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The Slob Who Lives Down the Hall

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When Cara’s daughter, Jade, begs her to ask the man from down the hall to help her with her schoolwork, Cara gives in, and finds herself learning about the most mysterious man on the compound, who as it turns out, isn’t as bad as they say or as unatt

28 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2016

46 people are currently reading
38 people want to read

About the author

Sandra Sinclair

43 books5 followers
Sandra Sinclair has been a professional writer for years, but after spending most of her career writing marketing copy, she thought it was finally time to follow her passion, which thankfully for us involves igniting her readers' passion as well. Teaming up with Steam Books Erotica & Romance, Sandra's ready and willing to make her readers feel the love and lust of her prose.

Sandra has a degree in Journalism and had once created storylines for a professional video game, but her true calling is being one of the talented sirens of erotica.

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Community Reviews

5 stars
27 (25%)
4 stars
30 (27%)
3 stars
32 (29%)
2 stars
13 (12%)
1 star
6 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Monique.
626 reviews43 followers
May 7, 2018
A cute, wish fulfillment kind of short story. It could have been tweaked a bit, and given more depth to be a really great short story.
Profile Image for Lisa Tetting.
Author 4 books68 followers
May 2, 2018
When I saw the title of this book I was a little put off, but it was free so I decided to read it. I am so glad I gave it a chance.

This book is all about not judging people from appearance alone. There is always that one recluse in an apartment building that the neighbors gossip about. In this case it was Neil. He was the type who stayed to himself and didn't bother anybody. (What a horrible person - insert eye roll.) No one ever saw him leave his apartment. Since they couldn't be all up in his business, they made up stories about him.

Cara's precocious little girl Jade had a school project and decided she wanted Neil to help her. She had run into him one day while taking out the garbage and overheard him talking about a video game he was developing. Well, Miss Jade wanted his help and she wasn't taking no for an answer, prompting Cara to knock on her neighbor's door.

Neil, though he appeared slovenly, was very kind and polite. He invited his neighbor into his home and happily agreed to help Jade with her project. He started coming over to their apartment, just a few doors down, to help Jade out. While there he had dinner with the ladies and determined he liked them very much, especially Cara.

The project was a big hit and Jade was asked to present it to the entire school. Excited at the opportunity, Jade ran to thank Neil and invite him to come and watch her presentation. Cara happily agreed that he should come. When he arrived, Neil was fine! The man showered, shaved and combed his hair. The result - Neil was a snack. Cara was already feeling him because of his personality, but when she saw him cleaned up, the heat meter went up ten fold.

Well like all short stories, the relationship went fast and they ended up in bed. The author left the ending open to all sorts of HEA possibilities for this budding couple and possible new family. I would love to see them get their own novel.
Profile Image for iamGamz.
1,549 reviews52 followers
November 30, 2018
....

It’s a novella. It started promising and then went from zero to 69 before I understood what was going on. Then it ended.

I was left very confused.
800 reviews2 followers
September 26, 2020
Good story!

It was short and to the point and enjoyable! Interesting storylinethere was great chemistry between Neil and Cars. I truly recommend it to all my fellow romance readers. You will truly enjoy it.
Profile Image for Stephanie Jynelle.
1,262 reviews8 followers
August 6, 2018
Too short

I liked the premise of meeting the neighbor that no one really knows. It was a sweet story just way too short.
19 reviews
December 22, 2018
Great stories

Because it was a page turner. Kept me wondering what's the next book is about. Keep up the good work!!
29 reviews
January 4, 2019
Rushed ending

Felt it held its own until the end which was rushed, it could of been explored more and a few chapters longer ..such a shame
Profile Image for Lucinda.
241 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2019
Interesting, I liked it very much.

Told from a different angle. First time reading this Ruth's work. Will gladly do so again. I enjoyed the story line.
1 review
May 21, 2019
Too short

Find it was too short if it was just little longer and would have had more insight into the characters then it would have given it 5 stars.
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,072 reviews121 followers
July 13, 2019
The Geek and the Girl

The story was something else. Kind of cute and a little unrealistic. But it was a nicely told story. Worth 4.0 stars.
Profile Image for Katrina Taylor.
Author 10 books47 followers
February 28, 2020
Sweet

I chose this rating because it was a wonderful read. It out you in a mood of respect and knowing things can happen for anyone.
406 reviews6 followers
April 12, 2020
Short but fun

Not too heavy. Just a short, sweet story about two people finding each other. Nothing more to really say about it.
105 reviews
December 30, 2020
Good

It was a good quick read nice characters wish it were longer. Has great full length potential. Would recommend sweat read
Profile Image for The Bourbon-Sipping Bibliophile.
744 reviews40 followers
May 27, 2025
Sandra Sinclair's "The Slob Who Lives Down the Hall" introduces Cara, a mother who, at her daughter Jade's urging, seeks help from the mysterious neighbor across the hall for schoolwork. This premise sets up a potentially intriguing story about discovering the true nature of someone misunderstood.

The novella starts with a promising setup, hinting at the enigmatic quality of the neighbor and the curiosity surrounding him. However, due to its extremely short length (just 28 pages), the narrative rushes through its developments at an incredibly fast pace. The story quickly moves from introduction to key romantic moments without sufficient build-up or character development, leaving the reader feeling disoriented rather than engaged. It feels as though the story jumps from one plot point to the next without the necessary connective tissue to make the progression feel earned or understandable.

While the core idea of uncovering the truth about a reclusive neighbor is appealing, the execution is hampered by the brevity. There isn't enough space for the characters to truly develop, for their relationship to blossom organically, or for the reader to genuinely connect with their journey. The potential for a sweet or compelling short story is present, but it ultimately feels underdeveloped and lacks the depth needed to make a lasting impression.

In conclusion, "The Slob Who Lives Down the Hall" has a cute premise that could have been quite charming. Unfortunately, its novella format is too restrictive, leading to a rushed plot and a lack of narrative substance. Readers looking for a quick, light read might find it mildly entertaining, but those seeking a more developed story will likely be left confused and wanting more.

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read the book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!
Profile Image for Letta Raven.
281 reviews22 followers
February 3, 2016
It was a quick read but it wasn't cute and light and fun. Instead it was a series of stereotypes sort of being broken down. The main character lacks depth, which can be achieved even in a short story.
Profile Image for Dl.
225 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2016
Too Short

This is shorter than a sample...by the time they set up the story the book was over...it was too quick
Profile Image for Annette.
3,174 reviews9 followers
April 4, 2016
Great short story which did leave me wanting more but even still I enjoyed it. Love the single parent theme. Don't judge a neighbor by his clutter!!!
192 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2016
25 minutes

That's how long it took me to read this short story. Too bad it couldn't have been longer. It had the makings of a good romance.
Profile Image for Niki.
709 reviews10 followers
December 6, 2016
This was a nice short story. The characters are believable and it moved at a somewhat realistic pace. The male and female leads did not instantly fall in love but felt a growing attraction.
Profile Image for Quinesia Johnson.
470 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2017
Cute. Not the cutest ever. Sweet. Not the sweetest ever. It's fun, somewhat cliché, mindless, cozy reading, in good form. At 28 pages, there's a quick plot; you can't lose.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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