The Mercenary Next Door

Rogues and Rescuers #2

by Lucy Leroux

Falling for the girl next door…

Mercenary Mason Lang never intended to go into this line of work, but with pay this good, he can’t turn it down. The only challenge is getting out with all of his limbs still intact, which is a lot harder than he realized. And when he does, Mason is going to have it all—including the shy and sweet girl next door.

Laila James knew her crush on the gorgeous next-door neighbor was hopeless. And following a humiliating incident, she’d rather just forget him completely. However, when Mason comes back to town and tries to claim her for his own, Laila keeps her resolve. After all, she’s moved on and is even dating someone else.

But Mason isn’t giving up so easily. His instincts go into overdrive as he suspects that the rich, frat boy who latched onto Laila is trouble. Determined to prove that they’re meant for each other, the mercenary has a new mission. Missing his chance the first time around, Mason refuses to lose the only woman he's ever really wanted. Can he make the girl next door fall for him again?

***

Rogues and Rescuers is a brand new spin-off series from USA Today Bestselling Author Lucy Leroux. Every book in the Rogues and Rescuers or Singular Obsession series is a stand-alone featuring a different couple. HEA guaranteed!

Genres: Contemporary, Audiobook, Romance, Military Fiction, Fiction, Romantic Suspense

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 12, 2020

About the author

A 7-time Readers' Favorite Medal Winner. USA Today Bestselling Author. Mom to a half-feral princess. WOC. Former scientist. Recovering geek.

Lucy Leroux is the steamy pen name for author L.B. Gilbert. Ten years ago Lucy moved to France for a one-year research contract. Six months later she was living with a handsome Frenchman and is now married with an adorable half-french 5yo who won't go to bed on time.

When her last contract ended Lucy turned to writing. Frustrated by a particularly bad romance novel she decided to write her own. Her family lives in Southern California.

Lucy loves all genres of romance and intends to write as many of them as possible. To date she has published twenty novels and novellas. These includes paranormal, urban fantasy, gothic regency, and contemporary romances with more on the way.

Follow her on twitter @lucythenovelist or http://www.facebook.com/lucythenovelist or visit www.authorlucyleroux.com/newsletter for special offers and free reads.

*For fans of paranormal romance and adventure check out the author's award-winning Elementals series under her maiden name L.B. Gilbert.

Reviews

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like a "girl got away" story, this is a good one. I will say that for me, it's not my favorite scenario, which will explain my rating. But, it is more of a me thing than the story.

I very much like the type of hero that this author writes. They are the strong Alpha personalities that will protect their woman. I also like how possessive they usually are of them. Mason is all of these characteristics, and a gentleman. Once he realized Laila was it for him, I also really liked how he still looked out for her even when she was with someone else.

Laila was a sweetheart. A bit naive maybe but when push comes to shove, she was a strong heroine. I completely understand why she thought things were over with Mason and why she moved on...even though she really never moved on.

The side couple we got to see was a bonus. I actually would like to get more of their story.

[Izzie d · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story.
Hero and heroine are neighbors.
Hero is reluctant to get involved with the heroine,vthough he'd like to as he's worried his life will be too difficult for her, it doesn't help his fellow team mate is injured on assignment.
They get involved.
After a night of intimacy he gets called away to work abruptly.
He returns but goes out with his colleagues to celebrate a promotion.
When he wakes next morning another woman tries to have sex with him, he refuses throws her out but the heroine sees them and assumes that the Hero viewed her as a ONS.
He again gets called away on assignment, he's injured and is away months.
Heartbroken the heroine moves in and starts dating.

When they connect the Hero has turned down offers from women during their separation.
The heroine goes for a health check as her ex who she dated during the separation was possibly cheating, so she'd obviously been with others.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Other woman drama and other man drama.
HEA.

[Somia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the tiny morsel I was hoping for.

References to domestic violence

Acquired via KU.

[Carvanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of this author’s heroes and while there were a few things I didn’t love about Mason, there were more things that I did love about him. The fact that once he made a move towards Laila she was the only one for him was one of those things. Even when she was with another man his protective instincts had him watching out for her. I do wish he had made his move sooner. He had known her for a year but acted as if she wasn’t even on his radar.





Laila was a sweet, innocent, shy heroine and I know there are many readers that don’t care for this type of character but I loved her. She grows throughout the story and that growth is not based upon the hero alone, which is something I appreciate. She actually becomes quite feisty.





