My fiancé is officially a married man. The only problem is that he isn’t married to me. . . Addison Peacock has been stuck in the same seaside town her entire life. When her college boyfriend proposes the night before graduation, she can finally see the future she’d always dreamt about. But the sudden illness of her father causes her to put that future on hold, and her soon-to-be husband leaves, with nothing but a promise that one day he’ll return. Now, five years later, he’s kept that promise. There’s only one problem . . . he’s already married. Crushed twice by the same man, Addison needs a distraction, someone to get her back on her feet and mend her broken heart. As luck would have it, Damian Walker has just moved in next door. Having rebuilt his own life after a drunk driver stole his career, his heart . . . everything, Damian knows what it’s going to take to get Addison’s life back on track. But he’s not going to be anyone’s rebound. His life is complicated . . . there’s no room for one-night stands. Until Addison knows what she’s looking for, neighbors are all they’ll ever be. One shared wall, two sun-kissed balconies, and a chance at love...a twist of fate. Could the possibility of a future be right next door?
Right Next Door is a standalone and isn’t part of a series (so far). This is my first A.J. Pryor book. I will admit, it was insta-cover-crush to me. Hello abs right?
The blurb sucked me in. I’m a huge fan of Heroines jilted by ex-lovers and Addison has past baggage. Addison loved her ex, but it didn’t work out and her ex-fiancé **Gasp** is married now. It’s been five years and Addison is still trying to move forward.
Damian is the new guy that moves into her apartment complex. He’s tall, ripped, and sexy. I love the name Damian, so I’m already biased. When Addison and Damian first meet, it’s really cute. She runs into him as he is jogging, so he’s all sweaty and lickable. It’s all sweet and innocent. They form a conversation and the relationship starts there.
The relationship between Addison and Damian is very realistic. Damain isn’t a jerk at first. He’s charming and he wants to pursue Addison. Addison thinks Damian is good looking and she wants to move past her ex, Matt. So she’s open to Damian. The pace worked for me, because I didn’t want insta-lust and I liked that they were building a foundation.
The thing is… Matt comes back. Now, you know me. I have a thing against love triangles. I’m slowly working myself toward them. It’s a love/hate battle. I wouldn’t call this book a FULL love triangle, but it’s enough to give you tension and angst. You also know my issues with angst. Like I said, I’m working towards it. Matt makes it clear that he wants Addison back. Addison is very confused and she doesn’t want Matt, but he doesn’t make it easy for her to walk away.
Addison did frustrate me a bit. I didn’t like her interaction with Matt. Damian starts to become mysterious and he also doesn’t like Matt. Damian visits a little girl and the little girl is sick. It will melt your heart, but the little girl plays a role into the story and Damian is very protective of her. I kind of got frustrated with Damian when he started to push Addison away.
Right Next Door reminds me a lot of the Dublin Series by Samantha Young. There’s always a couple trying to be a couple, but there’s something that gets in the way and it’s always personal issues. When Addison and Damian first meet up, it’s all very nice. It’s when they start to get to know each other, stuff happens, like Addison’s ex and Damian’s past issues that creates this stir of tension.
Right Next Door is a sweet, slightly angst driven book about past love, new love and working it out. If you ever wanted to try a new author, I suggest you start with this one.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
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Would you rather be watching trashy reality T.V. or be watching your hot sexy neighbor and his 8 packs abs? Well the answer to that should be an easy and obvious choice. Well any sensible and smart woman would of course pick the hot sexy neighbor. **wink** And why not, since hot neighbor is not only gorgeous and athletic, but he also has a heart of gold. And oh as an added bonus, he's an excellent cook.
For Addison Peacock, her love life is somewhat been non-existent for the past five years. Not only did she lose her father to cancer but the man who promised to marry her, leaves her and is married to someone else. And to top it off, her former fiancee comes back knocking after 5 years declaring his love to her. A part of her is torn because she wanted to hear those words of declaration of love from her former fiance but the reasonable part of her knows that she needs to close that chapter in her life. And when she thought her heart and mind couldn't get more confused, add in hot sexy neighbor, Damian to make Addison see that she is worth the wait. Worth the love and adoration. Worth the fight. So will Addison see that she didn't have to look far for love since it's right next door?
Right Next Door by A.J. Pryor is the first book that I have read from this author and it definitely won't be my last. I was instantly hooked from just reading the prologue and devoured this book in one sitting. What gravitated and pulled me into this book was Damian. I love everything about him from his protectiveness, humor, and loyalty. Right Next Door had the slow burn feel that made readers like myself feel the palpable chemistry and connection that was developing between Addison and Damian. I know many readers may have mixed feelings on Addison but a part of me could relate to the turmoil of mixed emotions that she was going through with her ex and Damian. But in the end, I love how Ms. Pryor slowly showed the growth and strength of Addison as she realize what she wants. And what she wants is Damian, the guy right next door. So if you are looking for a book that showcased one of my favorite trope of friends to lovers then this book is definitely for you. Be prepared to fall in love with this sweet, touching, and heart-tugging read.
First I should say the writing itself was not an issue here. This author is clearly talented and a technically competent writer. The problems I had were related to characters and story flow/content.
Honestly I just didn't like Addison. She's educated (an attorney), but she pines FIVE years for the guy who ditched her the day after they graduated? She doesn't sleep with anyone else during that time, but one night she runs into the abandoning bastard and falls into bed with him no questions asked!? I call bullshit. The woman must have the self preservation instincts of a gnat and the backbone of a jellyfish. He leaves your ass high and dry but you run into him at a bar and go straight to his hotel room (after he's been gone five freaking years!), then you are devastated because he's a married, cheating douchebag. Take some responsibility honey because no one twisted your arm. You didn't even question it, so yeah joint culpability and all. This sets off a whole poor, poor, pitiful me saga that I was just OVER. Addison says she needs closure as the reason for not cutting Douchebag out completely. Doesn't really explain why she allows him to touch her (after the hotel night) but yeah. Closure. I could not connect or feel sympathy with Addison on any level. As an adult we live with our choices, and even not making a choice is essentially a choice in itself. And the way she treated Damian after their first night together?
