Boxer Next Door

The best boxer story EVER!! I never liked the sport in real life but in story form it's not bad when you mix in some romance. Great job Summer I loved every moment of this sexy story.

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

Emily Pennington

20.8k reviews361 followers

After a rough day at court, Lydia was very glad to be home, despite the radio’s prediction of possible snow. Her 8-year-old ran down the stairs and slammed into her for a hug, almost toppling them over. It was just the two of them now since she and her husband divorced the previous year. She didn’t understand why he just left like that with no attempt to keep in touch with his son. Tonight was their movie night and Bryson and Lydia took over the couch, popcorn bowl in her lap. But halfway through the movie, the doorbell rang.

Ken from next door was standing there. He told her he accidentally knocked her fence down and wanted to repair it. Each of them seemed to take notice of the other, despite their age difference. Lydia was very flattered that such a young, handsome man could find her attractive!

As time went on, they both realized they wanted more – each kept thinking about the other throughout the day. They wanted to move forward and continue seeing each other. But when they met for lunch and Lydia left to return to work, a woman came up to Ken and told him that Lydia had killed her husband and he should stay away from her! Then the woman disappeared before he could ask what she was talking about! It bothered him all day. Hadn’t Lydia herself admitted no one had heard from her husband since the divorce? It couldn’t be true, could it? Would the mistrust end their relationship?

This was a wonderful story that I thoroughly enjoyed! The author does such an amazing job in describing the characters and events so that the reader feels how real it all is! The characters practically become old friends, and the story line is believable, despite the twists and turns. Both Ken and Lydia had difficult relationship breakups and betrayal before they met, and it was difficult for them to trust again. Without trust and open communication, assumptions and suspicions are difficult to deal with. You can end up losing what matters most.

The author’s writing is really good, so it makes it a very easy read! I highly recommend this book. I think you’ll really like it! I received a copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review; needless to say, I also bought my own copy as well!

reviewed

Wendy Livingstone

20.1k reviews257 followers

Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon)

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lydia is a divorced single mom, who is an attorney. Ken is her new next door neighbour, who is the owner of a boxing studio and is starting over in a new town. While doing some home maintenance, Ken accidently damages his next door neighbour’s fence. From the moment these two meet there is an instant chemistry, but will Lydia give a younger Ken a chance?
This is a well written storyline, with a tad drama just to spice things up and cause doubt. This author never disappoints her readers, and I highly recommend her work for all readers.

Amy Miller

3,827 reviews34 followers

December 19, 2017

I loved Ken and Lydia. These two couldn't be any more perfect for one another. Both of them bring out something in one another. A hit for me!

16.4k reviews217 followers

January 3, 2018

All in all, a good read. I loved this beautiful romance between an older woman and a younger man. It’s such a sweet Christmas story. I loved it and highly recommend it. I love this reverse plot. The chemistry between Lydia and Kenji was hot and steamy. This story will grab and hold your attention from start to finish

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

Ciarra

17 reviews

MJM

1,576 reviews10 followers

Lydia is a busy and successful solicitor who was divorced by her ex, Jack, without reason why and he's not kept in touch with their 8 year old son, Bryson. On their Movie Night, they settle down on the sofa for popcorn and movie when the doorbell rings and Lydia finds the hunky new neighbour, Kenji or Ken, apologising for accidentally breaking her fence and offering to pay and repair it. They are bot instantly attracted to one another and they agree to meet the next day to discuss it. She's flattered as she didn't think that a younger, gorgeous man like him would be interested in her. Ken has moved here and set up his own boxing club after being humiliated and left at the altar by his cheating ex fiancée. He thinks that Lydia ia stunning but way out of his league but why not see if they do have a chance? I loved the way Summer Cooper wrote this as I could really 'sense' how the two , Lydia and ken, were feeling about each other and it didn't seem over the top but very much 'real' but that is one of the special things that l love about Summer's writing - she makes it believable with realistic characters that I would want as friends [well apart from the 'baddies']. There are some fabulous hot and steamy scenes as Lydia and Ken declare their passion for one another that may make your Kindle melt but don't worry - it's well worth while reading. There is a 'baddie' in the story who tries to break the two of them up and leads to ken backing off but he isn't stupid and his feelings for her are so strong that gossip isn't going to stand in his way. But will Lydia want him back? What happens when Jack returns? Will there be a HEA?? All these answers you will find out when you buy this book, shut off your phone and settle down to this latest romantic adventure by Summer Cooper! I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. I also got it through Kindle Unlimited.
DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED.

