as good as Devins or some of the previous books,and i will say i kept having flashes of Rory and Joey from the female character but the worst thing was never actually knowing what happened the scenes would just kinda stop with a ... was fun in the early books like when they were thinking about the vegas bans ect but this time i felt like for half the story we were left guessing about and never got an answer,it felt like it could have been a scene in any of the previous books.or a book Amber would have written

[Elizabeth Connors · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok but not great read

RL Mathewson is one of my favourite readers especially the NFH series. However the last 4 or so books are not her best work. I’m tired of the worst “adorable”, “lip twitching” and the over use of the cut iff in mind thought using the (-). Mathewson is a very talented writer but I think she needs to step back from the NFH - start a fresh new series for a bit. I found myself flicking through large parts of this book.

The story itself was ok but there was room for so much potential. This was kind of dull and a repeat of her previous NFH books of the past few years.

[Luv2TrvlLuvBks · Rating 1 out of 5]

Completely over this series.

The villain's identity? Easy to guess.

Garrett's actions? Mean Spirited rather than teasing in a nice way.

Kristen's lack of self reflection? Understandable given her abandonment issues but come on....

The sniffling, the unabated appetite. It's on repeat. Basically, if you read any of her last books in the series, just substitute the names of the MMC or FMC.

If you still have a soft spot for this author, read her other series or even the first in this one. It's the latter that set the gold standard.

Save your $3.99. Spend it on the candy bar that snagged your eye at the grocery counter, the bit of gas to get you that last few miles.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 16th book in this phenomenal series, and this is Kristen and Garrett’s story.
These two were childhood best friends until a misunderstanding tore them apart. For the past 6-years Garrett has made Kristen’s life hell, and exploiting her fears and phobias, with his antics being extreme and his behaviour is questionable.
This is a well written story which has family, friendships, emotions, tad angst, challenges, determination, questionable choices, vengeance, humour, witty banter, second chances, revelations, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[ZeeZee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revenge? Or a misunderstanding?

R.L. Mathewson's evil and devious nature shines bright in this new Neighbor from Hell novel. Especially when it starts off with revenge that a creepy as all hell clown delivers.
Garrett and Kristen's story was a perfectly hysterical and as sweet as I was hoping it would be. Garrett discovering that everything he knew for the past six years ago was wrong and how he pulls out all the stops to gain Kristen's trust back. I absolutely loved this book and cant wait for the next one in the series

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kristin Haven and Garrett Bradford were best friends with the potential for more growing up until Garrett misunderstood something and blew it all up. Garrett has tormented Kristin ever since, until her realizes he was wrong and wants her forgiveness. Kristin though has spent her lifetime being rejected and doesn't see herself ever trusting Garrett again. Can he prove her wrong and that he is her happily ever after?

This was fun. I did have a couple questions at the end but overall another entertaining Neighbor From Hell book.

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a bit difficult to read this time. It was slow going for me and very repetitive, especially with all the heartfelt sighs. Also the part with Reed and Jen makes absolute no sense to me and only confused me more, because I felt like I had missed a book somewhere in the past. It got interesting in chapter 39 and ented with this chapter too. Also Amber being the bad guy was very predictable, I knew as soon as Kristen got her first mean letter. At least she got what she deserved. I love the Bradford family, but this book just couldn't do it for me. :(