Aside from my dislike for Addison, the second and arguably most important problem with the story was the never ending string of misunderstandings and lack of communication. It was constant and quickly became annoying. Addison and Damian are on again, off again, on again blah blah blah. The miscommunication was the biggest source of conflict in the story. Many instances were not plausible in characters nearing thirty, the situations often felt unrealistic and ridiculous at times. There were several places in the book where I just wanted to reach in and shake the characters until the stupidity passed.
I loved Damian but I thought he deserved someone better and less selfish than Addison. There just wasn't enough outside of the misunderstandings to drive the story. The portion of story with Emily was wrapped up, but after the last interaction with Douchebag he isn't mentioned again so we never really see Addison's "closure" on that front.
Overall this was a miss for me, but not enough to prevent me from reading more from this author.
Addison has been carrying a torch for her first love for five years. When he unexpectedly stumbles back into her life, she thinks all her dreams are coming true. It doesn’t take her long to discover that he’s actually a douchebag. A married douchebag. A married douchebag who just slept with the ex-girlfriend who’s been carrying him in her heart for five years.
Enter Damian Walker. Damian just moved in next door to Addison and after literally falling at his feet during a run, the two strike up a flirty, fun friendship. Damian has scars and secrets from his own past, but the two find something in each other that is worth fighting for.
The relationship these two have is the perfect blend of sweet and hot. There’s a ton of physical chemistry – Damian is a dirty talking sex fiend, and Addison has a crazy, sexy, naughty streak. The sex is hot, don’t get me wrong, but the most rewarding moments are the tender ones. Addison and Damian do tender just right.
I began this story thinking that I wasn’t going to like Addison very much. I was afraid she was going to be one of those whiny, weak-willed heroines. She pleasantly surprised me when she turned out to be, well, pretty awesome. She did a lot of growing in this book; she’s damaged and insecure, but communicative and reasonable and dealing with her issues. She was strong and I liked her a lot.
There is so much going on in this story and it’s a complete emotional rollercoaster. Both Addison and Damian broke my heart at different points of this book, but in the end this was a sweet, emotional, sexy read with a gratifying and rewarding happily ever after. ~ Shelly, 4 stars
I could have loved this book, but my dislike for Addison made it impossible. I simply couldn't relate to her drama, her pain and need for closure was comprehensible but her inability to react to things and how fast she was able to discard all the anger was baffling. Damien, on the other hand, I loved. He's a really nice guy but isn't perfect, which made him feel real. But their connection was also quite flimsy, I don't know if it was the pace or if it really had no depth, but Damien seems to love everything about Addison's body, but her personality is somewhat forgotten, aside from funny mugs and a reality show addiction, he doesn't really name anything about her that makes all that love seem realistic. Sounded to me more like lust than love. And the same goes for her, though in her defense, towards the end it's easier to see what it is that she loves about him.
I thought it was interesting how it seems everyone was ok with how she treats him after their first night together. It made me think if the roles were reversed, if he was the one with that attitude, I'm certain everyone would be screaming and throwing stones at the head of THE jerk.
Her attitude towards their relationship, her reactions to Matt, the abominable ex, her lack of self respect where he was concerned, and her selfish cowardly run all combined made her one of the most detestable heroines I've read. And trust me, I've read some really annoying B****es.
Favorite Quote: “I could stay like this all night. Breathing in your scent, never leaving your body.”
Addison Peacock has carried a torch for her college fiance for five years. When he leaves after graduation, promising to return, she is forced to stay due to her father’s illness. Now he’s back-only he’s married and she doesn’t find out till after they slept together. Shattered by his deceit and duplicity, Addison sees hope on the horizon in the fine, fine form of her new next door neighbor.
Damian Walker has his own problems. A car accident destroyed his sports career and took something very precious from him. Damian knows what it takes to get your life back on track and while he’d love to help Addison, he doesn’t have the inclination to be anyone’s rebound. If Addison wants a one night stand, she’s looking at the wrong man.
As Addison and Damian get to know one another better, the future starts to look brighter, but until Addison can let go of her past, all these two can ever be in next door neighbors.
Right Next Door looked in the beginning to be a lighthearted friends to lovers romance about a young woman who discovers the prince charming she waited years for is really a toad and looks to her neighbor for some sexual healing. Only it develops into being far more as we get to know the protagonists at the heart of it-Addison Peacock and Damian Walker. Love, loss, hope, and redemption all swirl together as our protagonists meet and begin their journey. The past plays heavily on the present; foreshadowing their actions and the emotional base on which they react. Both are damaged but Damian has already had ample time to move forward from his tragedy while Addison is just starting the recovery process.
“From here forward I’m going to be like the contestants from American Ninja Warrior-badass, unstoppable, and you better not mess with me because I’m not taking anyone’s shite.”
Their first meeting is like a nuclear explosion going off. Heavy flirting and instant white-hot attraction leaves them both a little stunned. Their chemistry is perfect…only they are not at the right stages on their lives to be together. Damian is looking for forever and Addison is looking for right now. Additional issues in their lives leaves them both weary of emotional intimacy and watching them get from point A to point B is a bittersweet mixture of lust, humor, misunderstandings, and some hot sticky dirty talk.
“I can’t believe you did that behind me.” “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to shoot my shite all over you like that. It was a lackluster attempt at birth control.” “What’s so funny?” “I was only upset I didn’t get to watch you touch yourself. Next time, do that when I’m looking.”
