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Bad Boy Romance #1
Bad Neighbor
He's sexy... He's dangerous... He's right next door.
I gave up everything to save my sister from a monster, and now I’m lying low in this rundown apartment so I can stay out of danger. Hiding from everyone.
Except for the guy in apartment 1A.
He’s rude. Silent. Muscled, mysterious, and hot as hell. I don’t know if he likes me or hates me, but the more time I spend with him, the less it matters.
I want him.
And for the first time in my life I'm going to go after what I want.
She doesn’t belong in my world.
From the second 1B moves in, I know she’s keeping secrets. She doesn’t belong here, much less with a street fighter like me.
But that doesn’t stop me from craving her. Her softness and sweetness. She’s a drug, and suddenly I’m addicted.
I know someone is going to try and hurt her and I can’t let that happen. But unless I push her away and get her out of my world, that someone could be me…
I gave up everything to save my sister from a monster, and now I’m lying low in this rundown apartment so I can stay out of danger. Hiding from everyone.
Except for the guy in apartment 1A.
He’s rude. Silent. Muscled, mysterious, and hot as hell. I don’t know if he likes me or hates me, but the more time I spend with him, the less it matters.
I want him.
And for the first time in my life I'm going to go after what I want.
She doesn’t belong in my world.
From the second 1B moves in, I know she’s keeping secrets. She doesn’t belong here, much less with a street fighter like me.
But that doesn’t stop me from craving her. Her softness and sweetness. She’s a drug, and suddenly I’m addicted.
I know someone is going to try and hurt her and I can’t let that happen. But unless I push her away and get her out of my world, that someone could be me…
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2016
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August 23, 2020
5 Victory and Submission Stars ⭐
It's bizarre. Bizarre that I've been meaning to read this book for years and that it's taken me forever to do so. And now that I have, I feel like reading every book this author has written. Bad Neighbor is exactly my kind of book. Eroticism, introverted characters, emotional dialogue and sexual tension that had me besotted. I fucking love a damaged underdog and a good girl that's dying to be bad. Welcome to Shady Oaks, the place of secrets and shady pasts.
Moving to a derelict Shady Oaks, obliterates everything Charlotte has accomplished. But having to sell her condo and hand over nearly all her savings to a sister now on the run; her life has changed dramatically. Charlotte is not much of a people's person, and being alone suits her fine. Yet when her new asshole neighbour Jesse, grudgingly helps her move in, Charlotte has no idea that he will push all her boundaries.
"This guy made no sense. Rude but helpful. Offended, somehow, by me while at the same time being so offensive."
Jesse is an underground fighter that doesn't appreciate anyone in his business. Known as being trouble and dangerous, he's befuddled as to why someone like Charlotte would move into his apartment complex. Worse now that she seems to get under his skin. Evidently she doesn't belong, but neither can seem to stay out of each other's way.
"Fine. Then don’t be nice. It’s confusing. It’s easier when you’re an asshole."
"Easier not to like me?"
"Oh, no, not liking you is pretty easy."
"Easier not to want to fuck me, then."
Avoiding each other should be easy, until Charlotte accidentally steps into Jesse's world. A good girl would be affronted. But not Charlotte, she's turned on and desperately wants to be a participant...
"I’m gonna need to come on your tits."
I sucked in air like I was drowning.
"You gonna let me do that?" he asked.
"I’m gonna let you do everything," I whispered.
He groaned low in his throat like I was killing him, like I’d twisted the knife. Like I was simply too much.
Reminiscent of some of the best erotica authors, Cara McKenna and Charlotte Stein, this book incinerated my brain. I am a complete sucker for a tortured hero and a woman that can help him find greatness. And the fact that their affection and love for each other was undeniable. ♥️
It's bizarre. Bizarre that I've been meaning to read this book for years and that it's taken me forever to do so. And now that I have, I feel like reading every book this author has written. Bad Neighbor is exactly my kind of book. Eroticism, introverted characters, emotional dialogue and sexual tension that had me besotted. I fucking love a damaged underdog and a good girl that's dying to be bad. Welcome to Shady Oaks, the place of secrets and shady pasts.
Moving to a derelict Shady Oaks, obliterates everything Charlotte has accomplished. But having to sell her condo and hand over nearly all her savings to a sister now on the run; her life has changed dramatically. Charlotte is not much of a people's person, and being alone suits her fine. Yet when her new asshole neighbour Jesse, grudgingly helps her move in, Charlotte has no idea that he will push all her boundaries.
"This guy made no sense. Rude but helpful. Offended, somehow, by me while at the same time being so offensive."
Jesse is an underground fighter that doesn't appreciate anyone in his business. Known as being trouble and dangerous, he's befuddled as to why someone like Charlotte would move into his apartment complex. Worse now that she seems to get under his skin. Evidently she doesn't belong, but neither can seem to stay out of each other's way.
"Fine. Then don’t be nice. It’s confusing. It’s easier when you’re an asshole."
"Easier not to like me?"
"Oh, no, not liking you is pretty easy."
"Easier not to want to fuck me, then."
Avoiding each other should be easy, until Charlotte accidentally steps into Jesse's world. A good girl would be affronted. But not Charlotte, she's turned on and desperately wants to be a participant...
"I’m gonna need to come on your tits."
I sucked in air like I was drowning.
"You gonna let me do that?" he asked.
"I’m gonna let you do everything," I whispered.
He groaned low in his throat like I was killing him, like I’d twisted the knife. Like I was simply too much.
Reminiscent of some of the best erotica authors, Cara McKenna and Charlotte Stein, this book incinerated my brain. I am a complete sucker for a tortured hero and a woman that can help him find greatness. And the fact that their affection and love for each other was undeniable. ♥️
March 23, 2018
*CURRENTLY FREE ON AMAZON!*
4.5 Stars --- Um, so I REALLY liked this! LOL I think I'm kind of knocked on my ass because I was not expecting to devour this as quick as I did.
And did someone say hot? Oh yeah, I did. This is SMOKIN'! I have never read scenes like this one has and wow, is it getting a little warm in here or is it just me? They're just different from every other book out there and it's fantastic.
*Review to come. ;) in the mean time, one click and enjoy Jesse for yourself.
*Edited to Add* Wow, apparently I suck. Cause I read this book in November 2016 and planned on reviewing it, and here we are in March 2018 and I never did it. :|
My bad. Sorry guys. Though I still think y’all should read it. I smirk every time I see it on my shelf so... ;)
4.5 Stars --- Um, so I REALLY liked this! LOL I think I'm kind of knocked on my ass because I was not expecting to devour this as quick as I did.
And did someone say hot? Oh yeah, I did. This is SMOKIN'! I have never read scenes like this one has and wow, is it getting a little warm in here or is it just me? They're just different from every other book out there and it's fantastic.
*Review to come. ;) in the mean time, one click and enjoy Jesse for yourself.
*Edited to Add* Wow, apparently I suck. Cause I read this book in November 2016 and planned on reviewing it, and here we are in March 2018 and I never did it. :|
My bad. Sorry guys. Though I still think y’all should read it. I smirk every time I see it on my shelf so... ;)
August 17, 2017
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 STARS⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Molly O'Keefe! OMG! I HAD NO IDEA!!! ❤️🔥
This book was recommended by a fave author and I'm so thankful to Megan Erickson for mentioning this book! UNF!
SO GOOOOD! Just what I needed today!
Bad Neighbor, with his bad boy alpha definitely owning an asshole title, an introvert heroine in a bad situation but not entirely helpless and the gritty and raw connection developing between them... Man this book pushed ALL my buttons!
Molly O'Keefe even surprised me because even when I thought I had the heroine all figured out, she went and made her do something SO unexpected from an introvert... But so wicked and good... !
Seriously, this book was utterly satisfying, it was playful and sexy with just the perfect dose of angst and grit to fuel my fantasies.
☞Recommendation : If you like your books a little dirty and gritty, grab this effing book today!
PS : Book 2 is currently FREE* on AMAZON. *at time of posting
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
It felt a little bit like I was making friends with a bear. Some creature that might snap my head off one minute or curl up in my lap the next, and I couldn't blame the bear for being a bear.
Molly O'Keefe! OMG! I HAD NO IDEA!!! ❤️🔥
This book was recommended by a fave author and I'm so thankful to Megan Erickson for mentioning this book! UNF!
SO GOOOOD! Just what I needed today!
Bad Neighbor, with his bad boy alpha definitely owning an asshole title, an introvert heroine in a bad situation but not entirely helpless and the gritty and raw connection developing between them... Man this book pushed ALL my buttons!
