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Love Thy Neighbor #3
The Life of the Party
Skylar Madison spent fifteen years plotting the right moment to seek his revenge on Geofferson Nells and his fiancé, Renelda Montague.
Ensuring he was in the right place at the perfect time, he made his move enacting the plan into play, winning the moment, only to want to right his wrong.
Renelda Montague had always been the life of the party, but when her childhood crush shows up, it addresses a great deal of unfinished business. Our heroine finds herself in the closet with Skylar, completing the seven minutes in heaven, which plummets her into a morning filled with hell.
Skylar and Renelda come together to mend old wounds, creating an alternate ending to their story about the girl next door.
Ensuring he was in the right place at the perfect time, he made his move enacting the plan into play, winning the moment, only to want to right his wrong.
Renelda Montague had always been the life of the party, but when her childhood crush shows up, it addresses a great deal of unfinished business. Our heroine finds herself in the closet with Skylar, completing the seven minutes in heaven, which plummets her into a morning filled with hell.
Skylar and Renelda come together to mend old wounds, creating an alternate ending to their story about the girl next door.
125 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2019
208 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Gaines
135 books347 followersOlivia is a USA Today Best Selling, Emma Award and multiple award-winning author who loves a good laugh coupled with some steam, mixed in with a man and woman finding their way past the words of "I love you." An author of contemporary romances, she writes heartwarming stories of blossoming relationships filled with heart and humor. The Technicians, The Blakemore Files, and the Modern Mail Order Brides, are one clicks for thousands of readers.
When Olivia is not writing, she enjoys quilting, playing Scrabble online against other word lovers and spending time with her family. She is an avid world traveler who writes many of the locations into her stories. Most of the time she can be found sitting quietly with pen and paper plotting more adventures in love.
Olivia lives in Hephzibah, Georgia with her husband, son, grandson and snotty evil cat, Katness Evermean.
Subscribe to her email list at http://eepurl.com/OulYf
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olivia.gaine...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/oliviagaines
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviawrites/
When Olivia is not writing, she enjoys quilting, playing Scrabble online against other word lovers and spending time with her family. She is an avid world traveler who writes many of the locations into her stories. Most of the time she can be found sitting quietly with pen and paper plotting more adventures in love.
Olivia lives in Hephzibah, Georgia with her husband, son, grandson and snotty evil cat, Katness Evermean.
Subscribe to her email list at http://eepurl.com/OulYf
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olivia.gaine...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/oliviagaines
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviawrites/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
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August 14, 2022This is a much darker story than the previous two books in the series, although there are some funny moments. Skylar was treated horribly by Renelda's friends when they were teenagers. When he plans to exact his revenge on Renelda's finace he does not think about the consequences to Renelda herself. Skylar does step up when Renelda needs him, though. The chemistry between Skylar and Renelda is off the charts and the sex and language is steamy. The book ends with a sweet HEA. As with the other books in the series, this can be read as a stand alone.
July 18, 2019
Things aren’t always what they seem. Skylar was in essence “The Help” growing up as the son of a caretaker of a rich family. He lived on the same property as Renee and even went to the same school, but the rich kids viewed his as trash. He admired Renee and dreamed of them falling in love and raising a family together. Well, the rich boys weren’t having that. Skylar assumed that Renee was like the other kids and thought of him as less than because she never came to his defense. However, she was going through rich girl problems and was either drunk or strung out her high school career.
When Skylar gets his chance at revenge, he went all in! He wanted to destroy Renee’s relationship with her vanilla fiancé and succeeded with a bang, literally. He had no idea he still had feelings for Renee. A freak accident put him back in her life and as punishment for his bad behavior, he was recruited to take care of Renee until she could heal.
This sparked feelings in her that lay dormant and Skylar introduced her to some things she had never even thought about. No longer in the business of cultivating a vanilla relationship for the sake of high society, Renee finds herself happier than she has ever been.
I enjoyed the way Skylar forced Renee out of her comfort zone and challenged her at every turn. She was too stuffy and needed to have some fun and let her freak flag fly! Skylar was a beast in bed and turned old girl out. He was so good she no longer cared about keeping up appearances. In turn they both got their HEA!