Humor and sorrow fill the pages as Damian and Addison slowly, almost reluctantly, build a relationship from friends to lovers. I wasn’t sure I would like Addison at first. She was pretty passive aggressive concerning her ex boyfriend and tended to demand a lot from Damian without giving as much in return. She also pulls a stunt towards the end that left me questioning her rationale. Despite this, it’s very easy to see why Addison is the way she is. She is caught in a whirlwind as she struggles to define who she is and where she is going after she put her heart and life on hold waiting for the man she loved to return. She never really moved on from that point in her life and deep inside she knew she has to. Addison grows monumentally throughout the story; learns to understand that love is a gift that can bring you pain and joy without destroying you in the process. She also learns to love herself.
“I need to focus on me, as selfish as that is.”
Damian I loved. While he too has some secrets and heavy personal issues he was dealing with, he had no problems being honest with himself and with Addison. He saw her and KNEW she was the one for him and is willing to wait until she realises it too. He had already been down that road of one night stands and meaningless relationships. He wants marriage, the white picketed fence, and 2.5 kids.
“My life is complicated, I don’t do casual, and I don’t play games. I won’t be giving myself away piece by piece. When I find the right woman, it’s going to be all or nothing.”
This is not to say he’s a saint because he’s not. He has his guy “moments” that only serves to push Addison away more than draw her close. Luckily for her and us, Damian is a fast learner and both are equally adept at saying they are sorry.
Pryor does an impressive job of wrangling the main conflict while pushing additional subplots into the storyline. A complex array building that tugs at your heartstrings as readers follow the path set out for them. A well-developed cast of secondary characters further the agendas set out, giving us the information our protagonist can’t or won’t give. Pryor doesn’t pull any punches and makes both Addison and Damian work towards their individual goals. The pivotal moment hurts, I won’t lie, but we are gifted with an ending that more than left this reader happy and comfortable with Addison’s and Damian’s future.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest opinion. This does not influence my opinion in any shape or form.
So as you know best friend’s little sister stories are MY FAVORITE stories ever and I’ll read anything that has that phrase in the synopsis, but the other one I’ve always loved is the whole neighbor thing. Oh boy! Let’s just say I will neither confirm or deny that I ever had a fling with the neighbor.
So Right Next Door wasn’t what I was expecting, I was expecting a different story. I was expecting Addison to ask Damien to pretend to be her boyfriend so that her ex would leave her alone. Of course that’s not the story of Right Next Door. I actually liked the story A.J. Pryor delivered in Right Next Door.
Our Story Right Next Door is told in both Damien’s and Addison’s point of view.
I think Damien’s view was better than Addison’s. I guess because his heart was in the right place even though it sometimes didn’t seem like it. But I liked him better and no it wasn’t because the guy had a lickable abs, though that does help.
They both have issues.
Damien carries around guilt and Addison deals with abandonment from not only her mother but also her ex fiancé if we can call him that. And together they have to learn to trust each other and how to heal one another.
I didn’t really believe the whole instalove thing, I think it was more lust at first sight. I personally loved their relationship before they took it to the next level. I loved how they came up with nicknames for one another, having the most outrages mugs every morning for their coffee. I think I liked that build up of their relationship then anything else it felt real to me.
Other than that the story is a quick pace, page turner that you just have to continue reading from beginning to end. But I felt something was missing, I’m not sure what but just something was missing for me to really make this a five star rating for me.
Our Characters Addison. Oh Addison, once upon in a far away land I was you, minus the engagement (THANK HEAVENS!) but I mostly definitely understood. I understood pinning away for someone who you thought loved you that you saw forever with only to be left alone. I understood that and I understood that person coming back begging for your forgiveness making you wonder if you should try and work it out or let it go. I GET IT GIRL. But dang, you irritated me. I think it was because I knew so well what you were feeling and I know. I know so well those feelings of this is what I once wanted and all that and I guess you irritated me because I was you and I made the same mistakes you did. I guess I didn’t want someone else to go through the same. But at the end of the book, I really enjoyed the growing and learning to restart and being on your own. KUDOS ADDISON!! You made me proud.
Damien. So he’s hot and who wouldn’t want a sexy as sin neighbor? Like I hate working out since I stopped playing basketball back in high school but like if he said run, trust me I’d run. I loved his loyalty. His desire to not have one night stands but only have sex if it was with the person he was going to be with for the long run. DO YOU KNOW HOW RARE THAT IS NOW? A guy who isn’t a total manwhore and who is actually sensitive and wants a committed relationship? Very hard. I loved that about Damien. I could see how you could fall in love at first sight with him and I’m not just talking about his abs either.
Overall I do feel like something was missing for me with this book. Not entirely sure I can tell you what it is but it is something. Like I said this is a fast pace, page turning book that I spent the whole evening reading. I really enjoyed it. If this turns into a series which I am secretly hoping it does, I’d love to know more about Addison’s friends and Reed, I’d definitely check it out.
2.5 stars. Addison runs into an ex who hasn't bothered to let her know he's alive and she promptly lets him get it. Then she's shocked and devastated to find out he's married to someone else. Then Addison agonizes over whether she can have a future with the ex just because he said he missed her. Smh...
Addison gives the hottie next door a night with her because good sex will certainly help her figure out what she should do. Except now, she has Two guys to choose from, whom should she choose: married ex or next door neighbor?
I thought this was just okay. I didn't like the heroine as she came off feeble and weak. I liked the hero but I don't get his decision making. It just seemed that people were keeping secrets for no good reason (excluding the Megan issue) and those secrets created unnecessary drama. It took too long for the characters to connect other physically.