Molly O'Keefe even surprised me because even when I thought I had the heroine all figured out, she went and made her do something SO unexpected from an introvert... But so wicked and good... !
Seriously, this book was utterly satisfying, it was playful and sexy with just the perfect dose of angst and grit to fuel my fantasies.
"I'm sorry I'm a dick," he whispered, his breath washing my lips, my face. Covering me in his scent.
I swallowed back the words I'm sorry I'm so sensitive because I was tired of being that girl. The girl who made the people who hurt her feel better for having hurt her. I said instead, like I was in a movie: "Make it up to me."
His lip kicked up, his eyes got heavy. Dark.
☞Recommendation : If you like your books a little dirty and gritty, grab this effing book today!
PS : Book 2 is currently FREE* on AMAZON. *at time of posting
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
November 21, 2016
DNF at 40% - nothing happens up until this point except Jesse being an ass to Charlotte most of the time and he pushes her away. Things change at 35% when Charlotte hears Jesse next door having sex all night so she angrily knocks on his door ready for a confrontation but instead ends up being invited in to watch the other couple have sex. I just wish this heroine had more of a backbone - this guy has treated her really bad several times and she still wants to jump into their orgy? I don't get it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2020
3.75 STARS!
Plot in a nutshell: After introverted Charlotte is forced to downsize her life and move into the worst building in the worst neighborhood, she decides to make the best of it.
The second half was better though and made for a satisfying finish. I'll definitely read more by this author since my ruffled feathers are the result of personal pet peeves. 😂
"Is this love?"Undeniably hot, emotional, and well-written!
Plot in a nutshell: After introverted Charlotte is forced to downsize her life and move into the worst building in the worst neighborhood, she decides to make the best of it.
Shady Oaks was pretty much a turning point in my life. If I was ever going to NOT be me, this was my moment.Despite being a total ass, her very hot neighbor, Jesse, intrigues her to no end.
"If you want something, take it. Do it. Have it. What does pretending you don't want something get you?"I really enjoyed the overall story; the characters were well done . . .
"I don't live like you do," I said. "In my body like that. I live in my head.". . . I just wish Jesse's attitude had been a little softer around the edges, because this was very true:
Agreeable Jesse was more potent than angry Jesse.For me, Jesse was too much of a dick for too long and that extended to the kink of in the story. Whether Jesse was striving to humiliate Charlotte at every turn is debatable, but the events of the first half (no matter how hot) definitely didn't leave me with any warm fuzzies.
The second half was better though and made for a satisfying finish. I'll definitely read more by this author since my ruffled feathers are the result of personal pet peeves. 😂
November 23, 2016
Wowsa! I do believe Molly O'Keefe has outdone herself with Bad Neighbor. Somehow I missed out on seeing this book upcoming so I had to read it come release day (it's free on KU). One huge alert with this book- it is not safe for consumption in public, on gym equipment, or while operating heavy machinery. You name it- this heroine, from literally chapter one, had me laughing out loud. I didn't know Molly O'Keefe had such a comedic side. But then we get a cold splash of the opposite with our dearest bad neighbor, Jesse. He's tattooed, muscled, and rude as all get-out. These two were seriously like oil and water! Or maybe gasoline to fire as when they let down their mutual hatred for each other, it was explosive HOT.
Charlotte is socially awkward at best. Preferring to stay holed up in her San Fransisco condominium with Izzy (yes, she named her PC) and be a graphic artist, avoiding any sort of human interaction- truly living a people-free life. The
I don't know what I enjoyed more with this story- Charlotte and all her socially ineptness or when she and Jesse's walls come down...and clothes come off. This book is seriously HOT HOT HOT. And it doesn't take forever to heat up the pages. So completely opposite and seemingly unfit for each other, Jesse and Charlotte are exactly what each other needs...but are they just fooling themselves? Hiding from reality?
Bad Neighbor is a standalone novel. Graphics courtesy of Molly O'Keefe.
Advanced copy received by author in exchange for my honest review.
November 6, 2017
Between 2 and 2,5 stars for me
Hero: 2 out of 5 (He is an ordinary scarred bad boy with a sad past – nothing special. I didn't like him.)
Heroine: 2 out of 5 (She is too weak for her own good and too easy for the guy. I didn't like her.)
Romance: 0.00001 out of 5 (It was all about lust IMO.)
Hotness level: 2 out of 5 (Many people found it sizzling hot but not me. Nope... I was greatly disappointed about it. I read way hotter books than that and this was nothing compared to them.)
Plot twist: 1 out of 5 (There is an unbelievable coincidence that may happen like once in a million?!)
Angst: 1 out of 5 (Unoriginal. Only the classic act of hurting & pushing the girl away just to protect her and the cliché act of trying to make him jealous)
Writing: 2,5 out of 5 (Dual point of view. It flows. I think it is just OK. However, as it is only 180 pages, it feels a bit shallow and lacking in depth.)
Safety: The first time they get intimate is a bit unusual and not safe for every reader. Here is what happens:
Hero: 2 out of 5 (He is an ordinary scarred bad boy with a sad past – nothing special. I didn't like him.)
Heroine: 2 out of 5 (She is too weak for her own good and too easy for the guy. I didn't like her.)
Romance: 0.00001 out of 5 (It was all about lust IMO.)
Hotness level: 2 out of 5 (Many people found it sizzling hot but not me. Nope... I was greatly disappointed about it. I read way hotter books than that and this was nothing compared to them.)
Plot twist: 1 out of 5 (There is an unbelievable coincidence that may happen like once in a million?!)
Angst: 1 out of 5 (Unoriginal. Only the classic act of hurting & pushing the girl away just to protect her and the cliché act of trying to make him jealous)
Writing: 2,5 out of 5 (Dual point of view. It flows. I think it is just OK. However, as it is only 180 pages, it feels a bit shallow and lacking in depth.)
Safety: The first time they get intimate is a bit unusual and not safe for every reader. Here is what happens:
November 24, 2016
I liked that this book was dual POV, but I thought the characters seemed very vague, as if we didn’t learn enough about them or their pasts. Also, the way they 'fall in love' was too fast and quite unbelievable. The ending felt really rushed.
Hero 3/5 | Heroine 3/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 2/5 | Writing Style 3/5 | Steam 4/5 | Romance 2/5 | Angst-Suspense 3/5 | Darkness 0/5 | Humor 1/5 | Secondary Characters 2/5 | Drama-Conflict 3/5 | Mystery 1/5 | Twists 1/5 | Pacing Steady | Action 3/5
Hero 3/5 | Heroine 3/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 2/5 | Writing Style 3/5 | Steam 4/5 | Romance 2/5 | Angst-Suspense 3/5 | Darkness 0/5 | Humor 1/5 | Secondary Characters 2/5 | Drama-Conflict 3/5 | Mystery 1/5 | Twists 1/5 | Pacing Steady | Action 3/5
July 23, 2017
4 to 4 1/2 stars
That stuff is just my life. It's the shit that happens to me. Part of being a twin to my sister.
But this futon...
This futon was a punishment from God. It was the universe laughing at me.
It was stuck in the door of my new apartment, folded up like a taco. An immoveable, three-thousand-pound taco.
And it wasn't moving.
This is just what you get for not hiring movers. Or having a boyfriend. Or anyone really, who could help move a girl with five boxes, three garbage bags, and a futon mattress to her name.
I love the way Ms. O'Keefe writes. This was an erotic romance with just a bit of 'extra' and I went into this one forewarned and in acceptance mode. I enjoyed the glimpses of humor, the interesting dynamics, the clashes, the moments of connection, and the way these two very different people (who are actually also similar in ways unexpected) slowly became everything to one another.
"What's going on?" a voice asked. A male voice. And I leaned away from the wall and looked around my futon mattress to see a... guy.
Like a guy guy. A hot guy.
A man, really.
Jesse Herrera is blunt as hell, impatient with BS, and sometimes a bit dickish. When confronted with all that is Jesse, Charlotte really has only two choices. Advance or retreat. Around him, she is forced to come out of her shell and say what she really thinks, feels, and wants in order to navigate that no-nonsense, powerful energy. When she cuts through her hesitation/fear/wariness and lets her deeper, stronger self shine through, she gets to see and experience his 'better' side... one she enjoys very much...
"I can't get into my apartment," he said. Ignoring my joke, he pointed at the door next to mine, the door he couldn't get to past the futon barricade.
"Oh," I said, inanely, trying not to stare at his sweat or his body. "We're neighbors."
"Yeah. What are you doing with the futon?"
"Well, you're welcome to try and reason with it, but I've found it very disagreeable-"
"You moving in or out?" he asked. My charm completely not charming to him.