When Skylar gets his chance at revenge, he went all in! He wanted to destroy Renee’s relationship with her vanilla fiancé and succeeded with a bang, literally. He had no idea he still had feelings for Renee. A freak accident put him back in her life and as punishment for his bad behavior, he was recruited to take care of Renee until she could heal.
This sparked feelings in her that lay dormant and Skylar introduced her to some things she had never even thought about. No longer in the business of cultivating a vanilla relationship for the sake of high society, Renee finds herself happier than she has ever been.
I enjoyed the way Skylar forced Renee out of her comfort zone and challenged her at every turn. She was too stuffy and needed to have some fun and let her freak flag fly! Skylar was a beast in bed and turned old girl out. He was so good she no longer cared about keeping up appearances. In turn they both got their HEA!
March 2, 2025
I absolutely enjoyed this
WOW! Oh my another unique and awesome story from this series! Each book tells a unique story which makes them all awesome and exciting. It's full of romance, chemistry and with characters that are captivating while they burns up pages with passion thats sizzling hot. The ladies are independent but lovable and men makes you want to melt. This one is very powerful with a combination of excitement and heartfelt romance. Every book in this series has always given me such a pleasurable experience and I know that you will definitely enjoy them all.I totally devoured this story and when I finished reading the last page, I still wanted more! I was so absorbed into how their relationship as it developed, it wasn't a rushed tight timeline either. Believe me when I say they are so captivating that you will want to read them more than once.Its a great love affair that gives you that happy feeling as the couple you are reading about life is full of drama. I have really enjoyed this series because it's written with such extraordinary imagination. This makes the third installment such a pleasurable and beautiful experience to read. If I could I would give every installment ten stars because for sure they are five star series. I only have one wish and that is that there was more to the story ending. Because I hate for a great thing to end😍❤!
WOW! Oh my another unique and awesome story from this series! Each book tells a unique story which makes them all awesome and exciting. It's full of romance, chemistry and with characters that are captivating while they burns up pages with passion thats sizzling hot. The ladies are independent but lovable and men makes you want to melt. This one is very powerful with a combination of excitement and heartfelt romance. Every book in this series has always given me such a pleasurable experience and I know that you will definitely enjoy them all.I totally devoured this story and when I finished reading the last page, I still wanted more! I was so absorbed into how their relationship as it developed, it wasn't a rushed tight timeline either. Believe me when I say they are so captivating that you will want to read them more than once.Its a great love affair that gives you that happy feeling as the couple you are reading about life is full of drama. I have really enjoyed this series because it's written with such extraordinary imagination. This makes the third installment such a pleasurable and beautiful experience to read. If I could I would give every installment ten stars because for sure they are five star series. I only have one wish and that is that there was more to the story ending. Because I hate for a great thing to end😍❤!
December 23, 2021
Skylar was wrong in not realizing the payback he sought against Geoff would result in injuring Renelda. That's egregious tunnel vision that caused significant mental and physical harm.
SPOILER ALERT:
The one thing throwing me off that I had to power through in order to finish this story is the timeline of her injuries. After all of the horrific injuries, she's in rehab in four days? The contradiction in being told she has to walk 800 ft in order to be discharged, but scheduled for discharge the next day. I would have taken every star, but the storyline was still good.
SPOILER ALERT:
The one thing throwing me off that I had to power through in order to finish this story is the timeline of her injuries. After all of the horrific injuries, she's in rehab in four days? The contradiction in being told she has to walk 800 ft in order to be discharged, but scheduled for discharge the next day. I would have taken every star, but the storyline was still good.
September 16, 2022
You We Love This.
First Lady this story right here brought me to tears that’s why you our one of my top favorite authors. When I need something new to read I look to see if you have anything new first before I look to see what the other authors have out.
Cancer is no joke, so many of my family members & friends have cancer, some in remission, some have already passed on.
I loved this Skylar & Renelda made me laugh, and the way Skylar talk dirty to Renelda made me what a man to talk dirty like that to me.
Sorry my review is late
First Lady this story right here brought me to tears that’s why you our one of my top favorite authors. When I need something new to read I look to see if you have anything new first before I look to see what the other authors have out.
