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It should have been the perfect scheme.

Buying the empty house next door was about to earn me twenty-five million dollars. Only I've hit a snag.

Somebody's living in the house that should be empty. I have a mysterious and beautiful new neighbor.

All I needed was to keep well clear of her, but my trickster brother and evil kleptomaniac cat have conspired against me. Now my irresistible new neighbor isn't just threatening my self-control, she could mess up my master plan.

I have twenty-five million good reasons not to get tangled up with the gorgeous woman next door.

Turns out that's not even close to enough…

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2021

93 people are currently reading
67 people want to read

About the author

Talia Hunter

30 books149 followers
Bestselling romance author Talia Hunter likes to include her three favorite things in her novels: toe-curling romance, snort-laughs, and heart-warming friendships.

She recently moved to Australia, where she's constantly amazed and not at all freaked out by the weird and wonderful critters. When she's not writing, you can usually find her with a glass of wine, a good book, and a jumbo-sized can of bug spray.

If you want to chat, you can often find her on Facebook. Usually when she’s supposed to be writing. www.facebook.com/taliahunter

Want a free book from Talia? Grab your limited-time freebie from her website now: www.taliahunter.com

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5 stars
121 (50%)
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74 (30%)
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35 (14%)
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
418 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2021
Here comes another hysterical and heartwarming story with the Lennox boys, and how can it not be? It has a healthy dose of fighting neighbors, irritating twin behavior, Revenge and animals who act like the roommates from The Odd Couple. This book is about the notoriously intense and quiet Asher Lennox, who wants to complete his plan of revenge with the drug kingpin next door neighbor's house. But said house has been invaded by a pun loving woman with an animal that's more dinosaur than dog.

"“Are you kitten me?” I demanded. “It’s not pawsible, and I don’t believe it for a meow-ment.” He folded his arms. “Do you always pun when you’re nervous?”"

"“Sorry about the jokes. Punning might be a compulsion when I’m nervous, but like a escaping nun , I’m trying to break my habit.”"

Iola Martin meets Asher Lennox under dubious circumstances involving underwear, and its hysterically funny.Author Hunter as a way with writing animal scenes.

"“Nemesis has a very particular set of skills,” I said. “Skills she’s acquired over a long career. Skills that make her a nightmare for people like you.” Iola narrowed her eyes, her frown deepening. “Is that Liam Neeson’s speech from Taken? Are you seriously comparing your cat to an ex-CIA operative and apparently unkillable one-man army in what has to be one of the most unrealistic movies ever made?”“Taken’s a cinematic classic. And Nemesis may only be a cat with a compulsion to steal things, but she’s an expert at it. She’d be a shoo-in for a CIA job, except she has no respect for authority.”"

"Daylight was leaking under the curtain, so it was probably time I woke up. But I would have preferred my regular alarm clock to being woken by a feline serial-killer-in-training."

Naming Asher's klepto cat Nemesis is pure genius. The scenes with the cat and dog interacting are pure comic gold. And the chemistry between Asher and Iola jumps from the page. Iola seems to thaw Asher's resolve to stay the decision making single man who stays strong in the face of any adversity.

"“Mm-hm.” He thumped his fist against his chest. “Just a small sausage malfunction. It went down the wrong way.”“Your sausage slipped into the wrong hole?”"

The dialogue crackles with sharpness and the insight the Author gives into family relationships is spot on.

"Over and over, my own desperation for family, for a connection, kept leading to deception and heartbreak."

Pretty relatable, huh? The author clearly understands the emotions in a family, whether it be one ripped apart by tragedy or one with members who is quirky but Close. She juxtapositions the two versions to show why characters do what they do. It all reeks of authenticity. The ending gives us warmth and genuine respect that makes you happy to spend time getting to know these characters. But i loved this story mostly because bad puns…it's how eye roll.
Profile Image for Viper Spaulding.
3,152 reviews25 followers
January 29, 2021
Hilarious and heartwarming romance!

I haven't laughed this much since the last Talia Hunter book! In this rom-com (heavy on the com), Iola relieves anxiety by releasing creative puns on just about any topic, and I was seriously impressed by the author's ability to keep this going. Careful not to overshadow the romance itself, the humor strikes the perfect balance and helps to break down the emotional barriers between the principle characters.

In the last book, Asher and his brother, Mason, brought down the drug cartel that was responsible for their mother's death by setting up surveillance from Asher's home next door. Asher's deeper involvement was hinted at, and now that Santino is in jail Asher is ready to move forward with his plans. Only there's a new problem: Santino's sister, Iola, is now living in that home and not only does she have no idea what her brother was involved in, she also brings her own set of trouble to their small town.

Some of the events at the beginning of this book overlap with those at the end of No Laughing Matter, but it's not necessary to have read that book to understand what's going on here. Even so, that book is every bit as wonderful as this one and you'll thoroughly enjoy reading Mason and Carlotta's story and getting all the backstory on Santino.

The feud between Asher's dad and his feisty neighbor reaches new heights in this story, and I absolutely adored the way Asher and his brothers decided to handle all the hijinks. Ed and Trixie sure know how to keep things interesting!

Asher and Iola enjoy a triumphant HEA and the solution to completing the proposed venture was sheer brilliance. I loved every bit of this story and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys romantic comedies. My thanks to the author for providing an ARC for me to read and review.
Profile Image for BP34.
6,325 reviews47 followers
March 23, 2021
You'll love Asher and Iola's story. The book is beautifully written and has a good flow. The characters are well developed ,likable and interesting. The story line will grab your attention right at the beginning and keep it until the end. Plenty of twists and surprises to keep you guessing. No shortage of drama, suspense or drama. Iola caught Asher's attention the first minute he saw her at the house next door. That house was supposed to be empty and was owned by a drug lord that he had arrested. Who could she be? And why was she living in the house that he planned to purchase at auction? Nothing like a kleptomaniac cat to liven things up, especially when she steals panties and sex toys. Throw in a dangerous ex who is royalty, a drug overdose, a break-in, a kidnapped show dog, slashed art work and a twenty five million dollar deal down the drain or was it saved? An eccentric father who likes to shoot water pistols at his neighbor and so much more. This book will keep you laughing and crying. Asher and Iola have amazing chemistry. It was beautiful to watch their love story developed and how they both brought the best in each. The book also highlights the importance of family and sticking together. This was a great book that I read as an arc via the author and I voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Terri Zumbrook.
2,800 reviews20 followers
February 13, 2021
NO FOOLING AROUND is Asher Lennox’s story. Asher is the character that really sets the mood in this book. He’s worked hard at being expressionless, measured in his responses and a quiet, helpful person, but he exudes an air of mystery and secrets in an intriguing way. We soon learn what is hidden beneath that stoic outer image.

Iola is optimism personified except it always seems to end up biting her in a less than pleasant way. She appears in the house next door to Asher’s and his eyes are drawn to her but his secrets say he can’t act on the attraction.

Asher and Iola together exude a sensual tension. Whether or not they can resist one another is a day to day mystery. You are going to love how these two characters support one another while struggling with their passion for one another. The romance and the intrigue in the story are carefully woven together kept me reading long into the night.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,689 reviews9 followers
February 9, 2021
No Fooling Around by Talia Hunter. This is part of a series featuring the Lennox brothers and can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading No Laughing Matter first- to get a feel for the characters and antics that you will encounter in this story (No Fooling Around) too. Also- its just a really good story to read. Asher and Iola come together in what would seem like bad timing, but fate has other ideas. I enjoyed the banter between these two main characters, and the side drama and laugh out loud antics. Contemporary romantic comedy full of drama, personal conflicts, passion, and dual POV perspectives, humor and charismatic characters. I would recommend this book and author to others. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for M Hurford .
1,245 reviews9 followers
February 14, 2021
Second book in this fun romantic series is a winner.
Another brother, Asher continues to carry out his plans for the house next door. That is until Lola shows up to live in it rent free while her brother is in prison. They should be enemies but like Asher’s other plans, their involvement turns quirky and romantic. The costars of this book is Nemesis and Ruff. Wonderful pets with such great personalities that they add devilishly to the storyline.
Definitely recommending this book for your reading enjoyment and some LOL moments. PEACE.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
50 reviews
March 5, 2021
I loved this book. Standalone, this is the third in the storyline but you don't have to read the others to read this one. The characters are defined and you have no issues connecting with them and feeling their emotions. Iola, the female lead is hilarious, she speaks in puns when nervous. I couldn't wait to read the next one. Asher and his brothers are right there with her. Too funny. I think I will end up reading this one again just to make sure I caught all the puns. Wholeheartedly recommend this book for anyone to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jodie Lauren.
1,962 reviews3 followers
September 10, 2023
Asher has a plan to buy the house next door. His brothers and him had worked for ages to finally get the guy who used to live there, arrested. Now this has all happened, he could buy the house and make them never to have to worry about money again. Except there is a small problem, as a woman named Lola has just moved in to what should be a empty home. With Kade’s interference, Asher and Lola go on a date. She is the daughter of the man they put away and also trying to escape her ex husband and soon Asher is questioning if he should proceed and tell her the truth?

Some of the pet ‘conversations’ made me chuckle. This was an ok, easy to read book

Xx
Profile Image for Dina Bushrod.
597 reviews11 followers
February 3, 2021
The author says that these are her favorite characters in her Lennox Brothers series. I absolutely loved the story; it wouldn't be the same without both Asher and Iola. The addition of Ruff, a big ugly but lovable dog, and superhero antics of Nemesis, the best sneaky cat burglar around, were the icing on the cake. Oh, and I loved every pun that our heroine said, they were hilarious, even if let out at inappropriate times. Pick up this story and learn why I've made the above mstatements, you won't be sorry.
4,331 reviews27 followers
February 13, 2021
I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This book is part of the Lennox Brothers series and is about Asher. He is surprised to see Iola next door especially when no one should have been there. She has secrets, he has plans throw in the outside craziness and you have a great romantic comedy. The sparks fly between them and the attraction grows. I enjoyed their story along with the others in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,249 reviews16 followers
February 20, 2021
This is a very punny story. Iola and Asher just work and work well together. Asher has a cat and Iola has a big dog. The cat was an interesting addition to the story. Asher is the quiet type but he has own agenda and Iola has her agenda. They are wonderful together, Asher is strong and who would not want someone like him, Iola was strong and funny. The story flowed and I laughed so much, people around me thought I was crazy. This is just an amazing book and part of an amazing series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sassy Beta Reading & Review.
1,239 reviews24 followers
July 3, 2021
This is a really great series that I really enjoyed. The Lennox Brothers series is funny, romantic, and highly entertaining. Each book can be read as a stand alone.

Written as a 1st person, single pov with a HFN ending. Good story line, awesome characters, engaging dialogue and good, detailed descriptions.

Would I recommend this book? Yes

Would I read more from this author? Yes

Sassy Beta Reading and Review

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Helena Mendes.
1,370 reviews16 followers
February 14, 2021
Asher and Iola's story is so funny that my face hurt from laughing while I read it. Talia Hunter has written this great romantic comedy that is the second book of the series and I am sorry but this one is even better than the first...I mean those puns from Iola when she's nervous...thats comedian quality...this story is also very well written and has wonderful characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,353 reviews19 followers
February 16, 2021
A romantic comedy that gives you moments where you can't help but laugh out loud. It flows smoothly from page to page The characters are engaging, easy to get to know and add great entertainment to the story. It's well written, captivating and keeps a smile on your face as you continue to turn the pages. A perfect read to curl up with under a cozy blanket with your favorite hot beverage.

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

6,577 reviews35 followers
March 2, 2021
Absolutely amazing and I loved it! It is an engaging page turner with a fantastic story-line that moves at a brisk pace, is well written, well-developed, consistent, drama-filled, LOL funny, witty, and exciting. The characters are well written and relatable; the chemistry between them is undeniable. Definitely recommended!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dale Lussier.
364 reviews4 followers
January 17, 2023
No Fooling Around

Asher has his plan for Santino's house moving along until a woman moves into it. His brother Kade introduces himself to her and sets Asher up on blind date with her. Meanwhile his cat Nemesis has been stealing her panties. Her dog Ruff hasn't been able to catch the thief in the act. Asher is in over head with Iola, he has never met anyone like her but he as secrets that he can't tell her.
74 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2023
Twists turns and paper walls

Wow. This series was very unputdownable. They made me laugh. And feel sad. I'd been in a bit if a book downer nothing seemed to take my interest. So when I came across these it was a breath of fresh air. Each brothers dynamic is brilliantly written. But asher was the one who resonated to me the most. Also. I was crying with laughter at the fish water. Absolutely brilliant
Profile Image for Christyn.
354 reviews11 followers
January 14, 2023
a perfect ending to a series *sigh*

I loved this series. It wasn’t entirely light hearted as there were some dark servers shared but that made it even BETTER! There were some spelling errors and that’s really the ONLY reason I’m not giving this book 5 stars. I loved the stories. I love how Asher opened up and to look into his head-it was a great read!
1 review
April 1, 2023
Fun, series. Not too long. Great beach read

Perfect to read when you are not in the mood for something heavy. Love that there are three books, but each can stand on it’s own. No to be continued, leave you hanging endings…but nice to start the next book and know, and already root for the next main character.
Profile Image for Christine.
10.8k reviews34 followers
February 17, 2021
ARC Review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This was awesome story of Lola Martin appleby and her dog ruff move in next to asher Lennox. when he finds out Her ex husband is harassing her he goes into being protective but he also has a secret.
Profile Image for Maggie.
158 reviews
July 19, 2022
I laughed out loud, it’s funny, but I so wanted this to be about Gloria and Asher. I couldn’t connect with this book because of that and the name Iola is from Mama’s Family, the nerdy neighbor. I would’ve put Gloria in danger and in need of rescue. I hope she gets her story and a hero.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
459 reviews2 followers
August 6, 2023
great story

I enjoyed all three books in this series. The stories were all great and the characters were interesting . My only hope is that Gloria finds someone in the future. Such a nice person I hope she gets a happily ever after.
Profile Image for Sally Marquardt.
357 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2022
No Fooling Around

A wonderful story in a delightful series filled with humor, problems, angst, and above all undying and everlasting forever love‼️❤️
1 review
February 1, 2023
Awesome

It was easy, fun and hilarious in all the right doses to compliment the serious undertones. Would highly recommend taking your time to read.
458 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2023
4.5. My cover is a cutesy cover! Not this one. Wow ended up loving All of the Lennox brothers
All been through so much!
Once again LOVE Asher’s cat Nemesis!
Profile Image for Melinda Swaine.
2,484 reviews12 followers
February 18, 2021
This is the book to read if you want to smile so hard your face hurts. So if you are in need of a pick me up then this is a book for you!!

Talia Hunter blows me away every time. Clear your calendar--you'll want to read No Fooling Around right to the end! Hot, passionate, witty banter, all the things Ms Hunter is best at bring this story to life before your eyes. It’s sexy, it’s witty and it’s packed with swoon worthy moments. It’s sexy, it’s witty and it’s packed with swoon worthy moments. A complete page turner full of drama, laugh out loud moments, sexual tension and passion. And once again the supporting characters are so wonderfully written you can't help falling in love with them as well. This book. Ugh, I loved it so much! It’s sweet, funny, sexy, and definitely what I needed. With everything going on in the world, this book took me out of the craziness of life, even if it was just for a couple of hours. This is the book to read if you want to smile so hard your face hurts. So if you are in need of a pick me up then this is a book for you!! This was truly the book I never knew I needed.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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