This reads very quickly as the story is constantly moving. The drama does not come from one area. At every turn there is something driving up the angst, whether it be relationship centered or from outside forces. The secondary characters were great additions as they added humor as well as support for the hero and heroine.

Dual POV
Safe h is a virgin; H isn’t made out to be a manwhore although he’s been with ow since meeting h we know this because other neighbor heard him with ow due to sharing a wall with his apartment - h never heard and while in her pov we never learn if she’s seen him with anyone; ow drama - several friends had stayed over at H’s after a party and the next morning ow wakes H up giving him a bj which he stops immediately - as he’s sending her out, h sees him half dressed with her and since they have only been together once she thinks the worse - this pretty much sets up the story for everything that follows; h/H separated for several months - during that time she begins to date and then move in with om
Triggers domestic abuse - h’s current boyfriend

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Rogues and Rescuers series. This book reads as a standalone. I haven’t read book one, but I will definitely be going back to grab it. I never felt like I was missing anything by not having read book one first. It actually seems like Ethan’s story may have been taking place around the same time as Laila and Mason’s story was unfolding. I do want to read Ethan’s story, so it’s been added to my kindle. This author is new to me, but I enjoyed this book so much I’ve added some of their books to my reading list. This book has plenty of action, romance, bit of drama and suspense and it definitely plenty steamy. I was completely entertained and found it hard to set the book down.

Laila lives in the tiny little studio apartment across the hall from Mason. They both have eyes on each other but haven’t done anything about it. Laila a shy student work and paying for her way through college, Mason is a mercenary that takes off at a moment’s notice and is gone for long periods of time. Mason has always managed to hold himself back from making a move until this last time he returns from a mission. Laila waters his plants for him while he’s gone but when he gets back this time each time, he’s around her it gets harder to stay away. He thinks that not making a move on her is protecting her from the fear of him dying on a mission but when he finds out that her feelings for him are returned, he can’t hold back. Unfortunately, a misunderstanding takes place and he’s not able to clear it up before leaving on a mission. By the time he gets back she’s already moved on, but Mason has a bad feeling about the guy. Can he let her go or will he fight to get her back?

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

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun read that had enough twists and turns to keep me engaged Yes these two are destined to be together but life and others get in the way but when she needs him he steps up to protect her

Mason & Lailia are neighbours he first met her when he had to kick a drunk off her doorstep a drunk who thought because he had helped her move in she owed him and wanted payment in sexual favours He is a security expert part of a team that goes in to bring back from dangerous situation As they get to know one another she cares for his plants while he is away Eventually they connect and have a wonderful night together but things take a turn for the worse when she sees a woman leaving his flat and him half dressed he wants to explain that he woke to the woman in his bed and was throwing her out when Lailia saw them but she won't give him a chance to explain and before they can sort out the misunderstanding he is called out on a mission By the time he returns four months later she has started a relationship with another man in fact he has moved in with her. Not wanting to break up her happiness he accepts that they are over until he discovers that her boyfriend is abusing her Mason moves her into his apartment Can they finally get the HEA they both deserve You will have to read to see

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Lucy Leroux books and I have been eagerly waiting for The Mercenary Next Door, book two in the Rogues and Rescuers series. Mason And Laila live next door to one another. Mason pays her to water his plants while he is away. After coming back from a mission, Mason finally gives in and he and Laila get together. A series of events happen and the two separate for 9 months. Mason and Laila cross paths again when Mason witnesses Laila’s boyfriend hitting her. Mason convinces Laila to come to his house and the two begin to reconnect. But unfortunately, Laila’s ex is involved in the disappearance of a friend. Mason is determined to protect Laila and the two begin to reconnect. I loved this latest addition to the series. It grabbed me from the start and left me eagerly waiting for the next in the series.

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

[Sarah Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

SPOILER:

The book was ok, misleading title. Was disappointed with the poor reactions/ending. SPOILER:
If you see someone hit the girl your in love with you don't jus stand there watching, and when 3 people try to kill the girl your in love with... well lets just say from the title of the book I expected it to be a little darker than just giving the bad guys to the police. Honestly not really seeing how he is a mercenary??

Mercenary Definition: "primarily concerned with making money at the expense of ethics"
Very misleading title.