"In-"
With one hand - one hand - he shoved the futon into my apartment. After it squeezed through the door, it flopped open in the middle of my white-tiled kitchen.
I leaned into my doorway.
"Wow," was all I could say.
This is not a 'safe' read for those of you who prefer that the hero only have intimate relations with the heroine once they've met. But it's not like he's cheating either. Not at all.
And she knew enough to be nervous about me, but she couldn't quite hide her fascination. Whatever she'd been thinking about me while I'd been in her bedroom - it had been hot. She'd been blushing so hard and so red, all across her cheeks and down her neck. I wanted to unbutton that pretty pink shirt she wore and see how far down that blush went.
Jesus God. Her skin would be soft.
And I hadn't had anything soft in my life in a real long time.
And that right there was a problem.
Because I'd stopped wanting soft. Stopped even thinking about it. Forgot it existed.
So here's the deal for those of you who are curious and/or need to have this aspect spoiled:
They only start to become a couple after this new experience for Charlotte takes place. It's at that point that they agree to be exclusive with each other for as long as they're together. Jesse has a number of opportunities to have sex with others afterwards but he isn't interested whatsoever, and doesn't engage. He's loyal to her. He only wants her.
Instead, I lay there and just let myself feel like I had something to look forward to, like there was something good waiting for me when I opened my eyes. God, when was the last time I felt like this. Those first months of school before everything went to shit? When I was a kid? In the house on Burl?
I didn't even know. I couldn't find this feeling in my past. This heavy contentment in my body with the wild soaring emptiness of my brain. Thoughts clicked over and over, memories from last night. Like in a movie.
Charlotte.
F*cking Charlotte.
Last night was real. It wasn't one of my fever dreams after listening to her putter around her apartment all day, straining my ears so I could hear her hum.
It happened.
And I couldn't take it away.
So, neither of them have sex with anyone else after being intimate with each other. And that's the deal in a nutshell.
Oh, okay. Now he was laughing at me and I felt the awful blush creep up my face.
"I'm not stalking you."
"Clearly."
"It's just our walls are thin."
He nodded. "They are."
"Stop laughing at me."
"Okay." He leaned forward and kissed me, a light brush across my cheek. Agreeable Jesse was more potent than angry Jesse; it was like having a furious dragon curl up in my hand.
I liked these two and how they both grew, became more confident, took more risks, and began to breathe easier as a result of having each other in their often difficult lives. The love and support they eventually found with each other (after some definite moments of crazysauce and pain) gave them what they needed to access their individual potential, change their lives for the better, and find some of the peace and happiness they deserved after giving so much...
"I'm sorry I'm a dick," he whispered, his breath washing my lips, my face. Covering me in his scent.
I swallowed back the words I'm sorry I'm so sensitive because I was tired of being that girl. The girl who made the people who hurt her feel better for having hurt her. I said instead, like I was in a movie: "Make it up to me."
His lip kicked up, his eyes got heavy. Dark.
And on that note, I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series because it's definitely got me curious about how things are going to play out...
That stuff is just my life. It's the shit that happens to me. Part of being a twin to my sister.
But this futon...
This futon was a punishment from God. It was the universe laughing at me.
It was stuck in the door of my new apartment, folded up like a taco. An immoveable, three-thousand-pound taco.
And it wasn't moving.
This is just what you get for not hiring movers. Or having a boyfriend. Or anyone really, who could help move a girl with five boxes, three garbage bags, and a futon mattress to her name.
I love the way Ms. O'Keefe writes. This was an erotic romance with just a bit of 'extra' and I went into this one forewarned and in acceptance mode. I enjoyed the glimpses of humor, the interesting dynamics, the clashes, the moments of connection, and the way these two very different people (who are actually also similar in ways unexpected) slowly became everything to one another.
"What's going on?" a voice asked. A male voice. And I leaned away from the wall and looked around my futon mattress to see a... guy.
Like a guy guy. A hot guy.
A man, really.
Jesse Herrera is blunt as hell, impatient with BS, and sometimes a bit dickish. When confronted with all that is Jesse, Charlotte really has only two choices. Advance or retreat. Around him, she is forced to come out of her shell and say what she really thinks, feels, and wants in order to navigate that no-nonsense, powerful energy. When she cuts through her hesitation/fear/wariness and lets her deeper, stronger self shine through, she gets to see and experience his 'better' side... one she enjoys very much...
"I can't get into my apartment," he said. Ignoring my joke, he pointed at the door next to mine, the door he couldn't get to past the futon barricade.
"Oh," I said, inanely, trying not to stare at his sweat or his body. "We're neighbors."
"Yeah. What are you doing with the futon?"
"Well, you're welcome to try and reason with it, but I've found it very disagreeable-"
"You moving in or out?" he asked. My charm completely not charming to him.
"In-"
With one hand - one hand - he shoved the futon into my apartment. After it squeezed through the door, it flopped open in the middle of my white-tiled kitchen.
I leaned into my doorway.
"Wow," was all I could say.
This is not a 'safe' read for those of you who prefer that the hero only have intimate relations with the heroine once they've met. But it's not like he's cheating either. Not at all.
And she knew enough to be nervous about me, but she couldn't quite hide her fascination. Whatever she'd been thinking about me while I'd been in her bedroom - it had been hot. She'd been blushing so hard and so red, all across her cheeks and down her neck. I wanted to unbutton that pretty pink shirt she wore and see how far down that blush went.
Jesus God. Her skin would be soft.
And I hadn't had anything soft in my life in a real long time.
And that right there was a problem.
Because I'd stopped wanting soft. Stopped even thinking about it. Forgot it existed.
So here's the deal for those of you who are curious and/or need to have this aspect spoiled:
They only start to become a couple after this new experience for Charlotte takes place. It's at that point that they agree to be exclusive with each other for as long as they're together. Jesse has a number of opportunities to have sex with others afterwards but he isn't interested whatsoever, and doesn't engage. He's loyal to her. He only wants her.
Instead, I lay there and just let myself feel like I had something to look forward to, like there was something good waiting for me when I opened my eyes. God, when was the last time I felt like this. Those first months of school before everything went to shit? When I was a kid? In the house on Burl?
I didn't even know. I couldn't find this feeling in my past. This heavy contentment in my body with the wild soaring emptiness of my brain. Thoughts clicked over and over, memories from last night. Like in a movie.
Charlotte.
F*cking Charlotte.
Last night was real. It wasn't one of my fever dreams after listening to her putter around her apartment all day, straining my ears so I could hear her hum.
It happened.
And I couldn't take it away.
So, neither of them have sex with anyone else after being intimate with each other. And that's the deal in a nutshell.
Oh, okay. Now he was laughing at me and I felt the awful blush creep up my face.
"I'm not stalking you."
"Clearly."
"It's just our walls are thin."
He nodded. "They are."
"Stop laughing at me."
"Okay." He leaned forward and kissed me, a light brush across my cheek. Agreeable Jesse was more potent than angry Jesse; it was like having a furious dragon curl up in my hand.
I liked these two and how they both grew, became more confident, took more risks, and began to breathe easier as a result of having each other in their often difficult lives. The love and support they eventually found with each other (after some definite moments of crazysauce and pain) gave them what they needed to access their individual potential, change their lives for the better, and find some of the peace and happiness they deserved after giving so much...
"I'm sorry I'm a dick," he whispered, his breath washing my lips, my face. Covering me in his scent.
I swallowed back the words I'm sorry I'm so sensitive because I was tired of being that girl. The girl who made the people who hurt her feel better for having hurt her. I said instead, like I was in a movie: "Make it up to me."
His lip kicked up, his eyes got heavy. Dark.
And on that note, I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series because it's definitely got me curious about how things are going to play out...
September 11, 2020
Isabella made me curious about this author, because apparently the book was set in the same universe as the Bad Billionaire series and I couldn't resist going back there. Imagine my surprise when I found out Ms. O'Keefe is pretty much as amazing as Ms. Kriss!!
She gave us two different yet somehow similar characters, who found love where they least expected it. Jesse's rough matched Charlotte's soft, they were raw and real - and I absolutely believed every moment of their story.
It was a sexy and emotional meeting of two souls, who lifted each other up in an unexpected way and found so much more than just partners, moving into Shady Oaks neighbourhood.
Book 2, here I come.
She gave us two different yet somehow similar characters, who found love where they least expected it. Jesse's rough matched Charlotte's soft, they were raw and real - and I absolutely believed every moment of their story.
° Charlotte was strong under all that soft skin. She was smart under all that soft hair. [...]
I hadn't expected to feel so sweet afterwards.
Like I'd smoked a joint in the sunlight.
Like I'd had the shit kicked out of me but won the match.
Victory and submission all at once.
° With Jesse I lived in a hundred percent of my body. Just like him. I felt him in every inch of my skin. I felt him inside my skin. He was in my skin and bones.
It was a sexy and emotional meeting of two souls, who lifted each other up in an unexpected way and found so much more than just partners, moving into Shady Oaks neighbourhood.
Book 2, here I come.
November 26, 2016
Title: Bad Neighbor
Author: Molly O'Keefe
Category: Romance
Series or Standalone: Standalone
POV: Dual
Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Scorching level: 5
HEA: Not telling
Intense, gripping and mouth watering! This book explains why I love Molly O'Keefe so much. I love her storylines and captivating romances!
Charlotte is running. She swaps her cozy home for a shabby apartment in a shady building. Why? Because she needs to keep her sister safe. What Charlotte didn't expect was her extremely gruff and mean neighbor. Jesse is the man your mother has warned you about and he is about to tear down Charlotte's perception of life. He is about to challenge her. He will unlock her, release her in a way that she only ever dreamed of.
But at what price? Can she risk her heart and her perfectly sheltered albeit lonely life?
You want passion? Danger? Compelling writing and jaw dropping sensuality? Bad Neighbor is all that and more. Probably one of my favorite reads from this author. If you like a bit of edge to your reading, I highly recommend this book.
Amazing chemistry between our main characters. My heart was pounding in every scene they were together. They were like magnets and you could feel it as you read!
Cannot wait for the sequel and Jack's story. Is it May yet?
5 Stars
June 22, 2017
Charlotte used to live a good life in a great part of San Francisco. But then her twin sister got into some trouble with her boyfriend and Charlotte had to sell her apartment to finance Abigail's new start away from that guy.
And now poor Charlotte is living in this dump apartment complex near the airport.
And her next door neighbor is a horribly rude but extemely hot guy called Jesse.
Charlotte is not a people person. And Jesse is not really trying to start a friendship. He has secrets. Secrets that happen in the building's basement.
But Charlotte has her own set of secrets.
So they should be perfect for each other.... ☺
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE SHY ARTIST AND THE SEXY FIGHTER??? WILL THEY FIGHT THEIR WAY OUT OF THEIR SAD LIVES AND INTO THEIR VERY OWN HAPPILY EVER AFTER???
READ IT TO FIND OUT☺
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I had absolutely no idea what to expect when I started reading.
I loved it.
I was hoping for a short little sexy thing. And it is DEFINITELY a SEXY THING.
But it's not short and it's SO not little!
Phew!!!!!
This was an amazingly erotic and adorable book!
We have this über-hot fighter guy.....
And this adorable and shy artist who is a bit lost in her life at the moment.
And it's sooo perfect - the way they were not looking for each other, but still found each other. Their perfect other half ...
I just adored them.
Of course there's also the suspensy part about the sister and the illegal fighting and the mob and the brother ....
And questions and problems about the future and life and love...
VERY EXCITING & FUNNY & SEXY & CUTE ROMANCE! PERFECT!
BAD NEIGHBOR was such an amazingly erotic and adorable lovestory! About two slightly broken people finding their happily ever after in the place they least expected it to be! Run to your nearest amazon for your own dose of JESSE! ♥
P.S. the sister will get her own book in May ☺
April 23, 2024
Exciting new contemporary romance coming Nov. 21! More details to come!!!
PREORDER LINK IS UP!!!!!!!!
http://amzn.to/2ga02FU
PREORDER LINK IS UP!!!!!!!!
http://amzn.to/2ga02FU
July 22, 2019
Spoilers ahead
Charlotte moved from her comfy condo to a rundown apartment building in a not very safe neighborhood after she sold off most of her stuff to give her sister money to run from her bad guy ex. When she moves in she meets her grumpy but sexy neighbor Jesse.
Jesse is an underground fighter who's working to,as far as he knows, pay off his late father's outstanding debts. When his new neighbor moves in he knows she won't stay long, she's just too sweet for the neighborhood. When Jesse finds out his bad guy brother is searching for the sister of his missing woman he suspects it's none other than his new neighbor. He plans to find out but when chemistry sizzles between them he realizes that he may be in over his head.
I liked some parts of this and others I wasn't a fan
Charlotte annoyed me a bit early on as she was so weak and timid and just so hot over Jesse that her vagina melted her brain cells. Eventually she got it together and was able to stand up for herself beautifully. She was genuinely a good person and gave up a lot for her sister. With her stuttering and general antisocial behavior I thought she'd be a virgin but thankfully she wasn't.
The attraction is there from the beginning and then Charlotte goes over to deliver a "thank you" to her neighbor he calls her on her behavior because it's obvious she wants him but she held back. A few days pass and one night Charlotte hears her neighbor having sex. At first she's turned on but then she feels sad and a little hurt. As the noise levels rise she gets angry and goes over to confront him only to walk in on a woman giving a man a bj. Jesse is sitting on the couch watching a couple on the bed and they have their first sexual encounter while they watch the other couple. Jesse's admits he'd had sex with the woman that night but also that he'd had sex with both the man and woman in the past. He admits to being a slut later on as well. At one point Charlotte asked if he was bi but he didn't give a clear answer
I'm not sure how I feel about that scene. Admittedly they weren't in a relationship but they'd already met and the attraction was there. However the next day Charlotte wakes up feeling sexy and empowered because she'd finally had the courage to do something she really wanted. In the face of her feelings I had to let the situation go. After that encounter there's no other sexual contact with anyone else.
Jesse's does a lot of pushing away because he thinks Charlotte is just too good to stay in that horrible neighborhood and then when he realized she was the one his brother was actually looking for he pushed her away and hurt her for her own good (I detest this as a plot device)
Charlotte tries with him but he blows hot and cold until she eventually stands up for herself
Eventually Jesse and Charlotte get it together and we get a very unfulfilling ending which was another problem for me because I believed the lust between them but I didn't quite believe the falling in love part and the books ends abruptly
All in all this was interesting,well written and sexy as hell. I had my issues but I liked it well enough.
Charlotte moved from her comfy condo to a rundown apartment building in a not very safe neighborhood after she sold off most of her stuff to give her sister money to run from her bad guy ex. When she moves in she meets her grumpy but sexy neighbor Jesse.
Jesse is an underground fighter who's working to,as far as he knows, pay off his late father's outstanding debts. When his new neighbor moves in he knows she won't stay long, she's just too sweet for the neighborhood. When Jesse finds out his bad guy brother is searching for the sister of his missing woman he suspects it's none other than his new neighbor. He plans to find out but when chemistry sizzles between them he realizes that he may be in over his head.
I liked some parts of this and others I wasn't a fan
Charlotte annoyed me a bit early on as she was so weak and timid and just so hot over Jesse that her vagina melted her brain cells. Eventually she got it together and was able to stand up for herself beautifully. She was genuinely a good person and gave up a lot for her sister. With her stuttering and general antisocial behavior I thought she'd be a virgin but thankfully she wasn't.
The attraction is there from the beginning and then Charlotte goes over to deliver a "thank you" to her neighbor he calls her on her behavior because it's obvious she wants him but she held back. A few days pass and one night Charlotte hears her neighbor having sex. At first she's turned on but then she feels sad and a little hurt. As the noise levels rise she gets angry and goes over to confront him only to walk in on a woman giving a man a bj. Jesse is sitting on the couch watching a couple on the bed and they have their first sexual encounter while they watch the other couple. Jesse's admits he'd had sex with the woman that night but also that he'd had sex with both the man and woman in the past. He admits to being a slut later on as well. At one point Charlotte asked if he was bi but he didn't give a clear answer
I'm not sure how I feel about that scene. Admittedly they weren't in a relationship but they'd already met and the attraction was there. However the next day Charlotte wakes up feeling sexy and empowered because she'd finally had the courage to do something she really wanted. In the face of her feelings I had to let the situation go. After that encounter there's no other sexual contact with anyone else.
Jesse's does a lot of pushing away because he thinks Charlotte is just too good to stay in that horrible neighborhood and then when he realized she was the one his brother was actually looking for he pushed her away and hurt her for her own good (I detest this as a plot device)
Charlotte tries with him but he blows hot and cold until she eventually stands up for herself
Eventually Jesse and Charlotte get it together and we get a very unfulfilling ending which was another problem for me because I believed the lust between them but I didn't quite believe the falling in love part and the books ends abruptly
All in all this was interesting,well written and sexy as hell. I had my issues but I liked it well enough.