Cancer is no joke, so many of my family members & friends have cancer, some in remission, some have already passed on.
I loved this Skylar & Renelda made me laugh, and the way Skylar talk dirty to Renelda made me what a man to talk dirty like that to me.
Sorry my review is late
July 24, 2020
A Very Good and Sensual Interracial Romantic Comedy
The Life of the Party ( Love The Neighbor Book 3) is a very good and sensual interracial romantic comedy that earned a rating of four stars. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book about a need for revenge turning into a love connection between Skylar and Renelda. I find it to be humorous and inspirational and I would recommend it to everyone who enjoys reading very good romantic comedies.
The Life of the Party ( Love The Neighbor Book 3) is a very good and sensual interracial romantic comedy that earned a rating of four stars. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book about a need for revenge turning into a love connection between Skylar and Renelda. I find it to be humorous and inspirational and I would recommend it to everyone who enjoys reading very good romantic comedies.
December 6, 2020
Good
Renelda was coming down from a high that left her really low. Skylar realized that his plot of revenge left the girl of his dreams in a pit of despair. Somehow the two find strength in each other.
I like these novellas, but considering how Gaines is great for Instalove and Happily Ever Afters, I wish that this was a longer book.
The plot was not as linear as I would have liked it, and the transition into flashback was not as smooth, but I definitely enjoyed it. Skylar was too hot for both mine and Renee’s blood, but we were both here for it.
Renelda was coming down from a high that left her really low. Skylar realized that his plot of revenge left the girl of his dreams in a pit of despair. Somehow the two find strength in each other.
I like these novellas, but considering how Gaines is great for Instalove and Happily Ever Afters, I wish that this was a longer book.
The plot was not as linear as I would have liked it, and the transition into flashback was not as smooth, but I definitely enjoyed it. Skylar was too hot for both mine and Renee’s blood, but we were both here for it.
September 22, 2020
Loved it
What a sweet love story. I enjoyed Skylar's character and enjoyed Renee as well. The parents were a study in the marriage of convenience that grew into like and subsequently love.
It was so obvious that Skylar was the right man for Renee and Geoff was just another guy looking for a trophy wife.
Sad but nice ending.
What a sweet love story. I enjoyed Skylar's character and enjoyed Renee as well. The parents were a study in the marriage of convenience that grew into like and subsequently love.
It was so obvious that Skylar was the right man for Renee and Geoff was just another guy looking for a trophy wife.
Sad but nice ending.
October 3, 2022
The only thing....
...I don't like about these books is that it ends at 75% and then starts a piece of a new book. I don't like that. Give us at least 90%. Outside of that and the need for an editor, I like this story. I liked the 2nd book in this series better. It's probably my favorite.
...I don't like about these books is that it ends at 75% and then starts a piece of a new book. I don't like that. Give us at least 90%. Outside of that and the need for an editor, I like this story. I liked the 2nd book in this series better. It's probably my favorite.
June 21, 2025
Beautiful
This was the most beautiful story ever. I love how the author took a real life, addiction and blended it into the story. I love how Skylar had to own up to something he did and end up helping the person that he wrongfully hurt heal. I love that Renelda ended up with the person she was supposed to end up with.
This was the most beautiful story ever. I love how the author took a real life, addiction and blended it into the story. I love how Skylar had to own up to something he did and end up helping the person that he wrongfully hurt heal. I love that Renelda ended up with the person she was supposed to end up with.
December 11, 2020
Wow what can I say. I had to read this book again I was laughing so much the author did a very good job I’m looking at the other two books that go in the series I have really enjoyed reading this book.
January 3, 2021
Skylar and Renee
Years of unrequited teenage love and bullying by the "haves" leads to a night of unbridled passion. This all leads to a disaster that had to be fixed.
I'm not giving the story away, I do believe it could've used a little more details about the male lead.
Years of unrequited teenage love and bullying by the "haves" leads to a night of unbridled passion. This all leads to a disaster that had to be fixed.
I'm not giving the story away, I do believe it could've used a little more details about the male lead.
January 31, 2021
Good read
This was a good story but not what is usually expected from Ms. Gaines. I choose the book because of the author. However, it seems the book was shortened which really took away from her captivating story telling. But still a good read.