[The Bourbon-Sipping Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been enjoying this author’s audiobooks—first the Singular Obsession series, and now this spin-off, Rogues and Rescuers. I really liked the first book featuring Ethan, so I came into Mason’s story with pretty high expectations. Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite land the way I’d hoped.

Let me start with the good: while there were definitely some things I didn’t love about Mason, there were also quite a few things I did love. Once he decided to make a move on Laila, she became his entire focus. Even when she was living with another man, Mason never stopped watching out for her. I loved that level of quiet devotion. I just wish he’d made that move sooner. He’d known her for a year but acted like she barely existed until the story kicks off.

Laila was a sweet, innocent, shy heroine—someone I know many readers might not connect with—but I adored her. She had an inner strength and grew throughout the story in a way that wasn’t solely dependent on Mason. She actually becomes quite feisty, and I appreciated that her development wasn’t just driven by romance.

The story itself moves fast. The drama doesn’t just come from one direction—there’s relationship angst, external threats, and emotional tension at every turn, which keeps the momentum going. The side characters added humor and support, which helped balance some of the more intense moments.

That said, I had a major issue with how long Mason and Laila were separated. The timeline spans several months, and during that time, she not only starts dating but actually moves in with someone else. Mason is recovering from an injury and off the grid, so the romantic connection fizzles for a huge chunk of the story—and that made it hard for me to stay emotionally invested in their relationship.

Then there’s the “other woman” situation, which really soured things for me. After a party, a so-called friend stays over and wakes Mason up with a non-consensual sexual act. He stops it immediately and kicks her out, but Laila sees just enough to misinterpret the situation. This becomes the catalyst for their long separation, and I honestly felt like the whole scene was inappropriate and unnecessary. Consent matters, and this moment was handled far too casually, especially given its impact on the rest of the plot.

Also, the title felt misleading. I expected something darker or grittier based on “mercenary,” but the tone was much lighter. Mason does protective detail work, sure, but there’s not much morally gray or dangerous about him.

Trigger warning: There is domestic abuse involving Laila’s new boyfriend. It’s uncomfortable but unfortunately central to the plot.

I did enjoy the dual POV—it was helpful to get both characters’ perspectives, especially during the separation. Laila is a virgin; Mason isn’t painted as a manwhore, but it’s implied he’s been with others before they got together. The book tries to keep things “safe,” but some elements, especially the OW scene, left a bad taste in my mouth.

And while this might seem random, I really liked the detail about Mason’s exotic plants. It was such a unique character trait, and I wish the story had circled back to it—maybe showing Laila gifting him a new plant or them working on something together as a symbol of growth. It would’ve been a nice full-circle moment.

Overall, this wasn’t perfect, but I liked enough of it to round up to 3 stars. The emotional beats landed once the couple reunited, and I’d be curious to hear more about the side characters in future books.

I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️½

My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read the book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!.

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

[Jamie Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couple Separated for Too Long; Otherwise Good

I've been enjoying this author's audiobooks, first the Singular Obsession series and then this spin-off Rogues and Rescuers. I really enjoyed the first book featuring Ethan. This is Mason's story. While I absolutely loved the couple when they were together—she's such a sweetie, literally and figuratively, supporting herself as a baker while she goes to grad school—there was too large of a chunk in the book where they were separated from each other; it was actually for months per the plotline. It's hard to have a romance if the heroine’s with another guy, and the hero’s off the grid because of an injury.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. They’ve been neighbors for a long time, and both have harbored an attraction for each other that neither has acted on it until soon after the story opens. While I wouldn't quite call him a mercenary, as the title states, he does dangerous protective detail work that often takes him out of town. He also likes to grow and nurture exotic plants, and he and the heroine have gotten to be friendly enough so that he allows her to enter his apartment and follow his very specific instructions to care for his plants while he's on assignment. By the way, at a certain point, you will feel very sorry for the plants! I actually wish at some further point in the story this plant thread was picked up again, maybe them working on new plants together or her gifting him some. As happens in all the books in both these series, the heroine is imperiled at some point in the book. Even though she seems like a delicate flower, she's smarter and tougher than she looks. Got to love that in a heroine! Other than I didn't like how they were separated for too long in the initial third of the book, I did enjoy this audiobook and was happy to see how it all worked out for them.

I received a promo code for this book, but that did not affect my review.

[Terri Pietrowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mason and Lailia first met when Lailia moved in next door, when Mason came to her rescue when a person who helped her move in, thought it was ok to make a drunken visit at 1am and Mason kicked him out. Mason is a security agent and travel all over the world for long periods of time, and asked Lailia to water his very many, expensive plants in his apartment, which he pays Lailia very well. But the thing is both are attracted to each other and both stay away for different reasons. Mason job is very dangerous and at any given time he may not come back from one of his missions and would not want to put Lailia or any other woman in that position. Lailia is a shy, beautiful, college student, who feels Mason is out of her league, but loves him anyway. Until Mason came back from a mission and Lailia and him spend the night together and realized they both love each other. That was also the day when he got called into the office and was offered a promotion. He returned to tell Lailia, but she wasn't home and his team had a party for him. The next day when Lailia was leaving for work a beautiful woman came out of Mason apartment, and Lailia would not hear Mason explanation and at that moment she gave upon him and Mason had to leave for an emergency mission. Durning this mission everything went wrong for both Mason and Lailia, like broken phone, misunderstanding, injury that took months to heal. But once again, Mason came to Lailia rescue when an ex boyfriend became an abuser. This is another great reading book that will keep you on the edge the whole time you are reading it and it will not let you down, it will only want you to read more of this authors books.
I am volunteering to leave a review of a ARC of this book.

[Janice Kellam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked that Mason and Laila were on equal footing in the beginning of the story, as far as getting to know one another and secretly wanting more but being afraid to step out of the friend zone. It was nice for a change that the h was the one to initiate the push to the next level and I appreciated that the H didn't take too long to figure it out and go into hot pursuit.

My only gripe is the contrived plot bomb of Laila seeing the hoochie leaving his apartment and logically assuming the worst; Mason doesn't do much to clear it up before he conveniently leaves on a mission and what he does try to do is foiled by the stupid neighbor, cue his standard injury on the mission and months away ~ yada, yada, yada. This scenario is just used too commonly in romance novels, so I deducted one star for it.

Otherwise, the story moves along at a quick and engaging pace and it was nice that Mason didn't try and begrudge Laila for moving on, once they eventually did get back together. I enjoyed the antics of the h and H's best buds, Ransom and Rosamie, and thought they were great supporting characters!!!!! :)

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

His forever one?

Mason only has eyes for one woman but in trying to protect her from his job he has lost her, he knows you are not promised a tomorrow, especially in his job. His heart almost stops when he sees her hurt and realises that in protecting her from his job, he has left her open to the evils of the world, and one evil in particular has set his sights on Laila as his prey....not on Mason's watch! He may have lost his chance with her but he will still protect her with his life. Seeing a second chance for their love warms your heart and the heat between them will leave your Kindle steaming!
I really like that we get to see Ethan too, the timeline on this book begins before Ethan's book, but finishes after, although there is no actual crossover of storylines so the timing is not too important. I also really like the two best friends, they are both very loud, confident and a little overwhelming, but in the best way...my only grumble is that this plot line is left hanging a little, will we get it completed in a following book?
I read this on Kindle Unlimited, book three is due out October 2021.

[Shayay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written and entertaining! Not a huge fan of some of the directions the story goes in, but still an interesting read. Mason and Laila are next door neighbors; she’ll water his plants etc. when he’s away on one of his private security missions. She’s super attracted to him, but she’s the shy type. He is also attracted to her, but he thinks she’s too soft for the likes of him; he’s not wrong, she’s a bit of a damsel. Things between them look like they are getting hot, but a misunderstanding causes problems; too many things just go against them. Laila ends up making stupid choices by rushing into things; probably because she’s hurting, which ends up causing even more problems. I wasn’t a fan of some time jumps and how long Laila was a moron, but I still liked both characters. The romance sweet and passionate! Mason is a really good guy. Also, I like all the stuff with the security team working together. Overall, an enjoyable read.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Someone for Later 5 stars -
“Did you ever save someone for later?”
“I mean...did you ever avoid spending time with someone, not because you didn’t like them but because you liked them too much? I tried not to think about her. And I was damn good at not thinking about her, but she was always there in the back of my mind.”
“I knew if I let my guard down, that she’d be it for me. I kept telling myself later.”
“...once I was done with this job and cashed out. Then I’d ask her out properly. It was a mistake. She was there the whole time...waiting.”

I don’t usually quote dialogues from a book but with Mercenary Next Door, I’m making an exception. I think how Mason put down his feelings towards Laila into words at this point in the story is what great romance is about. You can feel the emotions, the longing and the regrets. Great second book in the series. You should read this book! [I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.]

[Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this work immensely. The plot took me a bit by surprise with a twist towards the beginning but it was a welcomed surprise because it gave a different story than what I’m used to. The plot was great and I enjoyed all the ups and downs the author wove into the story. It ended up being more than I expected and it was wonderful. The characters were great; they were opposites of each other but melded together wonderfully. I really loved all the aspects of this work and I couldn’t put it down. I did find out it was the second in a series but I didn’t need to read the first to understand the second at all.

I give this a five out of five stars. It was a fantastic read that I couldn’t put down. The plot was great and more kept happening that I wasn’t expecting and it made it even better. The characters were great and evolved over the story.

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

[Patricia Anne Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, misunderstandings and murder

Mason is a Mercenary he works for a company that trains and hires men like him to rescue persons that are in danger. Laila is a college student that lives across the hall from Mason, he hires her when he is away to water his plants and collect his mail. Mason really likes her but never pursued her, till one night he just couldn't resist and finds out he really cares for her. Laila misunderstood what she saw coming from his apartment one morning and never wants to see him again. In the mean time he gets called away for a job almost gets killed, she gets involved with a guy from school and he treats her badly. Her and Mason finally reunite but one of her friends is murdered . It's a great read, steamy sexy romance and a suspenseful. Recommend with a 5 Stars review

[Opasan Ouprie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laila lives next across the hall from Mason in an apartment. Laila is a college student working her way through college. Mason is a mercenary. Mason has Laila keep an eye on his place when he leaves for his missions. Both of them have feelings for one another but do not act on them, until after one mission Mason learns that Laila has the same feelings as he does. They get together and then they have a huge misunderstanding and before things can be worked out Mason is called for work without time to talk to Laila about what happened. While Mason is gone Laila moves on with her life. Mason does not like the guy she is with as he does not trust him. What is wrong with the new man in Laila's life? Will Mason figure it out and get Laila back? Grab the book and find out. Lots of drama, and love.

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

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laila has a crush on on her next door neighbor unaware he is trying not to think about her.
Mason returns from a mission knowing that his neighbor Laila has looked after his plants for him while he has been away but he is so tired he falls to sleep before letting her know he is back. Laila starts watering the the plants listening to her music and dancing around and when she turns she sees mason standing in only a minuscule pair of briefs. Later Mason has friends round he sees his friend Ransom talking to Laila as she tries to enter her apartment and knowing how noisy it is going to get talks her into letting him pay for a hotel room for her so she can study in peace. Laila finds herself thinking and dreaming of Mason all the more.

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

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so happy that the breadcrumbs left in the previous book led us here. Mason is very much like Ethan, it’s easy to see why they’re friends. They’re both caring, protective, and so darned sweet. And, just as prone to being jerks as they are sweethearts. Laila is shy and quiet, but there’s an underlying fierceness to her that I loved seeing. She was a little quick to jump into some ‘too stupid to live’ actions, which frustrated me a bit. But the steps she takes are well-grounded and supported by the rest of the story, so I can cut her some slack. I don’t think I went into this book expecting anything in particular, but the story still surprised me around every turn. And now I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series to see where else the breadcrumbs will lead us.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Lisa Caddick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will he take mercy on his neighbour, or will she prove too hot to handle?

Mason is a hot mercenary and
Laila is an amazing baker, and his sexy neighbour. They are both aware of each other. Mason hasn't made a move on her because of his dangerous lifestyle. Laila hasn't let him know how she feels, because she is shy, and believes her feelings are one-sided. She looks after his plants while he's away on his missions. She bakes him goodies as a thank you for the money he gives her for doing that. Soon, they become close and get intimate, but due to crossed wires on Laila's part, when she thinks she's caught him with another woman, their connection is broken after only one night together. Mason has his own things to deal with to get back to his girl, but will he be able to win her back, or will she have moved on, without him?

[Ambrosia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. A little atypical typical romantic suspense where a mercenary/former military protects his helpless shy neighbor who is studying to be a nurse and is an amazing baker.

Typical that this is a big misunderstanding involving another woman.

Atypical that the OW sexually assaulted him in his sleep. (It’s annoying that she doesn’t face consequences, but not surprising that a macho former military wouldn’t prosecute her for SA).

Typical that the MMC and MFC separate for months because of the misunderstanding.

Atypical because he does not have sexy times with other women during this period, but she moves on with a handsome, rich boyfriend.

Typical because the boyfriend is a jerk and she regrets him pretty quickly.

Atypical that while the MFC is in danger from the suspense side, she’s not totally helpless.

[Chanel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a book that doesn’t follow a predictable pattern. The author adds in a few twists and turns. Laila and Mason are neighbors that secretly are attracted to each other. Finally, one night they act on their mutual attraction, only to have it crash and burn the next day. It takes a threat to get these two talking again. Once they are reunited, nothing will come between their love again. I do think there were too many sexy scenes that took away from the storyline.
Laila’s friend, Rosamie is a spitfire. She was a great addition to this book. Then there is Ransom, Mason’s playboy colleague, that adds comic relief to a plot that can tense at times. Ransom and Rosamie together are something else! One more thing, you will want to visit a gourmet bakery after reading this book.

[Lara Bayfield · Rating 1 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first one of this series, but have to say this one was dreadful. First of all there was no chemistry between Laila and Mason, how they suddenly fall into bed is ridiculous. But the worst part is Angie who somehow gets into Mason apartment - Sexually assaults him and apparently Mason is worried about insulting her and upsetting her brother. In a world where our teenagers have it rammed into their heads there must be consent. Putting this seen in with this awful Angie, who seems to service all the Mercenary boys is not appropriate, it wasn't needed for the story line a misunderstanding could have been done in any other way and Masons reaction was lacking he was raped even it it was orally. The story really didn't improve after that. The characters were just unrealistic.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Laila and Mason’s story was really good. Who doesn’t have lusty thoughts about a hot neighbor? Well, shy Laila gets to find out, but in the process get hurt and circumstances separate our two soulmates. There are definitely elements of danger, suspense, and great sexual tension. Finding out how Mason gets her back for their HEA is very satisfying and this author really knows how to mix great sex scenes with the emotional temperature of her characters. I felt like Laila; I definitely wanted to be her! This is one of my favorite authors and she never disappoints.

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

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shy neighbor

Laila is Mason's shy neighbor who waters his plants when he's on a mission. She has a thing for him and he has a thing for her. They finally get together then a misunderstanding rips them apart. When he's injured he's unable to come back and make things right.

This seemed a little drawn out and unbelievable. He had friends who could have tracked her down. When he returns she's dating someone else and he just rolls over. And she continues to date someone she doesn't want to be with.

Overall it was a good story that would be great with a few changes. Still enjoyable and worth reading.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This story was full of drama, suspense, danger, lust and love. Mason and Laila live next to each other. He has Laila take care of his place when he is away. He works for a mercenary for hire company and is away frequently. There was quite the spark between them. When they acted on their attraction, it led to misunderstanding and no communication. Things get rough for both of them before they come back together as they should. It was an interesting story and I liked the characters

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

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Codename Romeo I was excited to read book 2, The Mercenary Next Door. It's Mason and Laila's story. The chemistry between them was intense and undeniable. Mason works with Ethan in private security. Laila is his neighbor who waters his orchids while he is away on missions. She knows her crush is ridiculous because why would a man as handsome as Mason desire a young shy college student like her. After a while, Mason is finally ready to make a move on Laila but a misunderstanding, rips them apart. Now Laila is in danger and Mason is determined to protect her and claim the girl he can't live without. Definitely recommend.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mason's mercenary work takes him away from home for weeks or months at a time so he has his neighbor Laila take care of his place while he's away. Mason and Laila are neighbors who are attracted to each other but they keep their feelings to themselves. These two go through a lot before they realize they belong together making this book an interesting story. The writing is well done, the characters are likable and the story is filled with danger, drama, suspense, misunderstandings, and steam. I look forward to reading more books in this series in the future. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Vinessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mason is one of the governments elite security agents, big responsibilities, big risks and big rewards. So when he helps out a beautiful neighbor Laila from an unwanted visitor, things are a little complicated because he is attracted to her. But because of the situations his job puts him in he stays away, Laila is also attracted to him but stays away for other reasons. They do get to know one another though, all the while secretly falling in love. It isn't until they give into their passion that things start to unravel. Heartbreak, misunderstanding and moving on.

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