Maria

109 reviews1 follower

I received an ARC from the author via Booksprout in exchange for my voluntary and honest review.

Summer wrote an enjoyable and sexy romance about Ken & Lydia. Ken is the owner of a boxing studio who recently moved in next door to Lydia. Lydia is a divorced mom to an 8 year old boy and a struggling attorney. Lydia is older than Ken. I like the premise of an older woman with a younger man as long as the age difference isn't too much. Ken & Lydia were great together. They each recently had bad break-ups so they approach either cautiously.

The two are very attracted to each other. They develop a neighborly friendship and over time becomes mores. There is some minor drama at the start of the relationship but Ken resolves that issue relatively quickly. Then.....Lydia's ex makes a sudden reappearance after no explanation why he filed for divorce and why he fell off the grid. The explanation for both was the one thing that prevented me from rating this story higher. It was unbelievable. It left me with more questions that remained unresolved. But I do know that I did not like the ex and I would not have been as mild as Lydia in her reaction. A good father and husband would not have put his son in the situation he did and left his wife hanging in the wind with no explanation.

Ken & Lydia's relationship is sexy, sexy, and sexy with friendship, caring, and ultimately - love. Ken also establishes a very good relationship with her son. Other than the minor blip with Lydia's ex, it was a very enjoyable read.

2,297 reviews18 followers

A steamy read between an older woman, Lydia, and her much younger neighbour, Ken. Lydia is a lawyer, divorced with a young son. Ken has moved to a new town for a fresh start and is in the process of opening his own boxing studio/gym. They’re neighbours and until Ken accidentally knocks down her fence is when they first meet officially and the sparks are there along with insecurities for both of them. She’s older and insecure what a hot young man would want with an older woman and he has been hurt badly in the past by an ex. Can they get over it ?
There was a huge question that was left unanswered and it seemed like the author threw it in there and then forgot about it, such as who was the woman that confronted him and why. Another part that bothered me was her ex and his explanation as to why he left and that he only told their son and not her.
The story was building perfectly between them and then the above happened which threw me off but it was still a good steamy read and I enjoyed the fact that the age difference was reversed and that Ken was definitely sigh and swoon worthy. Ken made up for all the above, he was a young man but wasn’t a man wh*** who didn’t get over his ex but getting under another or a few others....so refreshing. I also enjoyed the revelation at the end between the two of them and how their HEA ended with all four parties involved.
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book*

Raecharmed

9,300 reviews70 followers

December 15, 2017

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

Ken is an owner of a boxing studio and is new to the neighborhood. While he was doing some repairs at home he accidentally knocked down his neighbors fence. Lydia is shocked when her hot young neighbor coming ringing her door bell. She doesn't really care about the fence but he is stubborn about fixing it so she agrees to talk to him the next day about it. Ken is attracted to his neighbor but doesn't think she would be interested in him since he's younger and she has a son. They start the next day out talking about what supplies they'll need to fix the fence. They have lunch and start to get to know one and another. After they buy the supplies they make plans to meet up again. Things heat up between them pretty quick and then someone tries to throw some drama in to cause trouble between them. Ken backs off because of a warning someone gave him but he learns pretty quick its false information but will it be too late to claim Lydia as his own?