Really good read! It sucked me in from the very beginning and I could not put it down. Although Addison annoyed the hell out of me with her wishy washiness and I really wanted to smack some sense into her over and over again. I absolutely LOVED Damian! I thought he deserved better than what he got from Addison. Overall a great read! Definitely recommend.
This was such an amazing book, it was realistic and romantic. It's an overall swoon worthy read that will leave you wanting for more...
Addison Peacock has had a rough life, after the death of her father she worked hard to get herself into law school and as a lawyer she has seen her fair share of infidelity cases. Yet after he finace left her only to come back five years later ready to give them another shot, she is overwhelmed and doesn't know what to do. She is still enchanted by his looks and of what they had before that she gets blindsided by the very man she used to love. But that all soon changes the minute she stumbles upon a handsome stranger whose smile and flirtatious side seem to be the only thing that can keep her from thinking of her ex. Addison knows that she can't make the same mistake again, and to get back on her feet her friends urge her to give her relationship with Damian, her next door neighbor, a go after a series of heated moments between them. Now she has to deal with her ex, who seems to be everywhere she is, and her relationship with Damian. As she struggles to make the right decisions, she finds out secrets that both man in her life have been hiding from her that could jeopardize the only relationship that she wants.
Damian's life for the past couple of years have been a nightmare, not only was he in an accident that almost leave him dead, but his soccer career ending abruptly leaving him heartbroken without knowing what to do. Now after recovering from his accident, he has managed to build a successful business with his best friend, Reed, that has made him a very wealthy man. Not caring for what his money could buy, he suddenly finds himself renting an apartment near the beach, yet what took him by surprised was his beautiful neighbor whose sense of humor for strange looking mugs and obsession with the Ninja Warriors TV show is the only thing that it takes for him to be head over heals in love with her. Not only are they neighbors, which makes them really close right off the bat, but the more they start to share their lives with each other, the more he is attracted to her. His need to protect and claim her grows fast that he finds himself wanting more from her than just being sex partners. But his bigger fear that could potentially harm his relationship with Addison are the secrets that he hides of his past and the one holding him back now. In essence, he needs to figure out a way to keep Addison in his life without letting his old life get in the way of their relationship.
It's evident that both characters have a complicated past, yet as the two of them start to share more of themselves, the more tied they are to one another. I really enjoyed reading how their chemistry progressed throughout the book, right from the start they lust one another, and being neighbors makes it somewhat worse since they see each other everyday. Yet Damian's attraction towards Addison grows and it only seems to get better. I personally liked Damian's character, he is sweet and caring, yet at times he can be a bit overbearing/overprotective borderline jealous and that's what ends up getting in the way of what they have. They both hold secrets that they are not ready to share right away, and it takes them time to see that they are truly meant for each other. Addison on the other hand, has a nice personality, but she doesn't know how to say no her ex. She gets caught up in his lies so quickly that it was a bit frustrating to read. The story itself was great though, the characters had to go through a series of obstacles in order to see the meaning of their lives and their future together. The author does a good job giving us alternative points of view between Damian and Addison that it's easy to get why they made the choices that they made in the story. Overall, I enjoyed reading their romantic scenes, and the very ending which tied everything together very well. I highly recommend it. :)
***ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.***
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review; full, original post can be found at mignon mykel : reviews.
What can I say... this one was a cute story.
Not completely fantastic, left some room for me wanting a little bit more, but all in all, it was a cute story -- one that I enjoyed and wanted to see more of the characters, a few more years down the road.
Our key players in RIGHT NEXT DOOR are Damian "Offsides" Walker and Addison "Green Eyes" Peacock (her last name just makes me chuckle... a bird... really, a bird?). Neither have had the best few years, the best half-decade plus for that matter. Damian was in a terrible car accident that killed his passenger -- a passenger who has a secret he's determined to keep, even if that later means losing Addison. Additionally, his passenger had a daughter he knew nothing about until his best friend, Reed (and damn, what a good friend Reed is. I like that man) found her, fighting cancer while being thrown between foster homes.
Addison is coming off of a rocking, turbulent relationship. Five years ago, her boyfriend announced that he was getting married to someone else. Now, he's shown up again and after a night of bliss, Addison finds his ring and Thomas let's her know that yes, he's married, no, he doesn't love Helen anymore, and please stay, he wants to try again with her. Addison is a divorce attorney, practicing at a local family law -- she knows all the ins and outs of rocky relationships and while she can't help but not trust him (good girl) she also can't help but love him (grow a pair, honey). So on that aspect? I didn't care much for her. She was supposed to be this professional, but I didn't get that from her characterization.
Addison and Damian end up neighbors; Damian's first impression of her is that he could never make her happy. He'd seen her the night prior and she left with a fancy schmuck -- someone Damian could never be. And when he finds out she's still pining for the married ex? Yeah, he wants forever and he doesn't share. Regardless, they fall into an easy friendship, talking over coffee in (cute) inappropriate mugs and jumping balconies to eat dinner (at his place, because she's a terrible cook and baker).
I understood Damian's need to keep some secrets to himself, but grew increasingly annoyed with Addison and her allowing the ex back into her life. CHANGE YOUR PHONE NUMBER, CHEEKY! Problem solved. But as Damian sees it, by allowing that constant contact to stay in place, she's afraid to let him go, so Damian therefore is apprehensive to letting Addison closer.
The story was an easy read. I didn't feel there was too much depth to it, that pretty much anything and everything you needed to know was pretty much on the surface. I enjoyed the friendship between Addison and Damian, and loved Damian and his pushy friend Reed. I enjoyed the glimpses into the Walker family and am a bit hopeful that maybe A.J. will go the series route with this story, but I'm not certain that that will happen.