This was a good story but not what is usually expected from Ms. Gaines. I choose the book because of the author. However, it seems the book was shortened which really took away from her captivating story telling. But still a good read.
December 22, 2021
The Life of the Party
I liked reading this book because when you assume thing about another person your assumption about that person just maybe wrong. In this story it was because Syler film her without her even knowing.
I liked reading this book because when you assume thing about another person your assumption about that person just maybe wrong. In this story it was because Syler film her without her even knowing.
December 23, 2021
Note sure how I feel about this one…
The story wasn’t really that interesting in the beginning but got better. Towards the end Olivia Gaines story reminded me of Pepper Pace’s writing… very real with life hitting you in the face.
The story wasn’t really that interesting in the beginning but got better. Towards the end Olivia Gaines story reminded me of Pepper Pace’s writing… very real with life hitting you in the face.
January 31, 2022
Short and Sweet
This was short and sweet. However, something was missing. It seemed like important pieces were left unresolved. But, the overall premise was cute. Basically a man going after what he really wants after doing something bad.
This was short and sweet. However, something was missing. It seemed like important pieces were left unresolved. But, the overall premise was cute. Basically a man going after what he really wants after doing something bad.
October 1, 2022
Wow. This book is filled with revenge and regrets. It was definitely unlike the others in this series. However, I enjoyed the forced time together and watching them work through their issues. I am now moving on to the next book.
August 7, 2023
2nd Chances
Loved the story and all the characters. Just wished it was a bit longer. Even the secondary characters made this story alive for me. Looking forward to reading more of Ms. Gaines' work.
Loved the story and all the characters. Just wished it was a bit longer. Even the secondary characters made this story alive for me. Looking forward to reading more of Ms. Gaines' work.
December 7, 2021
Great read
Loved it, well written with great sensitivity. Loved the characters, the end I g was so sad had me weepy. Thoroughly enjoyable read I recommend.
Loved it, well written with great sensitivity. Loved the characters, the end I g was so sad had me weepy. Thoroughly enjoyable read I recommend.
January 12, 2022
I didn't like the books
I only read the two chapters and didn't read more than to me it's not one of her good book I'm sorry but NO I would like my money back
I only read the two chapters and didn't read more than to me it's not one of her good book I'm sorry but NO I would like my money back
April 15, 2024
Not my favorite
The plot seemed too rushed and very farfetched. I really enjoyed other books by this author, but this one just didn't do it for me.
The plot seemed too rushed and very farfetched. I really enjoyed other books by this author, but this one just didn't do it for me.
July 26, 2019
Just goes to show money and prestige does not hold a candle to pure human decency!
Renelda and Skylar grew up together her in the bosom of Black affluence, he in the upside down position of being White but working class to almost poor. Their father's enjoyed a friendship that is normally seen from the other side of society. Her mother was her mainstay and best friend while she struggled with a love hate relationship between her and her dad. Skylar on the other hand grew up loving Renelda but being kept away from her by boys and girls of their social circle that always was Skylar as less than. When he got his chance at revenge it ended up hurting Renelda the object of his desire more than her now ex fiance. She ended up in the hospital, he ended up being her caretaker on orders from her mother. They accepted and admitted their feelings for each other, learned her mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer, she endured hateful barbs from people who loved Geoff and hated Skylar who it turns out loved Renelda for all of the right reasons. She survived her accident and her mother survived the cancer long enough to enjoy the two grandchildren Renelda and Skylar gave her and her husband as well as to Skylar's parents. I liked this story a lot and even read the excerpts from upcoming books and loved them too. It is so good to read something new from Olivia Gaines!!!!!
Renelda and Skylar grew up together her in the bosom of Black affluence, he in the upside down position of being White but working class to almost poor. Their father's enjoyed a friendship that is normally seen from the other side of society. Her mother was her mainstay and best friend while she struggled with a love hate relationship between her and her dad. Skylar on the other hand grew up loving Renelda but being kept away from her by boys and girls of their social circle that always was Skylar as less than. When he got his chance at revenge it ended up hurting Renelda the object of his desire more than her now ex fiance. She ended up in the hospital, he ended up being her caretaker on orders from her mother. They accepted and admitted their feelings for each other, learned her mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer, she endured hateful barbs from people who loved Geoff and hated Skylar who it turns out loved Renelda for all of the right reasons. She survived her accident and her mother survived the cancer long enough to enjoy the two grandchildren Renelda and Skylar gave her and her husband as well as to Skylar's parents. I liked this story a lot and even read the excerpts from upcoming books and loved them too. It is so good to read something new from Olivia Gaines!!!!!
July 18, 2019
3.5 stars
The book was well written as per usual however, once again I found the lack of physical description of the protagonists off putting. I’m assuming that Skylar is Hispanic but we never found out, same thing based on the description of her dad, I am assuming that Renee is black but not much more. I found it unbelievable that her mother and Renee would be so blasé about Skylar’s behavior. He filmed them having sex and sent it to someone else. This video could be redistributed, posted anything. The worse is he never apologized for doing it or try to get Geoff to erase it. The idea that someone put into this position, and worse having fallen and hurt herself so badly would just get on with the program and let him into her life is ludicrous to me. Forgiveness is only possible if there’s an heartfelt apology. We never really got to know what he did for a living, running a tennis school I imagine but it was unclear. Where did he get the money to buy property in Martha’s Vineyards? We didn’t get any interaction with his family and above all I really disliked the idea that all rich people are bullies and snobs and that Renee doesn’t have one genuine friend. I hated how he bulldozed his way into her life and even decided where they would live. What if she liked living in NY? Shame the book could have been great with just a bit of tweaking.
The book was well written as per usual however, once again I found the lack of physical description of the protagonists off putting. I’m assuming that Skylar is Hispanic but we never found out, same thing based on the description of her dad, I am assuming that Renee is black but not much more. I found it unbelievable that her mother and Renee would be so blasé about Skylar’s behavior. He filmed them having sex and sent it to someone else. This video could be redistributed, posted anything. The worse is he never apologized for doing it or try to get Geoff to erase it. The idea that someone put into this position, and worse having fallen and hurt herself so badly would just get on with the program and let him into her life is ludicrous to me. Forgiveness is only possible if there’s an heartfelt apology. We never really got to know what he did for a living, running a tennis school I imagine but it was unclear. Where did he get the money to buy property in Martha’s Vineyards? We didn’t get any interaction with his family and above all I really disliked the idea that all rich people are bullies and snobs and that Renee doesn’t have one genuine friend. I hated how he bulldozed his way into her life and even decided where they would live. What if she liked living in NY? Shame the book could have been great with just a bit of tweaking.
July 18, 2019
Not all revenge is best served cold
Sometimes revenge is served with a heaping dose of regret. That is what Skylar Madison found out. Even though the revenge he served was cold-hearted revenge on Geof and Renelda for making him feel unworthy to associate with their bourgy circle on Martha's Vineyard, he realized that he never got over his love for Renelda, even after fifteen years of not seeing her. His completion of their seven minutes in heaven followed by an all-night romp made him understand that. Now he caused the one woman he loved pain that he had to make up for. He promised her mother Estelle, her father Braxton that she was in good hands and he would take care of her.
Even though Renelda was mad as hell at Skylar for what he did, she came to realize that he made her feel more alive than she had in her life. She was strong enough to stay clean for years, due to her missy childhood. Slowly gaining trust in Skylar, she did not have to settle for just being what was expected of her in her bourgy circle. Now she chose love and her HEA with Skylar. Even Estelle could take her last breath knowing that her family was happy and well cared for.
Sometimes revenge is served with a heaping dose of regret. That is what Skylar Madison found out. Even though the revenge he served was cold-hearted revenge on Geof and Renelda for making him feel unworthy to associate with their bourgy circle on Martha's Vineyard, he realized that he never got over his love for Renelda, even after fifteen years of not seeing her. His completion of their seven minutes in heaven followed by an all-night romp made him understand that. Now he caused the one woman he loved pain that he had to make up for. He promised her mother Estelle, her father Braxton that she was in good hands and he would take care of her.