This was a great story and will keep you turning pages til you find yourself at the end. The chemistry between Ken and Lydia is electrifying. If you haven't read anything by this author then this would be a great book o start with.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

Sharon

49 reviews

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lydia Is a single mom and a lawyer though she's been struggling for the past two years since her husband Mike of over a decade just dropped her like a hot potato. He handed her the divorce papers with no explanation and then just disappeared from her and Bryson's life. She has never even been on a date since Mike left so when her hot new neighbor shows up at her door on movie night she at a loss for words and hoping he can't see how sexy she finds this younger man.
Ken (Kenji) has moved to a new town looking for a new start, one where people don't know his name literally. What was his hippie parents thinking giving him an obviously Japanese name and there's his ex the woman how missed their wedding because she was screwing the best man. Ken hasn't had the desire to be with a woman since she betrayed him but when he has to tell the woman next door he accidentally knocked down the fence separating their properties he can't help but feel drawn to this older but sexy woman who so clearly loves her son. After all all Ken's ever wanted was a nice normal family. Could they be his? If the look in her eyes is any indication she wants him just as much. Or will her ex show up and take them back?
This is a great standalone with no cheating and a HEA.

Amy

3,210 reviews26 followers

December 19, 2017

Amazing! Lydia is a hard working attorney and single parent to her adorable little boy Bryson. She feels she has no time for a relationship with her job and caring for her son. However, when she finally meets her sexy much younger new neighbor, Ken, she begins to wonder maybe she could find the time! Ken has come to inform Lydia that while working in his yard, he accidentally knocked her fence down. Ken has moved to town for a fresh start and to open his own boxing studio. Ken is wanting to repair her fence and they finally agree to work together in repairing it. They are both attracted to each other but both try to resist temptation. Lydia cannot believe he would be interested in someone her age- he is quite a bit younger than her. For Ken, he went through a rough breakup resulting in him closing himself off to relationships. His fiancee actually dumped him at the altar. Eventually they can no longer resist and they have a very passionate night together. What began as one night, turns into more. They both want more. Can rumors about Lydia's ex husband and her own security derail their chance at a HEA? Could Lydia really be a black widow? She even admits no one has seen or heard from her ex-husband since the divorce. A very enjoyable read! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Scrap

882 reviews6 followers

Lydia Is a single mom and a lawyer though she's been struggling for the past two years since her husband Mike of over a decade just dropped her like a hot potato. He handed her the divorce papers with no explanation and then just disappeared from her and Bryson's life. She has never even been on a date since Mike left so when her hot new neighbor shows up at her door on movie night she at a loss for words and hoping he can't see how sexy she finds this younger man.
Ken (Kenji) has moved to a new town looking for a new start, one where people don't know his name literally. What was his hippie parents thinking giving him an obviously Japanese name and there's his ex the woman how missed their wedding because she was screwing the best man. Ken hasn't had the desire to be with a woman since she betrayed him but when he has to tell the woman next door he accidentally knocked down the fence separating their properties he can't help but feel drawn to this older but sexy woman who so clearly loves her son. After all all Ken's ever wanted was a nice normal family. Could they be his? If the look in her eyes is any indication she wants him just as much. Or will her ex show up and take them back?

Shelly Wolf

509 reviews7 followers

December 20, 2017

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

This is the story of Lydia,,,, Lydia is a single mother and a lawyer whom is divorced after her husband up and left her,,,, with not one word to her,,, she has no idea where or with whom he left,,,, so she and her 8 year old son, Bryson, live together, making ends meet somehow,,,

Ken is Lydia's neighbor who came into Lydia's life one night when he accidently knocked her fence down and wanted to offer to repair it for her,,,,, they met once and electricity went thru them both,,, although there is an age difference between them, Lydia being the older,,,, but it really didn't bother them,,,, they met up a few times and things were ok,,, but there seems to be a big lack of trust in both if them,,,, Lydia left Ken one day when they met in town, and some woman tells Ken that Lydia had killed her husband,,, well,,, he didn't know what to do about it, but he had his own reasons not to trust her,,, his ex-wife,,,,,

Well,,, I gave you the beginning,,,,, now's it's your turn,,, go out and one-click this book,,, there is a lot of book left to read,,,, believe me,,, you want to go on this up, down and twist and turn of this book,,, trust me,,, don't let this one get away,,,

Jasmine

663 reviews7 followers

January 18, 2018

Lydia had a rough day at work but when she came home to her son and all of his energy, she knew things would be okay. She has been divorced for over a year, but the reasons are still unclear and then Mike left without a word to her or to their son. Bryson held out hope and deep down knew he would be back but was it true? Would Mike come back? Would Lydia want him back?

Kenji grew up very different from most people and is now trying to find his way, he works on his house and is trying to open up his new boxing studio, but things are going slowly. And then one night, he ruins his neighbor's fence and when he goes to talk to her, he can't take his eyes off of her. Yes she is older, but that is not a bad thing, Ken likes experience and doesn't see her age as a deterrent. He wants to know this woman and her son. Can things move forward with them? Or will their past come back?

This is a great story. The characters are well written and honest. It includes love, lust, romance, hot steamy sex scenes, drama, a little bit of scandal, mystery and a HEA. I loved this book and you will too. I highly recommend it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

arc

Manda

872 reviews11 followers

November 6, 2023

Lydia hasn't realised how lonely she had become after her husband divorced her and vanished until the possibility of a relationship surfaced. She has been left working her job to raise her son as a single mum and is struggling past the hurt, anger and disbelief. Then she sees her new neighbour and she is unbelievably tempted by this younger, fit and handsome man. But how likely is it that a man like that would be the least bit interested in an older, single mum?

Ken is still reeling from being left at the alter by his unfaithful ex. So much so that he moved areas and is starting over. Despite trying he has had absolutely no interest in women until he sets eyes on his neighbour. But what would a confident, beautiful, capable women like that want with him?

Two lonely, hurt individuals find solace and passion in an unlikely place.

There is plenty of misunderstanding, misinformation, unspoken truths and feelings and passion aplenty.

My only fault, which is why this is a four star and not a five is that I didn't feel I had fully understood the ex husbands back story. Otherwise a really enjoyable read.

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

Lady Elizabeth

456 reviews17 followers

Lydia is a single mother and she works really hard to keep her son in a level of comfort. She doesn't spoil him but she makes sure he has everything he needs to grow as good boy, specially since he doesn't have a male figure because his father divorced her.

Ken is a good man that's trying to build a life away from home. He wants to start a business but first he needs to fix the home he bought and try to keep his thought away from the hot mom next door.

This story was well done. I had no problems with the vocabulary or missing words, nothing. Also, I have to say I liked the way things developed between the main characters, including the child, because he was a part in all this as well. The pacing was nice and kept me curious about what was going to happen next.

What I didn't like so much, even though I have to admit was a good move, was the whole ex-husband deal at the end of the story. I won't go into spoilers because I think the book is worth reading but I didn't care for the ex-husband, no matter what he said.

That being said, the ending was sweet and I really enjoy the book.

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

Renee

37 reviews

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

I felt this was a little different than what I normally read from Summer Cooper but in a good way.
It was a great quick read and the characters had that instant connection that makes their chemistry more desirable.
Kenji has moved away after being left at the alter by his fiancé only to find out that she had been cheating on him possibly more than once.
Lydia is reluctant to give her heart to anyone after her now ex-husband just up and left her one day with no explanation. Leaving her to pick up the shattered pieces of their son’s life.
Kenji and Lydia hit off straight away and are inseparable until one day when Kenji is confronted by a woman who shares some very troubling information.
Things get even more complicated when Lydia’s ex-husband returns after years of no contact and threatens to take her son.
Now she has to decide between her ex who walked out and crushed her or the new man in her life who has made her smile again and never hurt her.
The only questions that were left unanswered were, who was the woman that warned Kenji away and why did she say it?

Julianne Macneil

3,697 reviews28 followers

December 19, 2017

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is an older woman/ younger man romance between Ken and Lydia. Lydia is a divorced lawyer with a young son who is trying to make ends meet after her husband divorced her and left without a trace. When Ken accidently knocks the fence down between their properties, he visits her to introduce himself and offer to fix the fence. Lydia is aware of the attraction she instantly has toward Ken, but she denies it because of his age and her thought that he couldn't be attracted to her. Ken sees Lydia and he is attracted to her, the first time that has happened since he split with his ex. Ken decides to get to know Lydia and they continue to fight their attraction, until Ken kisses her. They start a relationship and things are going well until Ken receives a warning that causes him to rethink things and unexpected developments complicate things. I really enjoyed this book and like the older woman/ younger man relationship for a change. There was a twist and I had a couple of unanswered questions at the end, but enjoyed the book anyway Good one.

Ingrid

577 reviews6 followers

December 10, 2025

This reverse age gap romance was a genuinely pleasant surprise. The age difference itself isn’t dramatic—about eight to ten years—but it still creates enough contrast in life experience to make the dynamic interesting. The female lead is a single mother, and from the start it seems as though she and the younger hero might not be a natural fit. But then they meet, and the connection is immediate: an instant spark, an instant pull toward each other.

What I appreciated most is that the story doesn’t rush anything. Despite their attraction, both characters choose not to dive headfirst into a relationship. Instead, their bond builds slowly and steadily, developing in a way that feels natural, grounded, and believable. Both carry past emotional baggage, and while they’re hesitant to unpack it at first, the way they gradually open up feels honest and very human.

Overall, this is a heartfelt, well-paced romance between two adults with real lives, real responsibilities, and real chemistry. A warm, enjoyable read.

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

Jackie D

1,845 reviews26 followers

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Kenji has some mending to do with his next-door neighbor Lydia the passing by glances he has seen of her do not do her justice to the up close and personal version! The Divorcee single mom quickly snakes her way into his thought, taking over- what was supposed to be a simple backyard job becomes something else entirely!
The insecurities of age differences, past burned relationships, and little birdies in their ears threaten the start of something good.
A fast-paced older women younger man storyline with a passion infused mystery and intrigue laced background; this one was one book I had to read in one sitting! With all the goings on- I had to know if these two wounded souls would work through their pasts to get a chance at the present!
Fun, with some definite angst, and heart-tugging to heart hugging moments I was sad to see this one end- I am still curious about a couple of things!
Still, I did enjoy this yummy, emotionally hot journey, and recommend checking it out for yourself!

Kristina Rose

34 reviews

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lydia is a single mom working hard to have a stable life for her and her son, after her husband asked for a divorce and then vanished. She isn't expecting the new neighbor to be so HOT or so young.
Kenji knocked over the neighbors fence, now he has to go apologize and add more work to his already mounting pile of things to do. All of that frustration goes away when he gets a good look at his neighbor!
These two dance around their attraction for a while but finally cant stop it! They keep it quite but their feelings start to build.
When a mysterious women warns Kenji that Lydia killed her husband, then said husband shows up with a wild story about where he was...can these two survive all of this?

I really enjoyed this book but I felt like there were a lot of loose ends. Who was that women, is her ex going to stick around, are they going to make it in the long run...just so many unanswered questions

Anett Simonsen

204 reviews2 followers

This is a well written storyline, with a tad drama just to spice things up and cause doubt. Summer never disappoints her readers. Summer writes really realistic and makes the book a very easy read. I would recommend this book if you love a bit of drama and hotness without being over the top.
! The characters practically become old friends, and the story line is believable, despite the twists and turns. Both Ken and Lydia had difficult relationship breakups and betrayal before they met, and it was difficult for them to trust again. Without trust and open communication, assumptions and suspicions are difficult to deal with. You can end up losing what matters most.
In this story Lydia’s ex makes a sudden reappearance with no explanation to why he filed for divorce and why he fell off the grid – that did not sit well with me. And Lydia’s reaction to the whole thing seemed a little bit off. But will Lydia get her HEA with Ken or Jack
I received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving a voluntary review, but everything I write is my own opinion.

Debbie

219 reviews7 followers

December 15, 2017

Lydia is a divorced attorney who lives with her son next to her new (younger) neighbor Ken. They meet when Ken accidentally knocks down her fence and comes over offering to repair it. Lydia and Ken hit it off, and a romance begins.
I really liked both characters. They felt “real” to me. I do wish there had been a little more focus on their relationship outside of the bedroom. There was good chemistry between Lydia and Ken.
There were a few things in the story that I just did not get at all. The ex-husband’s vanishing act, for one. The whole way that ends up at the end left me saying, “Wait, what?!” His reasons for deserting his family just seemed weird and contrived. I also did not believe that her son wouldn’t tell her what he knew.
I liked the relationship between Kenji and Lydia’s son. Very cute.
Overall, this was a sweet story and a quick read. 3 1/2 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Jillian

50 reviews

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Lydia starts to question her self worth when her husband out of nowhere one day decides to divorce her. Lydia is a single mother that is raising a child on her own and who is also working as a lawyer. The new neighbor moves in next door and Lydia has had no time to take any notice. While Lydia and her son are getting ready for a movie night, the neighbor Ken comes knocking, he lets her know that he has accidently knocked her fence down, he offers to repair it. There is an instant chemistry between the two when they first lay eyes on one another. Lydia is reluctant to start anything up with Ken because he is so much younger than her. They both have their own baggage and have to work through it. Will the two be able to stick it out or will they let what others say get in the way of something that could be so much more.

Sharon

2,308 reviews22 followers

4.25 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Age is nothing but a number when it comes to love. Lydia is an older, divorced woman who is doing all she can to raise her son since her ex-husband just up and left. Kenji (aka Ken) is a new neighbor who owns a boxing studio. While working on his home, he accidentally destroys the fence belonging to his neighbor. He saunters over to Lydia’s house to inform her of the damage and discuss making reparations. The last thing on Lydia’s mind is the old fence as she cannot get over her hot, younger neighbor. Ken is also checking her out but does not think that she would be interested in him due to the age difference and the fact that she has a son. When Lydia relents and Ken begins working on the fence, they begin getting to know one another. Can they get past their past heartache and age difference to move forward together overcoming all obstacles? This is one fun romance read.

Christine Stokes

162 reviews

What a story that leaves you wanting more. Ms Cooper did an amazing job in bringing a beautiful romance between an
older woman and a younger man. Lydia is a single mother of an 8 year old boy who divorced her husband over a year ago.
Her ex husband just up and left with no contact at all even for his son's well being. Ken is a boxer who was jilted at the
altar on his wedding day who moved away to start a new life and business.
They met each other when Ken broke her fence and offered to repair it. Ken and Lydia couldn't fight their attraction anymore,
decided to continue to pursue the relationship. After having lunch with Lydia, Ken was approached by a woman who warned
him to stay away from Lydia cause she killed her husband.
Wow!! What a turn of event!!
What will happen to their relationship?
Will Ken give Lydia the benefit of the doubt since she did tell him about her ex husband?

Chantelle Cooper

71 reviews

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lydia is a lawyer, divorced single mum to eight year-old Bryson. It's been two years since the divorce and she is still struggling to understand why and where her husband disappeared to directly thereafter. Ken, Lydia's neighbour, is a boxer, new to the neighbourhood, and also the proprietor of a boxing studio which he is opening ìn town. After knocking down Lydia's fence he goes next door to make restitution and comes face-to-face with a woman who makes his heart beat faster and all sorts of erotic thoughts to cross his mind. Lydia is equally taken, but is worried about the age difference - she can't believe he can find her, an older woman, sexy and inviting. The rest, they say, is history...as if things were that easy. There are many twists and turns left in this well-written, easy-to-read novel and I highly recommend it to all.

Karen Nastasio

2,661 reviews19 followers