This started as a 5 stars read for me. The fact that the Hero is not a playboy but a down to earth, beautiful, kind hearted human being with an 8pack was a great selling point for me. Unfortunately the heroine made me take a star down and by the end I was so pissed off I barely gave this book 3 stars, and they are all for Damien. Addison is among the most annoying and selfish heroines I've ever read. She does t tell Damien she loves him after he conffeses his love for her bc he won t tell her all ab his past. Although he explains how difficult that is for him and that it has nothing to do with the 2 of them she insists that they can t move forward if she does t know every damn detail. How about loving the man bc he is a generous, gorgeous, kind hearted man. How ab you love him for the man he has been to you after your wishy washy behavior of " I want you. Last night was a mistake". For his patiance, for his loyalty for all he has shown you he is. Nahhhh, that s not enough she must know what happened in his life before her or she can t love him or be with him. When he finds her in a compromising position with her ex that she was still very much hung up on he isn t entitled to be upset or mad. Does she go after him to explain what he saw?, of course not she acts all self righteous and gets upset bc his reaction means he does't trust her love for him. But here is the thing, how could he trust her, she never told him she loves him although he said it to her all the time and she was always hug up on her ex. Her over reaction to that whole scene, her leaving without a word was ridiculos and over the top dramatic. You would think the guy comited murder. She only comes back to leave for good bc aparently although she loves him she has to go find herself. The fact that in the end Damian was the one to go after her although she broke his heart over and over and she never apologised, never fought for him seales this book for me as a waste of time and money. All she did was run away from start to finish. Why can t authors write strong heroines. I ve read this type of drama queens heroines so many times it is dissapointing. Maybe I could have let go of some of the things Addison did if Damien wasn t so perfect. But the author made him an almost perfect specimen. His love for her was so big and she knew it bc he always told her so she had no reasons not to trust this man with her future and her heart. Her being afraid he ll break her heart was a bunch of crap bc she was the one doing all the hurting from day one. In the end, for me Addison didn t deserve a good man like Damien.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was given this book for my honest review by the author.
A tear runs down my cheek and he kisses it away. “I’m sorry Damian. I don’t want to cause you any more pain.” “You are my pain Addison.” His finger runs along my lower lip. “A slow burn that never eases, always hovering around the edges of my heart.”
Addison (Green-eyes)-sweet, spunky and a bit reserved
Damian (Offside)-hot, sexy and hidden
Addison is a lawyer that is brilliant and smart with a guarded past. The past and the future come to meet within the confines of a small bar only to find that her guarded heart to be true within. As a circumstance beyond her control comes into play the past might be more distant than what she thought. Offside is a definite get to know you kind of guy for the girl with the green eyes. Will her heart survive the offside or will she falter back to a distant time? Can the woman she has become find a true love?
Damian is a hotter than hot man that has always believed that a promise said is a promise kept but what happens when the promise is too much for one? Will this promise be the one that stands between the woman with the green eyes or will it be the bond that holds them together through it all?
Damian and Addison’s true journey begins here. Damian has a secret that he shares with Addison but only a portion for this is not his secret to tell. The misgiving is not to lead Addison to astray but in his mind to protect her from the hurt that he believes it will create. As Addison gives her all to Damian even when it hurts the most she begins to let the past go and let a new beginning form with the strongest of bonds her heart never thought possible. The sexual touches that each possess is like popping popcorn on the stove, a slowness of the corn heating up to the perfection of the pop.
Author A.J. Pryor has done it once again in creating a one of a kind read that will pull at your heartstrings from word one and capture you till the last word is read. The frustrating towel you will need at times and a bucket of ice to keep you cool within the confines of your bedroom or favorite chair. Make sure you have those M&M’s handy because popping them in your mouth to quit from playing within the pages is a must. Major Kudo’s once again to this amazing author.
RIGHT NEXT DOOR was one of those books where the blurb grabbed my attention and the cover sold the me. But I can tell you I was pleasantly surprised by this one because the storyline didn't exactly take the turn I thought it was going to based on the blurb. Instead it was more angsty, emotional and thoroughly engrossing till the very end.
Addison Peacock is a woman who had been dealt a pretty crappy hand in life. Forced to stay in her hometown when her father became ill, her boyfriend offers a quickie marriage proposal and then hightails it out of town for five years. Addison is rightfully devastated, but she's downright broken when she's left to figure out a direction for her life after her father passes. And when she's finally feeling like things are back on track, ex-a-hole fiance comes strolling back into her life. But Addison is saved from a further downward spiral by her new neighbor, Damian Walker. He helps Addison pick herself up and fight for the fresh start she desperately needs, while worming his way past her defensive walls and into her heart.
Damian was a jumbled mess. He was hulking, alpha male who was determined to mark Addison so every male in the general area knew she was his. But he was also the biggest softie at his core. He wants someone to love him. He wants a family. And what he sees in Addison all points to forever. He tried to do the right thing by Addison and hold all his feelings in until he was sure how she felt, but he feels big and he just couldn't keep it to himself. But what I loved about Damian is he was willing to do what he had to do, no matter how much it killed him, to ensure Addison's happiness. He was that sure of their feelings and of them as a couple. It was refreshing while still being heartbreaking because you knew just how much it hurt him to do that.
As I said earlier, I was pleasantly surprised by this story and truly enjoyed it. It was an easy story to fall into, with characters who could definitely get your emotions engaged. This book has peaked my interest in AJ Pryor and I'll definitely be checking out her other titles.
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Right Next Door was quite different in its approach regarding love on the rebound. Told from alternating POVs between Addison and Damian, it follows the progression of a relationship that initially felt like friends to lovers with a little bit of the love on the rebound. Addie had just had a traumatic one night stand with her ex-fiance whom she had always carried the torch for. Its been five years since he left her and promised to come back and when he did she mistakenly assumed he came back for her. Its turn out he was married already and she felt like an idiot falling for a dream that hadn't a chance of coming true. So when she met Damian her gorgeous new neighbour, having a fling seems a great idea. But Damian had other plans. He on the other hand has more stuff going on and a short term relationship wasn't part of it. He wants a commitment something beautiful and fragile Addie doesn't want. And as this two continue becoming closer and inevitably fall into a sexy relationship, secrets they've both kept keeps popping up that undermines what they have started. Can what they have really survive all this drama? I initially had a hard time connecting with Addison's character but as you continue reading the book, readers would come to realise what really makes her tick. The way she decided on how to begin a clean slate, the second time around, was a good way of making sure her relationship with Damian was the real deal and not guaranteed to fail like what she had with her douchebag of an ex. Damian's character has always been the good guy but wasn't two dimensional in the least. His own issues seem as dramatic as Addie's but it had a bit more of a dramatic resolution. Overall, Right Next Door was really fun and entertaining with engaging characters and plot.
I’ve read all of AJ Pryor’s work so far, and for me this is her best story yet!
It’s full of emotion, and it’s a story that grabbed me right from the beginning, being able to sympathise with each of the main characters, and some of the secondary ones as well.
A well written, faced paced read and characters that are dealing with very real situations in their lives that you can relate to on some level. Addison and Damian are very likeable characters who each have their own situations/demons to overcome. Addison is still pining the loss of her “future” 5 years after he left her high and dry with a sick father. She’s never known how to get past that and is basically just surviving until Damian moves in next door and changes everything. Damian is holding back secrets of his own as well but the mystery surrounding those secrets doesn’t appear sinister and he’s basically protecting someone else who is very important to him, even though he does hold a lot of guilt in his heart. Together they try to move on and give each other a brighter future.
There is a very strong sense of family and for a nice change our hero isn’t a man whore, hooray :-) he’s an honest guy who is looking for a long term relationship, not just a fling. He’s quite swoonworthy!
The story does contain some very steamy love scenes and a romance that is very sweet.
It’s a very entertaining read and there really wasn’t anything that I disliked about this book. If I had to pick on one thing is that towards the end I wished that Addison would make up her mind on certain issues a little faster but, the waiting was all worth it in the end.
Book was given to me by the author in return for an honest review
This is some swoony reading right here. Pretty sure Damian had me professing my love after only a few chapters. With ironic and overtly sexual coffee mugs and 8 pack abs added to the mix, I was a complete goner. Adorably romantic yet innately complex, Addison and Damian’s love story takes the long way around…even though they’re a door away from each other.
I was against the whole married ex-boyfriend returning part of this story, but you’re supposed to think the guy’s an asshole – so really, that wasn’t a problem for me. However, I really really hated how much Addison reacted to him. They have history, but I wanted her to hand him his balls and tell him where he could shove them. But regardless, I enjoyed Addison. Despite her terrible taste in past boyfriends and her waffling over her future, she’s funny and smart.
However, the real star and attraction of this book is Damian. His life hasn’t been rainbows and butterflies but he’s restarted, regrouped and renewed himself. He’s hoping to show Addison that she can do the same thing – and he’s even willing to do it shirtless. Fine by me. I fell over myself loving how devoted he was to even the potential of a relationship with Addison – he doesn’t do casual and as much as I love a reformed manwhore, I love this kind of character. #SwoonWorthy
Of course, terrible choices are made, drama is had, and hearts need recovering – but the end made me smile wide. AJ writes well and had me turning the pages with ease. 4 stars!
[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]
A thoroughly enjoyable read The blurb for this book got my attention because it sounded interesting so I wanted to read it, but I also had certain expectations because of it. Addison sounded a little pathetic, carrying a torch for a guy five years after they parted, and then being duped by him when he turns up as I said five years later. I was wrong, I really ended up liking Addison a lot. She turned out to be a really awesome chick, who despite her damage was able to woman up, she's strong and sensitive and a lot of fun. Then we have Damian who I also adore, he is also damaged from the past. He is also super sexy and fun, and the two of them together make such a perfect pair. There's no denying that the attraction and chemistry between them is palpable. I really enjoyed the back and fourth with the alternating point of views. I always enjoy getting a look into each of the characters like that, and it gave me insight into each character and their motives. The writing is just so good that I easily fell right into the story. It's engaging and kept me turning the pages right up to the very end. The questions about whether the past would be the one huge thing to ultimately get in between Addison and Damian, and prevent them from cresting something solid and substantial kept popping up along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first AJ Pryor novel and I found her writing style refreshing. She hooked me from the first chapter with Addison! Though suffering emotionally due to some bad breaks from life, she is witty and strong. Her character development may be what kept me turning the pages initially but Damian... that man is what really sold me on this story.
Damian is kind of perfect. He's dreamy, loves his family and he isn't into casual sex. Nope, he is Mr. Monogamy. And from the minute he meets Addison, he knows he wants her and they'd be perfect together. Unfortunately, it takes Addison a long time to get on board with the relationship part though she's happy to jump his bones a time or two.
Telling the story from a dual POV was necessary as I needed to see what Damian was going through emotionally as well. There is definite steam, enough to make you want to fan yourself but at it's heart this book is a lovely story of two people who just happen to find their soul mate... right next door!
This was a five star book until the last half of the book when I wasn't wild about a few things in the storyline involving both main characters. But luckily, the end saved it for me (though maybe a little too perfect) and I finished the book smiling and very glad I found this new author. I laughed out loud, I teared up once or twice and overall, this was just a light and great addition to my Kindle library. Definitely recommended!
Addison was or has been in love with an asshole of an ex. She thought in her mind that he was all that and a bag of chips. Oh boy was she wrong. He was a two timing married man who just slept with his ex girlfriend.
Damien has just moved next door to Addison. They hit it off immediately after that embracing entrance on her part. They start to spend time with on another and things start to get friendly. They start wanting more then just relationship.
They get feelings for each other and decide it's worth a try. They have great chemistry in and out of the bedroom. There are parts in this story that was just down right sad. Then they would be happy as they can be. These two main characters are two damaged souls who are trying to work on their inner demons. While trying to find peace and happiness together. This was really a great book.
Ughhhh! This book was beyond annoying! I seriously wanted to reach into my kindle and slap or shake the h!! The H was somewhat better but even he kinda annoyed me... Just not my cup of tea, the writing style was OK though..
While it only makes sense that the synopsis is usually what has me itching to read a particular book, it's certainly rare that I'm hooked by the very first sentence. My fiancé is officially a married man. The only problem is that he isn't married to me. . . Seriously, who can pass that up?
Addison has had some hard knocks. The boy she loved moved away and gradually faded away, despite the promise that he'd be back to marry her. Since then, her father has passed away, and she's found herself stuck in the small town where she grew up, and although she's a lawyer now, she's not climbing any ladders or living any dreams.
The story starts off with Addison having just seen Matt for the first time in years, and while it initially seemed like a dream come true, the morning after reveals that he's married. It's not just the shock and betrayal you might expect; it also leaves her to question everything she's done since he left. Their relationship faded into nothing over time, much like long distance things tend to do. The phone calls became less frequent, eventually stopping altogether, but with every other wrong turn her life took, the idea of living happily ever after with Matt was something she had a hard time letting go.
Damian is the guy who moves in next door. He's hot as all get out, but more than that, he seems to get her. He understands her humor and can see that she's still reeling from whatever's happened with her ex, and while it's obvious that she's more than just a little attracted to him, Damian isn't the type to do casual hook-ups. He's a relationship guy, the opposite of everything he saw his father do wrong, and he knows he has to give Addison time to move on and move forward with him.
I loved their banter and the coffee mugs each morning, but Addison's mixed-up feelings over Matt also made perfect sense. The author did a wonderful job of putting readers in Addison's shoes, where even though it's obvious that Matt isn't the right guy for her, it's also really hard to walk away when it seems that everything she's ever wanted for her future is right there for the taking. In fact, as much as I hated Matt's deception and the way he abandoned her all those years ago, I actually felt a little sorry for him. It was obvious that while he made some truly terrible decisions and had the wrong priorities for so long, he really did have deep emotions when it came to Addison. Leaving her and marrying someone else for prestige and money was absolutely unforgivable, but I couldn't help but feel a little for the guy who wanted nothing more than to have his first love back. Damian's story was pretty heartbreaking as well when it was revealed why he was so hell-bent on taking care of the little girl in the hospital. That one managed to stay a mystery for much longer than we typically see in books, though I did finally guess the reason there toward the end.
The one thing that really bugged me about Addison and Damian together, though, was how quickly they turned on each other at the slightest miscommunication. After a few times, you'd think they would realize that staying around an extra five seconds for an explanation was worth it, but they just kept running off and shutting each other out, only to beg forgiveness a short while later. Still, Right Next Door was a pretty pleasant surprise compared to most romances I read. The characters had depth and flaws that weren't just there so someone could think they were cute, and while they may have jumped into things early on, they struggled to make it through their problems as their relationship was building. The best part, though, was how it all came together in the end. Whereas many stories line up everything so perfectly that it's tied up with a big, bright bow, Right Next Door served up a happily ever after that made perfect sense and held to a more realistic resolution. If this is what I can expect from A.J. Pryor, I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
This was my first read by this author. I have to say i was very pleasantly surprised by how the story turned out. It was an engaging read with the right amount of romance, sizzle and angst.
Addison Peacock was abandoned by her fiancee just when she needed him the most. She has not moved on from him at all. Now after 5 years when her fiancee shows up, she is devastated to find out that he is married. Now that is something she never imagined in her wildest dreams how her reunion will happen. Addison is upset and torn about her feelings for Matt(her married fiancee) when he decides that he wants her back. She does not trust Matt at all but also does not know how to forget about all the feelings she had for him all these years. It does not help her case at all when her new sexy neighbor moves in.
Damian Walker is a man with a past and demons that he is struggling to battle every day. He is smitten by Addison. He wants her in his life but without any reservations and doubts on Addison's part. Damian is not looking for a hook up but a forever and eventually a life together but Addison is in no way in any shape to let her past go. So what follows is an angst filled sizzling romance with loads of fighting and making up and yeah LOVE....
Addison's character was very likable and very realistic. I felt her pain, confusion and every other emotions that she goes through. She is confused about her feelings for Matt when he turns up after so many years claiming that he loved her and left her to give her a better life(What a DOUCHE...). I just kept my fingers crossed the entire time hoping she does not do anything stupid. Thankfully, she did not disappoint. Her feelings for Damian came out to be quite strong after going through the wringer so many times.
DAMIAN WALKER(*sigh*)Thats a name which would get going without any preamble. He is like sex on legs in all his shirtless glory. I would cut my arm off to have a neighbor like that. But he is not only for show, he is genuinely an awesome person. He is compassionate, loving, caring and overall a fantabulous guy. His commitment to Addison and his love for her was something any girl could dream of in a guy.
The writing was very nice.All the emotions were portrayed perfectly. The characters felt very real to me. Damian's past added more depth to his character and to the story as a whole. It was a really nice touch and kind of shaped up the entire plot nicely.
I just have one complaint and that is about Matt's appearance in the story. Matt is Addison's past and a complete jerk but his character was always used to put a wrench between Addison and Damian. There was no clear ending or closure for Matt's Character. It would have been nice to see Addison finally putting Matt in his place and moving on. Well that is about the only flaw that i found in this read.
A very nice and angst filled romance with a super hot half Brazilian sex god.....WHAT MORE DO U NEED??? *wink*
Right Next Door is the kind of book that draws you in and doesn't let you go.This book had an interesting twist on the usual neighbor romance and I loved how the author created this unique plot and used the characters to create the drama of the situation.
One of my favorite things about this book was the switching of roles. Per usual, it's the guy who isn't looking for the serious relationship, yet in Right Next Door, Damian is the one with the high relationship expectations. Seemingly right away he knows exactly what he wants in the relationship and also knows that Addison is in no way prepared for a serious relationship. This switch of roles was amazing because it set this book separate from other romance books.
Addison was an interesting character as she was equally strong and admirable as she was frustrating. She waited years for the guy of her dreams to come back to her little town and marry her. Yet when they finally meet up, it turns out he is already married to someone else. Addison realizes she had spent the last few years putting her life on pause for someone who has been furthering his own career without her. It was a hard hit and Addison seems to flounder with what to do next. Especially when suggestions come in from a best friend that she needs a rebound guy. There was definitely a learning curve for her when it came to deciding what was next in her future.
Damian was just the guy it seemed to solve these problems. He was supporting her and pushing her to be her own person and take new risks. Some of my favorite parts of the book were from his perspective because of how sincere he was and it was easy to see that he really cared.
The author made sure to put the right amount of drama and heartbreak into this book. Addison didn't so anything so drastic as to lose my respect as a reader, yet she was put into enough difficult situations as to keep interest in the book. Also there was a really good balance of drama and hilarity. Several times in this book I found myself laughing out loud at both the characters and the situation. I loved how the author incorporated the dirty coffee mugs into the book. It added a little lightness and fun to a book that could quickly could become too serious. Another comic outlet was Addison's addiction to reality TV. Little things like this really brightened up the book and made it a great read. Kudos for this.
Overall this book was super interesting and made of a great plot and amazing characters. It was easy to become involved in their lives. Damian was just so perfectly imperfect that I couldn't help but crush on him throughout the book. This is definitely the book for anyone looking for a great romance and a trip into self-discovery.
Ah neighbors who fall in love, the benefit of proximity really does help speed things along, or at the very least ratchet up the sexual tension. Although this book has a side of ex-boyfriend coming at ya, which always makes things interesting.
So when the book starts Addison is so not having a good day. After her ex left her five years ago (shortly after proposing) and then never talked to her again, he reappears in her life, she's excited and sleeps with him, only to find out that he has a wife. This so does not go over well with Addison, as you can imagine. The only good thing that happens to her after finding out that she slept with her married ex, Matt, is that her new neighbor is like the hottest man alive. Seriously the way the author talks about Damien's abs makes me want to move in next door so I can stare over my morning coffee (and I don't drink coffee).
In a lot of ways Addison is inexperienced, she has really only had one boyfriend, and even though he left her five years prior, she really hasn't made any kind of effort to get back out there in the dating game. I liked that she is a really smart woman, she's a divorce attorney. But she is also a really kind person, and she has a good sense of humor, I assume she got it from her dad along with his really inappropriate collection of coffee mugs.
Damien I really liked, and not just because he has some awesome abs. Damien hasn't had the easiest life, and his chosen career path didn't work out for him thanks to a drunk driver. But the great thing about him is that he is has been able to pick himself up and make his life into something. I loved that he is a such a good guy, and that he is there for Emily (read the book to figure out who Emily is). He's also not a playboy, at all, his dad is well, a player and a jerk, and he wants to be nothing like him; so as an end result he is just a really respectful guy and I really liked that about him. I mean he could have easily just jumped into something with Addison that she really wasn't ready for, but instead he gave her time and held off.
I loved the build up of sexual tension in this book, and then when the two of them get together it's seriously hot and steamy. I also liked the kind of back and forth between the two of them while they figured out their respective lives. All in all I would easily recommend this book.
Right Next Door by A.J. Pryor is a roller-coaster ride you won't want to miss. There are ups and downs scattered throughout the story that will leave you reeling and wondering "So, what happens now?".
Addison is a divorce attorney whose personal life has essentially been on hold for the past five years. After graduation her boyfriend Matt proposed. The next day, he left town to pursue his career in investment banking. The relationship quickly faded over the long distance. Addison would have followed him, he was her first love after all and her fiancé, but her father was then diagnosed with cancer and his health began to decline rapidly. This is where we come in - it has been five years and Matt shows back up in town and sweeps Addison away for the night only for her to wake up the next morning and find his wedding ring. Matt is married and it isn't to Addison. WTF? This is where the new neighbor, Damian enters the picture.
Damian has had it bad the past six years. A devastating car accident caused by a drunk driver took away his soccer career and almost took his will to live as well. He's made it though. He is living his life to the fullest and when he falls for someone it's for the long haul, no one night stands for this guy. He's determined that unlike his biological father, man-whoring is not in his blood. Damian meets his new neighbor Addison and is immediately besotted (read as mega-turned on and very attracted to her).
Meeting Damian came at a pivotal point in Addison's life. She is ready to move past the standstill she's been at unconsciously waiting for Matt to return. She's ready to begin living and dating again and one night with the hot neighbor would be great. That is until he tells her no - he wants more.
Plot twists and secrets tie you up throughout the book while the romance is slowly unfolding. Shocking secrets and painful revelations abound. I enjoyed this book, and the sex scenes were hot but I was so ready to find out more about the secrets that I found myself wanting to rush through the sex to get to more of the actual plot.