August 30, 2023
Dark and sexy!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚❤️💜
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌎
Character development: 🤓😉☺️😍🥰
The heroine: Charlotte - she worked as an illustrator and a designer, her current book was a kind of where’s Waldo but with Jane Austin instead of Waldo. Her identical twin sister got involved with a dangerous man and had to get away, so Charlotte sold her fancy condo and gave her sister nearly everything she owned and moved into a cheap apartment in a bad part of town to lay low for a while.
The Hero: Jesse - he lived next door to Charlotte’s new apartment. He trained and fought in an underground fighting ring that he ran out of the basement of their apartment complex. His parents were dead, his father had owed some bad people a lot of money. He had a falling out with his brother who was now a dangerous man.
The Story: Charlotte was attracted to Jesse from the first. Though he led a completely different life than she did. He certainly didn’t want to get involved with a soft woman like her but couldn’t get his mind off her. He made no bones about wanting to sleep with her, but she was uptight at first.
The story was good, the romance was good and the intimate scenes were hot. Overall this was a very good book. I liked the underground fight scene backdrop and the similar family struggles these two were dealing with. I liked both characters and they fit well together.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚❤️💜
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌎
Character development: 🤓😉☺️😍🥰
The heroine: Charlotte - she worked as an illustrator and a designer, her current book was a kind of where’s Waldo but with Jane Austin instead of Waldo. Her identical twin sister got involved with a dangerous man and had to get away, so Charlotte sold her fancy condo and gave her sister nearly everything she owned and moved into a cheap apartment in a bad part of town to lay low for a while.
The Hero: Jesse - he lived next door to Charlotte’s new apartment. He trained and fought in an underground fighting ring that he ran out of the basement of their apartment complex. His parents were dead, his father had owed some bad people a lot of money. He had a falling out with his brother who was now a dangerous man.
The Story: Charlotte was attracted to Jesse from the first. Though he led a completely different life than she did. He certainly didn’t want to get involved with a soft woman like her but couldn’t get his mind off her. He made no bones about wanting to sleep with her, but she was uptight at first.
“He kissed me like it was the end of the world. Like this was the last thing he was going to do on this earth before everything went up in smoke. And I’d never been kissed like that. And I’d had no idea what I’d been missing.”
The story was good, the romance was good and the intimate scenes were hot. Overall this was a very good book. I liked the underground fight scene backdrop and the similar family struggles these two were dealing with. I liked both characters and they fit well together.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
June 30, 2018
This was...different.
But the more I think about it...I think I liked it.
H/h had lots of baggage, but somehow they were perfect for each other.
It was gritty, sexy, and surprising.
Underground illegal 'fight clubber' meets fledgling illustrator/ author in the seediest of neighborhoods..
Hmmm...
I just might have to read the next book to find out more about Jesse and Charlotte. I'm rooting for their relationship and their personal success
But the more I think about it...I think I liked it.
H/h had lots of baggage, but somehow they were perfect for each other.
It was gritty, sexy, and surprising.
Underground illegal 'fight clubber' meets fledgling illustrator/ author in the seediest of neighborhoods..
Hmmm...
I just might have to read the next book to find out more about Jesse and Charlotte. I'm rooting for their relationship and their personal success
October 17, 2022
An underground fighter and a woman on the run. Charlotte and Jesse are more alike than they are different. Both in hiding for different reasons, both holding deep insecurities and in discovering each other, they find their strengths.
And Jesse. Jesse was such a wonderful, sensitive alpha. He could see right through all of Charlotte's insecurities, and I loved that.
Was the plot completely plausible, maybe not. But I didn’t care because watching these two circle each other was so fun. I’ve already downloaded the second in the series...
Thank you Isabella for bring this story to my attention!
We were full of cracks and fault lines, but we matched. Where she was weak, I was strong. And where I was weak… God, she was so strong.The writing was so good. The character growth excellent. I could've done without that ONE scene...
And Jesse. Jesse was such a wonderful, sensitive alpha. He could see right through all of Charlotte's insecurities, and I loved that.
Was the plot completely plausible, maybe not. But I didn’t care because watching these two circle each other was so fun. I’ve already downloaded the second in the series...
Thank you Isabella for bring this story to my attention!
February 8, 2018
"Pretending is easier for you, isn’t it?” It stung, it stung deep and hard where a lot of my secret stuff lived. The things I didn’t like to acknowledge about myself. The things that kept my life so small. So small it felt like a jail. The fucking book tour. Simon. Jesse. Wanting more, taking less.
The first half of this gave me some strong Willing Victim by Cara McKenna vibes because of the awkward, shy, and doesn't quite have the confidence to know or address her sexual needs heroine and tough, man of few words, underground fighter hero. There is not quite as much kink, as the focus isn't on sexually finding yourself while falling in love but the heroine and hero had some hot moments.
I was wearing fucking glasses. Who wears glasses to your neighbor’s orgy?
Funny heroines who feel out of their depth with heroes who are living their best sexual life are a delight to read and I quite enjoyed how this hero read the heroine's signals and didn't let her wriggle out of what she wanted.
“I don’t do that kind of thing. On the regular.”
“No shit,” he laughed, but it wasn’t joyful. Or kind, really.
“Why…why are you being mean?”
“Because I am fucking mean. What did you expect?”
“Okay,” I said and stood up on shaky legs. “This was a mistake.”
“Running away?” he asked. “How am I not surprised?”
“You’re being awful. Am I supposed to just stay here and take it?”
“I’m sorry I’m a dick,” he whispered, his breath washing my lips, my face. Covering me in his scent. I swallowed back the words I’m sorry I’m so sensitive because I was tired of being that girl. The girl who made the people who hurt her feel better for having hurt her. I said instead, like I was in a movie: “Make it up to me.”
Stunned that in letting him know how badly he’d hurt me, I actually felt better. I felt stronger. I didn’t have to swallow down every pain every person visited upon me. I could hold my head up and let people know I was here. That my feelings mattered. That I mattered. I’d never done that before.
Also quite enjoyed how the heroine being awkward and shy didn't stop her from standing up for herself.
“I don’t want to stop fighting. I just…” These were things I never said. Never even thought.
“I get it,” she whispered. “You just want a little more for yourself.”
That was it. Exactly.
“It hurts sometimes,” she said, “trying to have more.”
The family drama with the heroine always taking care of her sister and the hero trying to pay off his father's debts with losing connection with his older brother added some serious emotional depth. These were two very deep characters with emotional baggage trying to fight and find their way in the world. The heroine worrying about her twin sister who was on the run from a dangerous guy, who in a very too contrived twist, turned out to be the hero's brother, and the hero hating the life he felt he had to live. This was sexy, deep, emotional, dark, and humorous, a good read that had me curious and searching out the sister and brother's story but moved a bit quick and had some very too coincidence moments.
The first half of this gave me some strong Willing Victim by Cara McKenna vibes because of the awkward, shy, and doesn't quite have the confidence to know or address her sexual needs heroine and tough, man of few words, underground fighter hero. There is not quite as much kink, as the focus isn't on sexually finding yourself while falling in love but the heroine and hero had some hot moments.
I was wearing fucking glasses. Who wears glasses to your neighbor’s orgy?
Funny heroines who feel out of their depth with heroes who are living their best sexual life are a delight to read and I quite enjoyed how this hero read the heroine's signals and didn't let her wriggle out of what she wanted.
“I don’t do that kind of thing. On the regular.”
“No shit,” he laughed, but it wasn’t joyful. Or kind, really.
“Why…why are you being mean?”
“Because I am fucking mean. What did you expect?”
“Okay,” I said and stood up on shaky legs. “This was a mistake.”
“Running away?” he asked. “How am I not surprised?”
“You’re being awful. Am I supposed to just stay here and take it?”
“I’m sorry I’m a dick,” he whispered, his breath washing my lips, my face. Covering me in his scent. I swallowed back the words I’m sorry I’m so sensitive because I was tired of being that girl. The girl who made the people who hurt her feel better for having hurt her. I said instead, like I was in a movie: “Make it up to me.”
Stunned that in letting him know how badly he’d hurt me, I actually felt better. I felt stronger. I didn’t have to swallow down every pain every person visited upon me. I could hold my head up and let people know I was here. That my feelings mattered. That I mattered. I’d never done that before.
Also quite enjoyed how the heroine being awkward and shy didn't stop her from standing up for herself.
“I don’t want to stop fighting. I just…” These were things I never said. Never even thought.
“I get it,” she whispered. “You just want a little more for yourself.”
That was it. Exactly.
“It hurts sometimes,” she said, “trying to have more.”
The family drama with the heroine always taking care of her sister and the hero trying to pay off his father's debts with losing connection with his older brother added some serious emotional depth. These were two very deep characters with emotional baggage trying to fight and find their way in the world. The heroine worrying about her twin sister who was on the run from a dangerous guy, who in a very too contrived twist, turned out to be the hero's brother, and the hero hating the life he felt he had to live. This was sexy, deep, emotional, dark, and humorous, a good read that had me curious and searching out the sister and brother's story but moved a bit quick and had some very too coincidence moments.
November 23, 2016
Oh so DIRTY. I enjoyed. Ending a little rushed but def intrigued for the next h/h!!!
Review coming
Review coming
December 1, 2016
SOOOO Hot and Dirty!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have an addiction to anything Molly O’Keefe. She brings an edgy style of writing and unique characters that are fresh and raw.
This book started off with a bang and never let up! Hot, on point, and deliciously steamy, you get everything Molly O’Keefe is known for in this read.
Fresh, raw, and very naughty characters that you end up falling for. Vulnerable and fierce, you can almost imagine yourself right there in the room with them.
The author has a fabulous way of writing from the gut and crafting amazing stories that are rich with detail and description that make a huge impact. While this story is not long, it packs a punch and leaves you desperate for more!
Another awesome read I devoured by M. O’Keefe. Looking forward to part 2 and hopefully it comes soon!!
full posting on http://amidlifewife.com/bad-neighbour...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have an addiction to anything Molly O’Keefe. She brings an edgy style of writing and unique characters that are fresh and raw.
This book started off with a bang and never let up! Hot, on point, and deliciously steamy, you get everything Molly O’Keefe is known for in this read.
Fresh, raw, and very naughty characters that you end up falling for. Vulnerable and fierce, you can almost imagine yourself right there in the room with them.
The author has a fabulous way of writing from the gut and crafting amazing stories that are rich with detail and description that make a huge impact. While this story is not long, it packs a punch and leaves you desperate for more!
Another awesome read I devoured by M. O’Keefe. Looking forward to part 2 and hopefully it comes soon!!
full posting on http://amidlifewife.com/bad-neighbour...
March 19, 2017
Hmmm...I kinda liked it, I kinda hated it, I kinda got bored. Then I put it down for a week before finishing it.
It was a mixed bag of intriguing plot, interesting characters, and good writing that amounted to a bunch of ho-hum. Primarily because the connection between the H/h never showed growth or spark. Their coming together was just weird as shit with no encourageable actions from either H/h to foster (or explain) their attachment.
Don't get me started on the semi-orgy. The H informs the h it's not really an orgy cuz there's only 4 people, not 5. (o.O)
I guess it really is threesome, foursome, moresome.
Anyhoo, I liked it. It was weird. It didn't always make a lot of sense or feel believable, and it definitely could have been tighter. It almost became the plot that never was. It built up to a dark moment and then...the bad guy's not so so bad and some ILYs and the end...all in a few pages. It was still better (until the end) than a fuckton of other shit I've forced myself to read lately.
It was a mixed bag of intriguing plot, interesting characters, and good writing that amounted to a bunch of ho-hum. Primarily because the connection between the H/h never showed growth or spark. Their coming together was just weird as shit with no encourageable actions from either H/h to foster (or explain) their attachment.
Don't get me started on the semi-orgy. The H informs the h it's not really an orgy cuz there's only 4 people, not 5. (o.O)
I guess it really is threesome, foursome, moresome.
Anyhoo, I liked it. It was weird. It didn't always make a lot of sense or feel believable, and it definitely could have been tighter. It almost became the plot that never was. It built up to a dark moment and then...the bad guy's not so so bad and some ILYs and the end...all in a few pages. It was still better (until the end) than a fuckton of other shit I've forced myself to read lately.
November 27, 2016
4 stars!
I really enjoyed this book! Funny, sexy, sweet, and more than a little bit dirty, I fell in love with the characters and loved their back and forth, and the sizzling chemistry that became something so much more than they expected.
Charlotte has just moved from a comfortable life into a run-down apartment complex in a shitty part of town. Her twin sister is trying to escape from her dangerous boyfriend, so Charlotte thought nothing of selling her condo and giving all of her money to her twin so that she can make her escape. Now, she’s left with practically nothing and is desperately trying to rebuild.
And to make her situation worse, her new neighbour is a total jerk. He may be gorgeous, totally ripped and turn her on like nothing ever has before, but he’s aggressive, dismissive, blunt and tactless and their few interactions have been extremely unpleasant.
I love Charlotte! She’s an introvert, a bit of recluse, and she has some insecurities, but despite all that she has been through and continues to endure, she’s so funny! She knows she’s a bit quirky, but she owns it, and I laughed out loud at her inner monologue.
Jesse is a complex character. He’s an underground fighter with a shady past and questionable family ties and he doesn’t connect to anybody or anything. He lives his life on his own terms, never letting anybody get close. But there’s something about Charlotte - she is enticingly soft but with a smart mouth, and that appeals to him, and when circumstances keep pushing them together, he starts to relax towards her as she works her way under his skin and things start to change.
But the real change comes late one night when Charlotte goes to Jesse’s apartment to confront him over making too much noise, and she discovers that in addition to being a total jerk, he’s also a kinky bastard. And she’s even more surprised to discover that she likes it. Jesse can see that she wants him, and her shyness actually makes him want her more and with just a little push to her boundaries, he knows that he can make her his.
Holy hot damn, this book is all kinds of steamy. Clearly, Jesse is into the kink, and he opens Charlotte’s eyes to new things and she starts to discover a completely new side of herself – a side that she’s only too eager to explore. And with Jesse by her, she finds the courage to become the brave, bold, confident woman that she never knew was there.
I loved watching Charlotte and Jesse’s love story develop. It starts off as a major case of lust but grows into so much more. After their antagonistic beginning, each grin, each friendly word, and each moment of sweetness is so meaningful, and I loved watching them both open up to each other and change as they finally become comfortable enough to let somebody in. But they are both keeping secrets – secrets that have the potential to blow apart everything that they have found together.
I really enjoyed this book. Like other books by this author, it’s raw, gritty and intense with a strong love story and a touch of angst that is well-done and never overwhelms the story. But the surprise for me, that I absolutely loved, was the humour in this book. I wasn’t expecting it, but there were several moments that had me laughing out loud at Charlotte and her narration. She completely stole my heart with her quirks and the thoughts that run through her head. My favourite moment…
Charlotte and Jesse go on an intense journey together and I was captivated through all of it. From the chemistry-filled hostility to smutty banter, to sizzling sexy time that becomes heartfelt emotion, I loved the way their story unfolded.
Loved this one, and I’m looking forward to the follow on book featuring two of the side characters that is set up really nicely.
4 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book! Funny, sexy, sweet, and more than a little bit dirty, I fell in love with the characters and loved their back and forth, and the sizzling chemistry that became something so much more than they expected.
“You’re one of the most annoying things that’s ever happened to me.”
Charlotte has just moved from a comfortable life into a run-down apartment complex in a shitty part of town. Her twin sister is trying to escape from her dangerous boyfriend, so Charlotte thought nothing of selling her condo and giving all of her money to her twin so that she can make her escape. Now, she’s left with practically nothing and is desperately trying to rebuild.
The world and its humans dented me and chipped my paint, and tore off a layer of my skin and made me feel…damaged.
And to make her situation worse, her new neighbour is a total jerk. He may be gorgeous, totally ripped and turn her on like nothing ever has before, but he’s aggressive, dismissive, blunt and tactless and their few interactions have been extremely unpleasant.
His eyes skated across my body, taking in my paint-splattered overalls and the hot pink tank top I wore underneath it.
He couldn’t see that my tank top had Big Bird on it. But he looked at me like he knew.
I love Charlotte! She’s an introvert, a bit of recluse, and she has some insecurities, but despite all that she has been through and continues to endure, she’s so funny! She knows she’s a bit quirky, but she owns it, and I laughed out loud at her inner monologue.
He carried himself like a guy who lived in his whole body. Like every molecule was under his control. I lived in exactly 12% of my body. I wasn’t even sure what my hair was doing.
Jesse is a complex character. He’s an underground fighter with a shady past and questionable family ties and he doesn’t connect to anybody or anything. He lives his life on his own terms, never letting anybody get close. But there’s something about Charlotte - she is enticingly soft but with a smart mouth, and that appeals to him, and when circumstances keep pushing them together, he starts to relax towards her as she works her way under his skin and things start to change.
“Don’t be nice. It’s confusing. It’s easier when you’re an asshole.”
“Easier not to like me?”
“Oh no, not liking you is pretty easy.”
“Easier not to want to fuck me, then.”
But the real change comes late one night when Charlotte goes to Jesse’s apartment to confront him over making too much noise, and she discovers that in addition to being a total jerk, he’s also a kinky bastard. And she’s even more surprised to discover that she likes it. Jesse can see that she wants him, and her shyness actually makes him want her more and with just a little push to her boundaries, he knows that he can make her his.
“I’ve never…” she whispered as I kissed her neck. Her ear. The skin under her chin. She really was soft all over. “This isn’t like me.”
I leaned back. Looked deep into her startled and wary blue eyes.
“You looking for permission to fuck the way you like?” I asked. “It’s yours.”
Holy hot damn, this book is all kinds of steamy. Clearly, Jesse is into the kink, and he opens Charlotte’s eyes to new things and she starts to discover a completely new side of herself – a side that she’s only too eager to explore. And with Jesse by her, she finds the courage to become the brave, bold, confident woman that she never knew was there.
With Jesse I lived in a hundred percent of my body. Just like him. I felt him in every inch of my skin. I felt him inside my skin. He was in my skin and bones.
I loved watching Charlotte and Jesse’s love story develop. It starts off as a major case of lust but grows into so much more. After their antagonistic beginning, each grin, each friendly word, and each moment of sweetness is so meaningful, and I loved watching them both open up to each other and change as they finally become comfortable enough to let somebody in. But they are both keeping secrets – secrets that have the potential to blow apart everything that they have found together.
I really enjoyed this book. Like other books by this author, it’s raw, gritty and intense with a strong love story and a touch of angst that is well-done and never overwhelms the story. But the surprise for me, that I absolutely loved, was the humour in this book. I wasn’t expecting it, but there were several moments that had me laughing out loud at Charlotte and her narration. She completely stole my heart with her quirks and the thoughts that run through her head. My favourite moment…
Charlotte and Jesse go on an intense journey together and I was captivated through all of it. From the chemistry-filled hostility to smutty banter, to sizzling sexy time that becomes heartfelt emotion, I loved the way their story unfolded.
“I want to be falling in love with you for the rest of my life.”
Loved this one, and I’m looking forward to the follow on book featuring two of the side characters that is set up really nicely.
4 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2018
This was a very readable book. Jesse was edgy, and retained edge. Then he got smushy. Sometimes that works. Other times, it feels like a switch flipped. In this case, I'm not sure I got it.
I think this suffered from being a dual-POV that was told, in the vast majority of chapters, by the heroine. I could see why she was kind of all over the hot neighbor with some kink (nice kink by the way. I like), but I didn't really get what she had other than soft parts and lots of curls. Though there was a point he mentioned how much he liked it when she talked and that she was talented. We didn't really see her through his eyes in my opinion.
I think overall, I just needed more. I didn't find the plot particularly original, having plowed through MMA/MC type books a few years ago. I felt the conflict completely lacking angst and hook, another la-di-da push her away cause I need to keep her safe. Again all this works sometimes, it just wasn't particularly compelling here.
I think this suffered from being a dual-POV that was told, in the vast majority of chapters, by the heroine. I could see why she was kind of all over the hot neighbor with some kink (nice kink by the way. I like), but I didn't really get what she had other than soft parts and lots of curls. Though there was a point he mentioned how much he liked it when she talked and that she was talented. We didn't really see her through his eyes in my opinion.
I think overall, I just needed more. I didn't find the plot particularly original, having plowed through MMA/MC type books a few years ago. I felt the conflict completely lacking angst and hook, another la-di-da push her away cause I need to keep her safe. Again all this works sometimes, it just wasn't particularly compelling here.
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January 13, 2022
3.5 stars
So I only read this book because I was interested in book two, but now that I've 'met' the characters in book two I'm so annoyed by how they've treated the characters in this book I'm not sure I want to jump straight into book two, but we'll see. The only Molly O'Keefe books I've read are Christmas novellas lol but they were great so I wanted to finally check out a normal book of hers and this was pretty good.
This novel features some pretty heavy grump/sunshine with an underground fighter and an introverted graphic designer who's hiding out on the wrong side of the tracks. Charlotte is the exact type of heroine that annoys the shit out of me by constantly going above and beyond for people/family members in her life that don't deserve it. That aside she was pretty cute and I enjoyed watching her find herself and her strength in this new, challenging environment. Jesse, the hero, has a tough shell, but he's really just an alley cat that's been abused one too many times. He really just needs a loving hand to tame him and Charlotte got bit a few times trying to get close to him, but ultimately succeeds in making him see he's better than the life he's resigned himself too. Overall though pretty low drama and a pretty entertaining read. I will say this book isn't necessarily 'safe' in that *slight spoilers* Jesse sleeps with someone after meeting Charlotte and she can hear it, but turns out she's into it...so🤷🏼♀️. After that though no ow/om drama.
Edited to add: the reason Charlotte is in hiding is because her sister is on the run from an ex boyfriend. This ex thinks Charlotte is living at the apartment complex she's living at BUT DOES NOTHING TO CONFIRM except ask one person and doesn't even use a picture. It would be SO EASY to find her if he just asked a few people, knocked on doors, gave the super some money, did literally anything to try and find out. So that little plot hole really annoyed me lol.
Also, boring side note that's only relevant to me: another reason I decided to read this book now is that I just read another book about a scary neighbor so I thought why not keep it going. Anyway, I just moved to a new state a few months ago and that book just so happened to take place in the same part of the state I moved to and this book takes place in the same part of California I moved from (I lived like 30 mins away). Fun coincidences🤷🏼♀️
So I only read this book because I was interested in book two, but now that I've 'met' the characters in book two I'm so annoyed by how they've treated the characters in this book I'm not sure I want to jump straight into book two, but we'll see. The only Molly O'Keefe books I've read are Christmas novellas lol but they were great so I wanted to finally check out a normal book of hers and this was pretty good.
This novel features some pretty heavy grump/sunshine with an underground fighter and an introverted graphic designer who's hiding out on the wrong side of the tracks. Charlotte is the exact type of heroine that annoys the shit out of me by constantly going above and beyond for people/family members in her life that don't deserve it. That aside she was pretty cute and I enjoyed watching her find herself and her strength in this new, challenging environment. Jesse, the hero, has a tough shell, but he's really just an alley cat that's been abused one too many times. He really just needs a loving hand to tame him and Charlotte got bit a few times trying to get close to him, but ultimately succeeds in making him see he's better than the life he's resigned himself too. Overall though pretty low drama and a pretty entertaining read. I will say this book isn't necessarily 'safe' in that *slight spoilers* Jesse sleeps with someone after meeting Charlotte and she can hear it, but turns out she's into it...so🤷🏼♀️. After that though no ow/om drama.
Edited to add: the reason Charlotte is in hiding is because her sister is on the run from an ex boyfriend. This ex thinks Charlotte is living at the apartment complex she's living at BUT DOES NOTHING TO CONFIRM except ask one person and doesn't even use a picture. It would be SO EASY to find her if he just asked a few people, knocked on doors, gave the super some money, did literally anything to try and find out. So that little plot hole really annoyed me lol.
Also, boring side note that's only relevant to me: another reason I decided to read this book now is that I just read another book about a scary neighbor so I thought why not keep it going. Anyway, I just moved to a new state a few months ago and that book just so happened to take place in the same part of the state I moved to and this book takes place in the same part of California I moved from (I lived like 30 mins away). Fun coincidences🤷🏼♀️
January 11, 2017
3.5 stars
Holy schmoly hotness!
For someone who isn't too much into erotica and kink (light kinky stuff here though, nothing heavy), I was surprised how well it worked for me. Besides, there's only one scene that I'd consider as slightly kinky. But it's definitely hot!
Charlotte has to move temporarily into a downtrodden apartment complex because her twin sister needed as much money as possible to get out of San Francisco; running away from her dangerous ex. So Charlotte sells her condo and moves into a bad neighborhood, a bad neighbor included. Charlotte needs to be careful. Her sister's ex knows how close they are and that she may know her sister's whereabouts.
Jesse does illegal MMA fights and is generally a rather unpleasant kind of man, albeit hot, hot, hot! He, too, is sort of hiding away from his life.
Over a period of time, Charlotte and Jesse get to know each other better and they become hot and heavy. Not right away, thankfully; it develops rather slowly but it's sexually charged between them very quickly. Together they explore the hopes and wishes they've always had, but never had the guts to pursue them; professionally for both and in addition, sexually for Charlotte.
I enjoyed the bluntness of Ms O'Keefe's writing. It's very direct and unpretentious; her characters have a grittiness that I'd already become used to in her Everything I Left Unsaid series, which - to my shame - I have neither rated nor reviewed yet. I've never even marked them as TBR. Blame my laziness. I also appreciated that, despite the heavily erotically charged atmosphere of the book. she was able to give her characters depth and personality. Something that gets easily forgotten when sex is a major factor in a story.
However, what didn't work for me, I'll put under a spoiler tag. It's a massive one that builds the groundwork for Jesse and Charlotte's relationship.
Nevertheless, I truly enjoy Molly O'Keefe's books. Wait For It is out soon-ish. Can't wait!
Holy schmoly hotness!
For someone who isn't too much into erotica and kink (light kinky stuff here though, nothing heavy), I was surprised how well it worked for me. Besides, there's only one scene that I'd consider as slightly kinky. But it's definitely hot!
Charlotte has to move temporarily into a downtrodden apartment complex because her twin sister needed as much money as possible to get out of San Francisco; running away from her dangerous ex. So Charlotte sells her condo and moves into a bad neighborhood, a bad neighbor included. Charlotte needs to be careful. Her sister's ex knows how close they are and that she may know her sister's whereabouts.
Jesse does illegal MMA fights and is generally a rather unpleasant kind of man, albeit hot, hot, hot! He, too, is sort of hiding away from his life.
Over a period of time, Charlotte and Jesse get to know each other better and they become hot and heavy. Not right away, thankfully; it develops rather slowly but it's sexually charged between them very quickly. Together they explore the hopes and wishes they've always had, but never had the guts to pursue them; professionally for both and in addition, sexually for Charlotte.
I enjoyed the bluntness of Ms O'Keefe's writing. It's very direct and unpretentious; her characters have a grittiness that I'd already become used to in her Everything I Left Unsaid series, which - to my shame - I have neither rated nor reviewed yet. I've never even marked them as TBR. Blame my laziness. I also appreciated that, despite the heavily erotically charged atmosphere of the book. she was able to give her characters depth and personality. Something that gets easily forgotten when sex is a major factor in a story.
However, what didn't work for me, I'll put under a spoiler tag. It's a massive one that builds the groundwork for Jesse and Charlotte's relationship.
Nevertheless, I truly enjoy Molly O'Keefe's books. Wait For It is out soon-ish. Can't wait!
August 26, 2020
Thank you to Isabella R
for putting this book under my radar. I loved this story and Jesse's dirty talk. He is my kind of dirty. I wish the book played out a little longer.
Charlotte is innocent, introverted, and smart. An illustrated artist. She sells her condo and to give the money to her twin sister to escape and go off the grid to hide from her boyfriend. She was now forced to move to An inexpensive apartment in Shady oaks.
Jesse, underground fighter, Moody. A little damaged, Keeps to himself. Deep down, he cares for people—lives next door to Charlotte.
Jesse starts by helping fix little things in Charlotte's apartment. She can't help but fantasize about him. Thus have more in common then they think.
He carried himself like a guy who lived in his whole body. Like every molecule was under his control. I lived in precisely 12% of my body. I wasn’t even sure what my hair was doing.
oh the sexual tension and chemistry are off the charts, I was so proud of Charlotte when she shed her inhibition and lived her life for her. The scene of voyeurism was as hot as hell, and I couldn’t get enough.
My favorite part was you,” he said against my lips as if putting the words into my mouth so I could have them to live on. To feed me when I was hungry.
You keep doing things that aren’t like you. Have you stopped to think that maybe you’re finally acting the way you really are?”
Jesse knows Charlotte is hiding something and Charlotte has no clue about Jesse history. I loved the damaged, bad boy with the introverted, good girl who stunned into his world, turned her on, and loved it.
August 26, 2020
Well it seems I have finally found another author who writes deeply flawed, non-billionaire, non-playboy heroes. Not that I don't love me some rich, hot playboys but it's refreshing to read about some regular people who have steamy hot romances. The only other author who I've read who also does this SO well is Cara McKenna so to have a new author to add to that list is super exciting! I can't wait to read more Molly O'Keefe books.
Only thing that I reaaaallly wish it had was some more of them. I know that there is another book with her sister but uggghhh I want to read more about Charlotte and Jesse and see how they get on and of course read more about them in the bedroom because damn...that was hot.
I actually had a moment of "Can I keep reading this?" when Charlotte tells us Jesse was short though because I'm almost 6 foot tall so short heroes are not usually my cuppa but Molly wrote him so perfectly that I didn't actually care.
Only thing that I reaaaallly wish it had was some more of them. I know that there is another book with her sister but uggghhh I want to read more about Charlotte and Jesse and see how they get on and of course read more about them in the bedroom because damn...that was hot.
I actually had a moment of "Can I keep reading this?" when Charlotte tells us Jesse was short though because I'm almost 6 foot tall so short heroes are not usually my cuppa but Molly wrote him so perfectly that I didn't actually care.
January 10, 2017
DNF (I very rarely stop reading books without finishing them) The description talks about a girl hiding out in an apartment complex (hiding from danger) and her apartment neighbor being a surly underground fighter that's drawn to her.
The premise sounded like something I wanted to read. No where did I see anything about the guy participating in M/F/M threesomes and sometimes choosing to be a voyeur to the orgies. When the girl is tired of the loud music and sex noises while trying to sleep, she barges in to complain and accidentally walks in on the scene, is then frozen in shock, unable to stop watching, and then invited to watch, and participate with the neighbor.
It's fine if this is your thing. It's not mine and I would've appreciated a heads up so I wouldn't have purchased the book.
The premise sounded like something I wanted to read. No where did I see anything about the guy participating in M/F/M threesomes and sometimes choosing to be a voyeur to the orgies. When the girl is tired of the loud music and sex noises while trying to sleep, she barges in to complain and accidentally walks in on the scene, is then frozen in shock, unable to stop watching, and then invited to watch, and participate with the neighbor.
It's fine if this is your thing. It's not mine and I would've appreciated a heads up so I wouldn't have purchased the book.
May 29, 2021
3.5 stars
This was exactly the quick and sexy read I needed. It's an opposites attract and forced proximity romance, but there's also a healthy dose of hate to love/grumpy sunshine thrown in for good measure. Overall, there wasn't a whole lot going on plotwise, but it was entertaining and hot. I also enjoyed Charlotte's character arc and I loved seeing her come into her own and embrace her sexuality. Jesse was all hard edges and it took longer for him to grow on me, especially since he was a self proclaimed slut. He was a little too mean at times and the hot and cold with Charlotte gave me whiplash. There's some predictable drama late in the book and though it resolves just as quickly, I thought there needed to be a bit more grovel. Things wrap up very quickly, but not on a cliffhanger. I would have loved an epilogue, but I believe there's a cameo/an update is given in book 2 (which features a different but related couple). Overall, a fun read!
Please Note: There's a polarizing scene in Bad Neighbor that many reviews mention involving Jesse's other sexual partners (male and female). Normally I am not a fan of the main characters having any other sexual partners, but in this case Charlotte's interest in the events helped me accept it. Nothing happens on page with Jesse/Charlotte and the partners (besides watching), but please see the other detailed reviews that discuss this MFM scene if this is something that might be a dealbreaker for you.
CW: Main character has sex with OW, death of parent, gambling, gun violence
This was exactly the quick and sexy read I needed. It's an opposites attract and forced proximity romance, but there's also a healthy dose of hate to love/grumpy sunshine thrown in for good measure. Overall, there wasn't a whole lot going on plotwise, but it was entertaining and hot. I also enjoyed Charlotte's character arc and I loved seeing her come into her own and embrace her sexuality. Jesse was all hard edges and it took longer for him to grow on me, especially since he was a self proclaimed slut. He was a little too mean at times and the hot and cold with Charlotte gave me whiplash. There's some predictable drama late in the book and though it resolves just as quickly, I thought there needed to be a bit more grovel. Things wrap up very quickly, but not on a cliffhanger. I would have loved an epilogue, but I believe there's a cameo/an update is given in book 2 (which features a different but related couple). Overall, a fun read!
Please Note: There's a polarizing scene in Bad Neighbor that many reviews mention involving Jesse's other sexual partners (male and female). Normally I am not a fan of the main characters having any other sexual partners, but in this case Charlotte's interest in the events helped me accept it. Nothing happens on page with Jesse/Charlotte and the partners (besides watching), but please see the other detailed reviews that discuss this MFM scene if this is something that might be a dealbreaker for you.
CW: Main character has sex with OW, death of parent, gambling, gun violence
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