Even though Renelda was mad as hell at Skylar for what he did, she came to realize that he made her feel more alive than she had in her life. She was strong enough to stay clean for years, due to her missy childhood. Slowly gaining trust in Skylar, she did not have to settle for just being what was expected of her in her bourgy circle. Now she chose love and her HEA with Skylar. Even Estelle could take her last breath knowing that her family was happy and well cared for.
August 27, 2019
Good reading
Skylar and Renelda have known each other since they were young. Skylar was made to feel that he wasn’t good enough for Renelda since their families weren’t on the same pay scale. Once they grew up Skylar slept with Renelda to get
back at her fiancé. They in turn broke up and Renelda took a tumble ad Skylar ended up nursing her back to health and he of course won her heart. I liked the book, but had to skip over some parts as it was a bit graphic. All in all it was good.
Skylar and Renelda have known each other since they were young. Skylar was made to feel that he wasn’t good enough for Renelda since their families weren’t on the same pay scale. Once they grew up Skylar slept with Renelda to get
back at her fiancé. They in turn broke up and Renelda took a tumble ad Skylar ended up nursing her back to health and he of course won her heart. I liked the book, but had to skip over some parts as it was a bit graphic. All in all it was good.
July 21, 2019
Funny but slightly sad.
Romance can certainly be written in many ways. I didn’t expect to love this book. But for Skylar and Renee. Her mother and father, they were just enough to help or add to their relationship. Such a twist this story. Engaging, and surprising me in my need to turn the page until there was nothing left to read!
Not my usual review! But I hope you’ll love their love story too. Mrs. Gaines is a master storyteller. Buy the book ladies!
Romance can certainly be written in many ways. I didn’t expect to love this book. But for Skylar and Renee. Her mother and father, they were just enough to help or add to their relationship. Such a twist this story. Engaging, and surprising me in my need to turn the page until there was nothing left to read!
Not my usual review! But I hope you’ll love their love story too. Mrs. Gaines is a master storyteller. Buy the book ladies!
July 30, 2019
Lot to be desired
Let me begin by saying i am a hugh fan of Olivia Gaines - she is an excellent author. Her recent novellas leave a lot to be desired - you go from character and set building to epilogue. Her stories (because of her excellent writing skills) will capture your attention with the potential of being a very good story but you are quickly left feeling cheated because story goes from settings to epilogue. Please go back to writing full stories.
Let me begin by saying i am a hugh fan of Olivia Gaines - she is an excellent author. Her recent novellas leave a lot to be desired - you go from character and set building to epilogue. Her stories (because of her excellent writing skills) will capture your attention with the potential of being a very good story but you are quickly left feeling cheated because story goes from settings to epilogue. Please go back to writing full stories.
July 30, 2019
A love full circle
Skylar loves Renelda. There was the typical bullying from rich kids to the have lots. Meanness has no color.
It started as revenge and ended in total love and forgiveness. Skylar was who she craved and needed more than safe, boring ass Geoff.
There is heart break and a abundance of love and family. Very well written love story. You will, laugh, swoon, cry, get angry and best of all love this story.
Skylar loves Renelda. There was the typical bullying from rich kids to the have lots. Meanness has no color.
It started as revenge and ended in total love and forgiveness. Skylar was who she craved and needed more than safe, boring ass Geoff.
There is heart break and a abundance of love and family. Very well written love story. You will, laugh, swoon, cry, get angry and best of all love this story.
July 24, 2019
I typically adore anything written by Olivia Gaines and I adored this book too. It was a quick sweet read. The characters were decent people -although Skylar had to grow on me.
What I didn't adore about this book was the number of grammatical errors. I'm not sure what's going on but this was just another in a string of books of declining professional quality.
What I didn't adore about this book was the number of grammatical errors. I'm not sure what's going on but this was just another in a string of books of declining professional quality.
August 31, 2019
Another outstanding book
I truly look forward to reading your books. Things are never what they appear to be and that is the story between Skylar and Renelda. Truly seeing what is in front of you and embracing the love that has always been there. That is what they learned from each other.
I truly look forward to reading your books. Things are never what they appear to be and that is the story between Skylar and Renelda. Truly seeing what is in front of you and embracing the love that has always been there. That is what they learned from each other.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews