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Boy Next Door
He’s off limits.
The neighbor’s kid, home from college for the summer.
He’s too young.
But that doesn’t stop my heart from racing every time I see him.
I should know better. I’m almost twice his age and have two kids of my own.
But I see desire in his steely eyes every time he glances at me.
No matter how hard I try to resist, I can feel him breaking down my barriers, sucking me in.
Can I allow myself to cross this forbidden line?
And can I live with myself if I do?
The neighbor’s kid, home from college for the summer.
He’s too young.
But that doesn’t stop my heart from racing every time I see him.
I should know better. I’m almost twice his age and have two kids of my own.
But I see desire in his steely eyes every time he glances at me.
No matter how hard I try to resist, I can feel him breaking down my barriers, sucking me in.
Can I allow myself to cross this forbidden line?
And can I live with myself if I do?
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2021
19 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Cassandra Cripps
13 books230 followersWe all live in the illusions of our own realities. Cassandra's reality lies between the quiet bridge of complex and chaotic. A single mother to two amazing boys, graphic artist, industrial sewer, author, avid home gardener, baker, reader, and introvert, her hats are many. A refined goth, she's obsessed with tattoos, shoes, hair dye, chocolate, metal and hip-hop music, and all things dark and creepy except bugs, those are too creepy. Each of her books contains a piece of her reality. Tiny fragments laced with forbidden romance, defining miniature slices of her truths.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 21, 2021
A couple things to know here: 1. This was a completely new to me author that had not even been a blip on my radar until I stumbled across this book. and 2. I'm a self-proclaimed forbidden romance junkie, with a serious addiction to the age gap trope. So naturally, when I saw the blurb for this book I was very intrigued. An age gap romance with the much rarer older woman/younger man pairing, I was so in! After reading this book I have to say that I'm very happy I can across this author. I found myself very invested and engaged in the story and with these characters. I thought the book read easily and the flow and pacing was nicely done. The main characters here are Delilah and Ethan and I liked them both and felt they made one epic, heartstring tugging, raise your temperature, leave you swooning couple. It was so easy to fall for and feel for these two. Delilah's insecurities, self-doubts and fears are 110% relatable and realistic. Ethan also comes across as genuine and realistic. Confident, intelligent, hot and with the softest, sweetest heart, he is the type of guy we all want and need in our lives. I found myself completely swept up in and consumed by this romance and these characters. The chemistry and sparks are undeniable and the feels intense while the drama and slow burning simmer will have you encased in anxiety's firm grip. This was a simply terrific book and I can not wait to read book two!! This is my independent, impartial review.
July 15, 2021
Cassandra Cripps is a new author for me but now also one of my favorites. I love the way she writes and the story of Delilah and Ethan is fabulous and so hot. I didn't know what to expect, but page after page I fell in love with these two and how they dealt with Delilah's insecurities.
July 21, 2021
Cassandra Cripps has taken the age gap trope and made it all her own, she has given us a fresh take on this subject. In book one of this duet we get to meet Delilah a 36 year old single mom just trying to get through her day to day life with out too much damage. She’s not looking for any other distractions in her already chaotic life. And then on a warm summer afternoon she looks next door and her life is forever changed. Ethan is a perfect specimen and would be the perfect addition to her already crazy life, it’s a shame he’s only 20 years old.
This is book one of a duet so we are not going to get a HEA at the end of this book, but that’s ok, take the journey with these two. Spend the afternoon with them, you won’t regret it. Cassandra has given us some multidimensional characters that will jump off of the page and demand your attention!
This is book one of a duet so we are not going to get a HEA at the end of this book, but that’s ok, take the journey with these two. Spend the afternoon with them, you won’t regret it. Cassandra has given us some multidimensional characters that will jump off of the page and demand your attention!
August 8, 2021
Oh this was such an enticing, sweet read that had me completely flipping the pages like my next breath depended on it.
Reading this book has brought me back to wanting to read more of this forbidden age/gap trope (one of my favs).
A woman trying to live her normal life taking care of her two kids stumbles upon her neighbor -- hot neighbor that is and she instantly feels an attraction towards him, except he's 16 years younger than her! But when this neighbor starts flirting and paying her attention she doesn't know how to take it, especially since she isn't looking for love at the moment, especially not from such a young guy, but Ethan (neighbor) doesn't get deterred and will stop at nothing to get this woman's attention one way or another.
This was definitely a page turner and I couldn't seem to put it down!
4 Stars
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
Reading this book has brought me back to wanting to read more of this forbidden age/gap trope (one of my favs).
A woman trying to live her normal life taking care of her two kids stumbles upon her neighbor -- hot neighbor that is and she instantly feels an attraction towards him, except he's 16 years younger than her! But when this neighbor starts flirting and paying her attention she doesn't know how to take it, especially since she isn't looking for love at the moment, especially not from such a young guy, but Ethan (neighbor) doesn't get deterred and will stop at nothing to get this woman's attention one way or another.
This was definitely a page turner and I couldn't seem to put it down!
4 Stars
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
July 9, 2021
What an unexpected delightful age gap romance read! I have read many age gap romance but with the girl always the younger of the relationship and this one have a different spin to it first with the man being younger and an older divorced woman with two kids who has issues with her self esteem. From the first glance Ethan was hooked on Delilah, but it takes a while for her to warm up to the idea of getting into a relationship with a younger man especially her neighbors son. I loved how attentive and patient Ethen once to show Delilah that they were meant to be. Loads of sweetness and steamy chemistry made for a swoon worthy read. It doesn’t end in a cliffhanger when the drama heats up but t is a definite must read.
September 22, 2021
What can I say? This duett was a very pleasant surprise. Honestșy, I was expecting a lame story and a lot of unnecessary scenes but after a few chapters, I was hooked by the author`s writing style and how easy the story unfolds.
The book has a forbidden aspect because this is an age gap and interracial romance.
Delilah is a 36 years old, recently divorced woman who is trying to live her life with 2 children. Bun the summer brings a surprise with it in the neighbor`s boy person, Ethan. He is almost 21 and still has a year left to graduate from college. The second they meet, there is a connection between them and Ethan can`t stop flirting with her.
Delilah tries to fight against her feelings but despite being so young, Ethan has a very mature behavior but she also knows that she already lived her life but Ethan`s life just begins.
The scenes between these two are full of chemistry and once they give in to their feelings, is fire.
I loved the characters in this book, it was so well written, and even if there isn’t so much drama, I was still very curious about how their relationship will develop since Ethan has to go back to college and leave Delilah behind.
The book ends with a cliffhanger and with curiosity about what's gonna happen next.
The book has a forbidden aspect because this is an age gap and interracial romance.
Delilah is a 36 years old, recently divorced woman who is trying to live her life with 2 children. Bun the summer brings a surprise with it in the neighbor`s boy person, Ethan. He is almost 21 and still has a year left to graduate from college. The second they meet, there is a connection between them and Ethan can`t stop flirting with her.
Delilah tries to fight against her feelings but despite being so young, Ethan has a very mature behavior but she also knows that she already lived her life but Ethan`s life just begins.
The scenes between these two are full of chemistry and once they give in to their feelings, is fire.
I loved the characters in this book, it was so well written, and even if there isn’t so much drama, I was still very curious about how their relationship will develop since Ethan has to go back to college and leave Delilah behind.
The book ends with a cliffhanger and with curiosity about what's gonna happen next.
July 6, 2021
Sweet and adorable
This story is so sweet and adorable. It took a little to get into because to FMC is very insecure but we aren't sure why until close to the middle of the book. It starts off slower than it probably could, but eventually by the time things start happening, you're so into the story that by the time you turn the last page thinking you're just getting a new chapter your brain needs three seconds to realize why your heart stopped and you're looking at a Playlist. Yes, folks. It's a cliffhanger. One you never saw. So enjoy the sweet story. Book 2 is right around the corner.
This story is so sweet and adorable. It took a little to get into because to FMC is very insecure but we aren't sure why until close to the middle of the book. It starts off slower than it probably could, but eventually by the time things start happening, you're so into the story that by the time you turn the last page thinking you're just getting a new chapter your brain needs three seconds to realize why your heart stopped and you're looking at a Playlist. Yes, folks. It's a cliffhanger. One you never saw. So enjoy the sweet story. Book 2 is right around the corner.
July 1, 2021
Delilah is a 36yr mother with two kids, her own business and an absentee ex-husband. Her life is out of control, she can barely keep up. But when her neighbors hot and sexy son comes home from college, she can’t keep her mind or her hands off him. Ethan has one year of college left, and he knows what he wants out of life. And it’s not partying with his friends or going pro after college. He wants gorgeous woman and her 2 sons, even if she keeps trying to push him away.
July 5, 2021
I really really really ❤ this book. I loved the world build, the characters, especially the chemistry between Ethan and Slim, off the charts📈 I loved the banter and how the age gap topic was really transparent unless it was necessary. This was such a feel book with just the right amount of 🔥
I can't wait for the next installment‼
I can't wait for the next installment‼
August 8, 2021
This is the first book I have read from this author, but I promise it won't be the last.
Is age really just a number?
Does it really matter?
Should we let society have an impact on our own happiness?
Can people younger really be more mature?
If you want to know the answers to these questions and the subject doesn't matter, dive on in to this amazing read!
Is age really just a number?
Does it really matter?
Should we let society have an impact on our own happiness?
Can people younger really be more mature?
If you want to know the answers to these questions and the subject doesn't matter, dive on in to this amazing read!
July 1, 2021
This book was so hot. I felt very refreshed to read a book where the women was older then the male. Very good read, kept my attention throughout. I liked both characters and their chemistry was hot.
June 20, 2021
I quite enjoyed this book - Delilah moves into a new house, one she can fix up at her own speed - her business comes first (after her sons, of course), and she was really busy; when she is sitting outside on her deck one morning, planning her day, she notices movement at the neighbors pool, the most exquisite 'young' man was there and he was looking right at her - when they meet, she is trying to be strong and stand by her morals and what she thinks is right.
The friendship they build is fantastic - he is good to her but equally good to her young sons - he teaches them things she can't - and really takes time with them, doesn't dismiss them like their good for nothing father does - what a jerk! I would like to have seen her grab a backbone and tell him off and maybe let the boys tell 'Dad' they'd rather stay with their mom and not go for visitation with him!
I hate cliffhangers and really need to see what happens STAT!!!
The friendship they build is fantastic - he is good to her but equally good to her young sons - he teaches them things she can't - and really takes time with them, doesn't dismiss them like their good for nothing father does - what a jerk! I would like to have seen her grab a backbone and tell him off and maybe let the boys tell 'Dad' they'd rather stay with their mom and not go for visitation with him!
I hate cliffhangers and really need to see what happens STAT!!!
June 24, 2021
This type of story is not my norm so I’m always a bit hesitant going in. Let me tell you…she did a fantastic job at creating a story that sucks you in and literally leaves you wanting and needing more. I kept hitting my kindle, trying to turn the page when I knew it was the end. If it isn’t your typical read either, give it a chance because like me you will not be disappointed. Now hoping book 2 comes out ASAP!!!!
May 12, 2022
Ethan and Delilah have instant chemistry. Both are strong and independent individuals that make the perfect couple. There romance starts off as a secret due to the age difference, her being older and their mutual acquaintances. But by the end they each support one another and have a HFN.
July 23, 2021
Delilah and het two boys have moved in next door. She is trying to get her life back together after a divorce . Her ex well doesn't want to be around. She is trying to keep two young boys happy and busy . When the boy next door shows up all wet and oh so sexy and sparks a fire in Delilah that can't be denied but what would people think she is twice his age . But those eyes every time he looks at her she melts . Will they be able to over come her insecurities and find the happiness .
Ok this is the first book I have read from this author and I must say she can build a complex set of characters . Delilah is a very insecure woman who has been through so much. She is a sweet woman but she has been well beaten down by an ex and that has played havoc on her self esteem. She doesn't think she is worth anything to anyone . But as you watch her start to blossom with Ethan. The insecurities still bounce back though through out the book . Ethan well he is kinda cocky with a sweet side and my he is oh so sexy . Like most heroes we read there is more to him then just his cockiness . There is a sweet caring man who just wants to be the one for that one girl. He is great with kids and loves to help them out. He turns out to be more of a man then most men twice their age . They do make a cute couple and when they finally get together its holy hotness .
This is one of those books where you sit down and start reading and don't put down. I found myself getting invested in the characters . There is a bit of Delilah in all of us and we all kind of want a man like Ethan to come in and be the one for us . The author builds a great universe for these characters . We all feel for both characters . I think we all have had some of the insecurities that Delilah feels . The story starts off slowly sometimes a little bit too slow for me at times . But once it takes off it really takes off and you are sucked in big time and boy you are in for a treat . There is a cliff hanger but I can't wait to see where the story goes from here. So if you want a younger man older woman story with some hotness . Check it out , trust me you will want to lick water off of Ethan's abs . Add this heat to your summer reading
Ok this is the first book I have read from this author and I must say she can build a complex set of characters . Delilah is a very insecure woman who has been through so much. She is a sweet woman but she has been well beaten down by an ex and that has played havoc on her self esteem. She doesn't think she is worth anything to anyone . But as you watch her start to blossom with Ethan. The insecurities still bounce back though through out the book . Ethan well he is kinda cocky with a sweet side and my he is oh so sexy . Like most heroes we read there is more to him then just his cockiness . There is a sweet caring man who just wants to be the one for that one girl. He is great with kids and loves to help them out. He turns out to be more of a man then most men twice their age . They do make a cute couple and when they finally get together its holy hotness .
This is one of those books where you sit down and start reading and don't put down. I found myself getting invested in the characters . There is a bit of Delilah in all of us and we all kind of want a man like Ethan to come in and be the one for us . The author builds a great universe for these characters . We all feel for both characters . I think we all have had some of the insecurities that Delilah feels . The story starts off slowly sometimes a little bit too slow for me at times . But once it takes off it really takes off and you are sucked in big time and boy you are in for a treat . There is a cliff hanger but I can't wait to see where the story goes from here. So if you want a younger man older woman story with some hotness . Check it out , trust me you will want to lick water off of Ethan's abs . Add this heat to your summer reading
June 19, 2021
𝑏𝑜𝑦 𝑛𝑒𝑥𝑡 𝑑𝑜𝑜𝑟 𝑏𝑦 𝑐𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑟𝑎 𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑠 (𝑎𝑟𝑐)
𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔: ★★★★
𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑒: 𝑗𝑢𝑛𝑒 29, 2021
𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤:
i was super excited when i was approved for this arc because i’ve been dying to read an older woman younger man age gap romance. i feel like there aren’t enough of them. and Boy Next Door did not disappoint.
Boy Next Door follows Delilah who is a single mom to two little boys and Ethan who is a college student home for the summer. Delilah and her kids all quickly become enamored with Ethan despite Delilah trying her hardest to not develop feelings for Ethan because he is 15 years younger than her.
I read a lot of darker books so this little summer vibes/slice of life story was so refreshing. i loved the relationship between Ethan and Delilahs kids - as a mother it made my heart so happy to see someone come in and care for her kids even though his relationship with Delilah wasn’t a guarantee. i also really enjoyed getting to see what Delilah did for work - it was interesting a fun to read about.
the only complaint i have is the use of the word ‘bae’ - gave me war flashbacks to when i was a teen 😂
overall, i loved delilah and Ethan as a couple and separately. i will definitely be picking up book 2 when it comes out. im very anxious to see how their story ends.
𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔: ★★★★
𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑒: 𝑗𝑢𝑛𝑒 29, 2021
𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤:
i was super excited when i was approved for this arc because i’ve been dying to read an older woman younger man age gap romance. i feel like there aren’t enough of them. and Boy Next Door did not disappoint.
Boy Next Door follows Delilah who is a single mom to two little boys and Ethan who is a college student home for the summer. Delilah and her kids all quickly become enamored with Ethan despite Delilah trying her hardest to not develop feelings for Ethan because he is 15 years younger than her.
I read a lot of darker books so this little summer vibes/slice of life story was so refreshing. i loved the relationship between Ethan and Delilahs kids - as a mother it made my heart so happy to see someone come in and care for her kids even though his relationship with Delilah wasn’t a guarantee. i also really enjoyed getting to see what Delilah did for work - it was interesting a fun to read about.
the only complaint i have is the use of the word ‘bae’ - gave me war flashbacks to when i was a teen 😂
overall, i loved delilah and Ethan as a couple and separately. i will definitely be picking up book 2 when it comes out. im very anxious to see how their story ends.
June 30, 2021
This is the 1st in a new series and is Delilah and Ethan’s story. Delilah is a single mom who has just moved into a new house which needs work, but which she can fix up at her leisure. Ethan is a college student who is home for the summer, and from the moment they meet they are enamoured with each other, and I loved the bond which developed between him and her sons. This is a well written story which is an older woman / younger man romance and is an entertaining read. The characters are engaging and relatable, and I was totally invested in this story from the very beginning. I am not a lover of cliffhangers, and I look forward to reading the 2nd book. I recommend this talented authors’ work.
August 5, 2021
Delilah and Ethan when she moves in next Door. Is age really just a number and something Delilah can overcome? These two definitely have chemistry but can they have more? I'm really hoping Delilah doesn't end it all. Can't wait too see what book 2 brings.
April 28, 2024
I honestly would have given it a 4 or 5 if their wasn't so much cringey dialect. The first half was 5 star, the last parts were not. He kept calling her Bae. She kept using "holy canoli." "Fudge sticks." Stuff like that kept me cringing too much.
January 2, 2023
Ok read
This read started off really good. Then it was just more of the same thing. Some people think age is nothing but a number but it is alot more than that. I also did not care for the ending. This read could have been better written. Felt my time was wasted.
This read started off really good. Then it was just more of the same thing. Some people think age is nothing but a number but it is alot more than that. I also did not care for the ending. This read could have been better written. Felt my time was wasted.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews