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Right Beside You
New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe presents a heartwarming, uplifting novel about two long-time co-workers who seem unlucky in love. But this Christmas may give them a surprising chance to find themselves—and each other...
With a successful career, money in the bank, and a solid future, Felicia Hawkins has almost everything she ever wanted. But getting married is the one holiday wish she can’t seem to get. And it’s not helping that she’s hopelessly in love with her co-worker, widower Richard Grimes. They have the perfect office partnership, and he’s as supportive as he is kind. But Felicia doesn’t want to wreck their friendship by letting him know how she really feels...
Richard has his hands full juggling pre-Christmas work demands and raising two teen daughters. But he’s not too busy to wish his relationship with Felicia could become much more. He’s drawn to her calm spirit and determination, along with everything they surprisingly have in common. And just once he’d like a chance this season to dare tell her the truth...
But what Felicia and Richard get instead is a cascade of misunderstandings; messy, well-meaning matchmaking from family and friends, and a long-distance transfer Richard can’t refuse. Finally, in the middle of one chaotic snow-struck day, it will take all their courage and compassion to risk opening their hearts to each other—hopefully for many more holiday happily-ever-afters...
With a successful career, money in the bank, and a solid future, Felicia Hawkins has almost everything she ever wanted. But getting married is the one holiday wish she can’t seem to get. And it’s not helping that she’s hopelessly in love with her co-worker, widower Richard Grimes. They have the perfect office partnership, and he’s as supportive as he is kind. But Felicia doesn’t want to wreck their friendship by letting him know how she really feels...
Richard has his hands full juggling pre-Christmas work demands and raising two teen daughters. But he’s not too busy to wish his relationship with Felicia could become much more. He’s drawn to her calm spirit and determination, along with everything they surprisingly have in common. And just once he’d like a chance this season to dare tell her the truth...
But what Felicia and Richard get instead is a cascade of misunderstandings; messy, well-meaning matchmaking from family and friends, and a long-distance transfer Richard can’t refuse. Finally, in the middle of one chaotic snow-struck day, it will take all their courage and compassion to risk opening their hearts to each other—hopefully for many more holiday happily-ever-afters...
240 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published September 28, 2021
244 people are currently reading
591 people want to read
About the author
Mary Monroe
62 books2,751 followersI am the third child of Alabama sharecroppers and the first and only member of my family to finish high school. I never attended college or any writing classes. I taught myself how to write and started writing short stories around age four. I spent the first part of my life in Alabama and Ohio and moved to Richmond, California in 1973. I have lived in Oakland since 1984.
My first novel THE UPPER ROOM was published by St. Martin's Press in 1985 and was widely reviewed throughout the U.S. and in Great Britain. An excerpt is included in Terry McMillan's anthology BREAKING ICE. I endured fifteen years and hundreds of more rejection letters before I landed a contract for my second novel, GOD DON'T LIKE UGLY. It was published in October 2000 by Kensington Books. GOD DON'T PLAY is my seventh novel to be published, and it landed me a spot on the prestigious New York Times Bestsellers list for the first time! My eighth novel, "BORROW TROUBLE," was released December 2006. My ninth novel, DELIVER ME FROM EVIL, was released September 2007 and my tenth novel, SHE HAD IT COMING, was released in September 2008, and my eleventh novel THE COMPANY WE KEEP, will be released March 2009.
I won the Oakland Pen Award for Best Fiction of the Year in 2001 for GOD DON'T LIKE UGLY. I won the Best Southern Author Award for GONNA LAY DOWN MY BURDENS, in 2004.
I am divorced, I love to travel, I love to mingle with other authors, and I love to read anything by Ernest Gaines, Stephen King, Alice Walker, and James Patterson. I still write seven days a week and I get most of my ideas from current events, the people around me, but most of my material is autobiographical.
My first novel THE UPPER ROOM was published by St. Martin's Press in 1985 and was widely reviewed throughout the U.S. and in Great Britain. An excerpt is included in Terry McMillan's anthology BREAKING ICE. I endured fifteen years and hundreds of more rejection letters before I landed a contract for my second novel, GOD DON'T LIKE UGLY. It was published in October 2000 by Kensington Books. GOD DON'T PLAY is my seventh novel to be published, and it landed me a spot on the prestigious New York Times Bestsellers list for the first time! My eighth novel, "BORROW TROUBLE," was released December 2006. My ninth novel, DELIVER ME FROM EVIL, was released September 2007 and my tenth novel, SHE HAD IT COMING, was released in September 2008, and my eleventh novel THE COMPANY WE KEEP, will be released March 2009.
I won the Oakland Pen Award for Best Fiction of the Year in 2001 for GOD DON'T LIKE UGLY. I won the Best Southern Author Award for GONNA LAY DOWN MY BURDENS, in 2004.
I am divorced, I love to travel, I love to mingle with other authors, and I love to read anything by Ernest Gaines, Stephen King, Alice Walker, and James Patterson. I still write seven days a week and I get most of my ideas from current events, the people around me, but most of my material is autobiographical.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
January 2, 2025
First of all, who just proposes to someone without any kind of courtship or series of dates? I’m still waiting to find out HOW they even knew that they were in love with each other when they hadn’t dated. I didn’t really see the fairy tale, happily ever after with this book. I didn’t get that warm gushy feeling. While I finished the book in two days, I was just waiting for something more to transpire as far as them going out. I’m disappointed in Mary Monroe with this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2019
You can read all my review on Blog - Books Teacup and Reviews
3.5 Stars
Right Beside You was holiday themed romance that revolved around Felicia and Richard, two coworkers and commuters who were friends for long time and fancied each other from afar. It was about love from afar, being happy for someone you love, and letting your loved one know about your feeling before it’s too late.
Characters-
I liked secondary characters. Grandma Lucy was my favorite. She was adorable, fun, and fussy old lady. Both teenage daughters of Richard were loving, well behaved, and disciplined and helped their father in keeping house after their mother’s death. They were so unlike the usual teenagers. Regina was clingy and always following Richard to get his attention and in hope of more serious relation. She added little drama and made the thing interesting. Pam was nosy, meddlesome busybody, but she was honest and good at heart.
Both Felicia and Richard were caring, smart, generous, kind, sensitive and beautiful. They made cute couple. I liked Richard’s banter with his daughters, his good nature and his not-so-coincidental encounters with Regina. While Felicia was such lovely character who helped her elderly grandma, did charity and used her free time helping old people and friends. They both had many common things and respected each other.
They all were developed and realistic.
What I liked-
It was my first book from the author and I liked the writing style, the way author described characters and their life, the conversations between characters were realistic, I liked the chilling wintery setting. The story was told in alternative POV of Felicia and Richard. I enjoyed Richard’s POV more than Felicia’s. Both introduced their family members who were most important in their life, their past life, pressure from family and friends about finding someone to spend life with, and how they turned from just coworker and commuters to friends and lovers.
Title and synopsis said it all. Two lovers knew each other for long time, loving each other secretly, the person they want as life partner was ‘Right Beside’ them. It started with introduction to main characters and people in their life. How Felicia and Richard knew each other and what their feelings were. They both secretly loved each other but couldn’t confess their feelings in fear of losing the beautiful, long term platonic friendship. But as the day passed, they found it hard to keep emotions in and it hurt see other with someone else. The story was all about when and how they will find courage to reveal their feelings or will it be too late by the time they declared their love.
I liked the message behind story about sharing your feelings, put aside your fear; give an end to feelings and relationship, either good or bad, rather than stuck in it that hold you back; and be happy for someone you love in all kind of situation.
I liked Pam’s intervention in the middle of the story. Pam, of course, didn’t prove very reliable friend by doing so but I don’t know what they would have done without her interference. There were some misinterpretation because of Regina-satellite hovering over Richard all the time but by climax it was all cleared. Richard’s idea of confessing his feeling was like shooting arrow in dark, I was sure Felicia would refuse to help him but she surprised me there. Like Pam I felt it uncomprehending, but I got what she wanted to show by helping him and going along his plan. End was dramatically, soothing, and happily-ever-after. I still wonder how they could not hint their feelings, no in-love-behavior or those lovey-dovey eyes?!
Why 3.5 Stars-
All characters in the book were good. Main characters, Richard’ daughter, coworkers, boss and even characters’ date! Well it gave all goody goody feeling but the setback was, no drama.
Main characters were developed, love and feeling was developed, and they knew each other well and were just telling about their life and their thought for each other in the story. It was like platter of delicious food was served, you just need to eat it. No fun in cooking the meal, relishing the aroma or pouring love in it… Likewise I missed the fun of reading their growing love. I felt like I know them alright and understood their confusion but couldn’t feel their feelings. They didn’t make lasting impression.
Overall it was quick, light, cute romance with Christmassy feel that you can read in one sitting. I enjoyed it but it won’t be my most favorite.
*** Note: I received e-copy from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. ***
3.5 Stars
Right Beside You was holiday themed romance that revolved around Felicia and Richard, two coworkers and commuters who were friends for long time and fancied each other from afar. It was about love from afar, being happy for someone you love, and letting your loved one know about your feeling before it’s too late.
Characters-
I liked secondary characters. Grandma Lucy was my favorite. She was adorable, fun, and fussy old lady. Both teenage daughters of Richard were loving, well behaved, and disciplined and helped their father in keeping house after their mother’s death. They were so unlike the usual teenagers. Regina was clingy and always following Richard to get his attention and in hope of more serious relation. She added little drama and made the thing interesting. Pam was nosy, meddlesome busybody, but she was honest and good at heart.
Both Felicia and Richard were caring, smart, generous, kind, sensitive and beautiful. They made cute couple. I liked Richard’s banter with his daughters, his good nature and his not-so-coincidental encounters with Regina. While Felicia was such lovely character who helped her elderly grandma, did charity and used her free time helping old people and friends. They both had many common things and respected each other.
They all were developed and realistic.
What I liked-
It was my first book from the author and I liked the writing style, the way author described characters and their life, the conversations between characters were realistic, I liked the chilling wintery setting. The story was told in alternative POV of Felicia and Richard. I enjoyed Richard’s POV more than Felicia’s. Both introduced their family members who were most important in their life, their past life, pressure from family and friends about finding someone to spend life with, and how they turned from just coworker and commuters to friends and lovers.
Title and synopsis said it all. Two lovers knew each other for long time, loving each other secretly, the person they want as life partner was ‘Right Beside’ them. It started with introduction to main characters and people in their life. How Felicia and Richard knew each other and what their feelings were. They both secretly loved each other but couldn’t confess their feelings in fear of losing the beautiful, long term platonic friendship. But as the day passed, they found it hard to keep emotions in and it hurt see other with someone else. The story was all about when and how they will find courage to reveal their feelings or will it be too late by the time they declared their love.
I liked the message behind story about sharing your feelings, put aside your fear; give an end to feelings and relationship, either good or bad, rather than stuck in it that hold you back; and be happy for someone you love in all kind of situation.
I liked Pam’s intervention in the middle of the story. Pam, of course, didn’t prove very reliable friend by doing so but I don’t know what they would have done without her interference. There were some misinterpretation because of Regina-satellite hovering over Richard all the time but by climax it was all cleared. Richard’s idea of confessing his feeling was like shooting arrow in dark, I was sure Felicia would refuse to help him but she surprised me there. Like Pam I felt it uncomprehending, but I got what she wanted to show by helping him and going along his plan. End was dramatically, soothing, and happily-ever-after. I still wonder how they could not hint their feelings, no in-love-behavior or those lovey-dovey eyes?!
Why 3.5 Stars-
All characters in the book were good. Main characters, Richard’ daughter, coworkers, boss and even characters’ date! Well it gave all goody goody feeling but the setback was, no drama.
Main characters were developed, love and feeling was developed, and they knew each other well and were just telling about their life and their thought for each other in the story. It was like platter of delicious food was served, you just need to eat it. No fun in cooking the meal, relishing the aroma or pouring love in it… Likewise I missed the fun of reading their growing love. I felt like I know them alright and understood their confusion but couldn’t feel their feelings. They didn’t make lasting impression.
Overall it was quick, light, cute romance with Christmassy feel that you can read in one sitting. I enjoyed it but it won’t be my most favorite.
*** Note: I received e-copy from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. ***
October 3, 2019
Right Beside You is an engaging, heartfelt work of fiction by bestselling author, Mary Monroe. The story is told through the alternating viewpoints of the central characters. Alternating viewpoints can be tricky and confusing, but Ms. Monroe handles them easily with appropriate chapter headers.
Felicia Hawkins and Richard Grimes work at the same company but in different departments. They’ve known each other for years and share a seat on the bus each day, but can’t seem to share their true feelings for each other. Friends and family are involved on every level, but things only seem to get more complicated, instead of less. What do you do when the thing you want most is right beside you?
Mary Monroe has written another winner. I usually use a lot of big words and talk about the characters, plot, dialogue, scenery, etc., but I’m going to skip that this time and simply say all of that was great. No joke. It was all great and you should head to your nearest bookseller and purchase this book. I don’t have anything negative to say about it and didn’t think anything negative when I was reading it, so it of course rates 5 out of 5 stars.
My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Felicia Hawkins and Richard Grimes work at the same company but in different departments. They’ve known each other for years and share a seat on the bus each day, but can’t seem to share their true feelings for each other. Friends and family are involved on every level, but things only seem to get more complicated, instead of less. What do you do when the thing you want most is right beside you?
Mary Monroe has written another winner. I usually use a lot of big words and talk about the characters, plot, dialogue, scenery, etc., but I’m going to skip that this time and simply say all of that was great. No joke. It was all great and you should head to your nearest bookseller and purchase this book. I don’t have anything negative to say about it and didn’t think anything negative when I was reading it, so it of course rates 5 out of 5 stars.
My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
October 5, 2019
This feel-good romance is a quick read yet quite entertaining. Felicia has developed deep feelings towards a co-worker, but is not about to declare herself. And coincidentally, the co-worker finds himself attracted to her. But this budding romance needs a push to get it off the ground! Luckily, another person in the company decides it’s time for her to take charge. This cute tale has it all: interesting characters, even the secondary ones, and a delightful plot. I liked the way the author subtly incorporated the religious aspect without being preachy and told the whole story without any profanity. Well done.
December 30, 2019
Unrealistic storyline.
January 5, 2020
Light, fun, and a good sappy love story
I enjoyed the cast of characters from the two leading lovebirds; Felicia and Richard to the supporting characters who brought life to their love story (especially Pam and Mama Lucy who kept me laughing throughout).
This reminded me of a Hallmark or Lifetime movie and I’d love to see it become just that. I’m a sucker for a good love story with a happy ending!
I enjoyed the cast of characters from the two leading lovebirds; Felicia and Richard to the supporting characters who brought life to their love story (especially Pam and Mama Lucy who kept me laughing throughout).
This reminded me of a Hallmark or Lifetime movie and I’d love to see it become just that. I’m a sucker for a good love story with a happy ending!
July 12, 2023
A young women and a young man have strong feelings for each other but do not express their feelings to one another. They occupy their time with others but that doesn’t distract them from how they feel for each other.
My opinion: This a light, easy and quick read. This is actually my first romance type book. It wasn’t too cheesy. There’s one thing that happen and I was like oh they are going in all the way. It kept me occupied and worrying what’s to come so I will give this a 5 stars.
My opinion: This a light, easy and quick read. This is actually my first romance type book. It wasn’t too cheesy. There’s one thing that happen and I was like oh they are going in all the way. It kept me occupied and worrying what’s to come so I will give this a 5 stars.
December 12, 2022
Felicia Hawks and Richard Grimes work for the same company. They have been riding together on the bus for years now. Richard has been a widower for the past five years raising two teenage daughters. He dates infrequently. In the meantime Felicia has started to develop more than platonic feelings for Richard, but is apprehensive on pursing the matter for fear that it may dampen their working relationship to date.
Felicia has a busybody friend, Pam, who wants to involve herself in Felicia's feelings with Richard. In time Pam informs Richard about Felicia's actual attraction.
The story was fun to read, even though it was predictable.
Felicia has a busybody friend, Pam, who wants to involve herself in Felicia's feelings with Richard. In time Pam informs Richard about Felicia's actual attraction.
The story was fun to read, even though it was predictable.
July 18, 2021
Mary Monroe did it again. She penned a wonderful work about coworkers looking for love. This is not a typical boy meets girl and sparks fly. The characters can’t be any more different. One is a widower raising two daughters and the other has never been married. Neither will throw caution to the wind. Nevertheless, their daily commutes and free floating conversations reveals that there is an unspoken love for one another. Each continues to admire and love the other from a distance. With a little help from a friend they unite. If you want to read something uplifting and heart warming.....READ!.
October 26, 2019
This was a nice enjoyable read. I was glad that Pam told Richard how Felicia felt, because if she had not, no telling how long it would have taken for them to get together. Also, Richard was wise enough to see what Regina was trying to do. Brenda
September 27, 2019
A cute love story! :)
December 11, 2020
Honestly nothing really happens in this book. Just describing two people’s daily life until they finally figure out they both in love with a few cute moments.
December 18, 2020
This is quick and enjoyable read. Two co-workers and friends for a long time, find they have strong feelings for the other, but can't express it.
December 6, 2020
This was a short, fun, holiday read! The novel follows Felicia who is in love with her co-worker of many years, Richard. Both characters have people in their loves that e courage them and find a partner to settle down with throughout the book. While Richard is a widower with 2 pre-teen daughters, Felicia has never been married or had kids. Seeing Richard in a grocery store with another woman triggers Felicia's feelings for Richard but she refuses to tell him how she feels about it. Richard also has feelings for Felicia but it seems like there is someone always on his arm. Felicia's character comes off incredibly conservative, even Grandma Lucy has more fun than her 36 year old granddaughter. Felicia's parents are globe trotting and Felicia just seems to go to work and pine for Richard🤷🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️. I felt like her character could have been the grand mother 😂. This was an okay read. This novella needed more holiday cheer and less 9 - 5 at the office. No spoilers here you'll have to check it out for yourself if you want to know what happened!!
January 7, 2024
I'm a sucker for a short, sweet Christmas story and this book was it for sure. The romantic leads Richard and Felicia had not only a platonic chemistry but a romantic one that could be felt. I loved the close friends and family in their orbit. They were strong, funny, and supportive of the leads. As for the storyline, I found it to be different, one that I haven't heard before and I loved how everything turned out for the leads in the end.
December 9, 2024
I hadn’t read anything by Mary Monroe in years, but I remember really liking her in the early 2000s.
This book was bad. I finished it out of deference to my past enjoyment of her work but whew. It was a book written by an elderly author for elderly people about middle aged people. I think the timeframe is supposed to be set to present day, but everyone has landlines and clearly online dating and apps don’t exist?
Now that I’ve finished the book, I regret the time I wasted on it.
This book was bad. I finished it out of deference to my past enjoyment of her work but whew. It was a book written by an elderly author for elderly people about middle aged people. I think the timeframe is supposed to be set to present day, but everyone has landlines and clearly online dating and apps don’t exist?
Now that I’ve finished the book, I regret the time I wasted on it.
February 15, 2023
I just did not like the characters and the story was a little over-the top sweet? ish? or so it felt like.
It was okay, but not amazing or somehing i would read again.
2.5 stars.
I got this eARC from Netgalley
It was okay, but not amazing or somehing i would read again.
2.5 stars.
I got this eARC from Netgalley
November 23, 2024
This book was a light quick read. It didn't have a much to do with Christmas as I thought it would,but an enjoyable read about family, friendship and live.
December 9, 2023
Confused on how two strangers just get married without courting…how are they in love and only been alone once in the entire book. I can understand Richards hesitation, he been married and then a widow but Felicia…it was like watching two teenagers being too scared to tell one another their feelings.
This story had so much potential, I’m disappointed bc I wanted to really like this book.
This story had so much potential, I’m disappointed bc I wanted to really like this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2020
When I saw this book, I thought: I love sappy, I love Christmas, and this book looked like it had the perfect combo of both. So I was a little disappointed...while I didn't *dislike* it, it was just ok. The writing was simple (albeit *very* descriptive) and some of the dialogue phrasing in the beginning sounded stilted. The story started off slow and dragged on a little bit before a very quick (and what seemed to me, unlikely) resolution tied everything up.
The author, at one point, mentioned Christmas Hallmark movies, and I think that would be a perfect description of this book - to the point where it's even age-appropriate for basically everyone. For me, I liked the overall story/plot, the characters were ok (honestly, too nice and a tad unrealistic, with the exception of Pam and Grandma Lucy), but the writing was a little on the cheesy side. Not bad, but not great.
The author, at one point, mentioned Christmas Hallmark movies, and I think that would be a perfect description of this book - to the point where it's even age-appropriate for basically everyone. For me, I liked the overall story/plot, the characters were ok (honestly, too nice and a tad unrealistic, with the exception of Pam and Grandma Lucy), but the writing was a little on the cheesy side. Not bad, but not great.
December 31, 2019
This book was too short to really develop the relationship between the main characters, Felicia and Richard. Parts of it were down right unbelievable. The reader is supposed to believe that they have been friends for years and that suddenly Felicia is in love with Richard. After one date and connections in the office, suddenly he is asking her to pick out a ring and proposing. Her office friend blabs about Felicia's feelings to Richard. Seems to me to be a pretty artificial way to push two clueless people together.
This book needed to be longer to develop the relationship, so that the wedding would happen more naturally.
This book needed to be longer to develop the relationship, so that the wedding would happen more naturally.
September 6, 2019
Sounded like friend to lover type of story, however it's very drawn out. Both Felicia and Richard, who are co-workers, have been friends for years. It's amazing to me that they both suddenly realize this year that they love the other oerson. There's been no romantic entanglements, nevermind a single date! It was a cute story but better suited to a novella.
I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher for my honest opinions.
I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher for my honest opinions.
December 9, 2024
I am so sick and tired of these childish immature adult characters that Mary Monroe create in most of her books. I had to DNF this one bc it was ridiculous how foolish and retarded the main character acted over a 3 years long adult crush!! Mary i wish you would explore your creative juices bc these narratives are getting tired!
Also this book was so poorly laid out. Richard was already claiming his love for this woman b4 they’d even had a lunch date. Come on Mary this is ridiculous
Also this book was so poorly laid out. Richard was already claiming his love for this woman b4 they’d even had a lunch date. Come on Mary this is ridiculous
dnf
December 13, 2022Oof. Even with the length, this one was so boring that I couldn’t finish it. It felt like the dialog was too realistic as in it felt like every thought and interaction was portrayed in real time with no edits for interest. Everything was over explained, and there was no zhuzh or finesse to the writing at all.
December 9, 2019
Ok read
This one never is not gripping at all, ok read . I read it because I'm a Mary monroe fan . There was no investment in the characters . Ok read. But just ok.
This one never is not gripping at all, ok read . I read it because I'm a Mary monroe fan . There was no investment in the characters . Ok read. But just ok.
February 7, 2020
Awful👎🏽
October 9, 2021
I can’t believe I even finished this book.
May 1, 2021
Friends-to-lovers, just in time for Christmas.
If there's anything cuter than a holiday romance, it's a holiday romance where two people who have known each other for a long time finally fall in love. In Monroe's latest lovely gift, it's Felicia and Richard, longtime friends and co-workers who have kept their respective crushes secret, who finally get the happiness they long for.
It's the getting there that makes this one sweet. Richard is a widower with two tween girls. Felicia is chronically single, to the point where her Grandma Lucy has outright refused to die until Felicia walks down the aisle (spunky grandmas are the chef's kiss of the contemporary romance world, IMHO). All the usual misunderstandings keep both Richard and Felicia unsure about each other: conversations with misunderstandings, missed connections, and, of course, another woman hoping to make Richard her very own.
What sets this book apart from other romances -- and this is a gift of Monroe's -- is the sense of community here. The book is about Richard and Felicia, yes, but it's also about their extended families. Richard is still close to his former wife's parents, and Felicia has, in addition to the aforementioned awesome grandma, loving parents and terrific friends. Richard has family, too, and everybody is constantly calling each other on the phone. Even Grandma Lucy has friends to go to the casino with! The love story takes place in the context of a loving community, and you just know that when Richard and Felicia finally get married, the reception is going to be lit.
The proposal itself is just too cute, and the easy, comfortable relationships the characters have with each other make the pages go by swiftly and sweetly. Even the obstacles are handled gently, and with low drama. This is especially apparent when Richard tells Regina -- the "other woman" -- that he doesn't have feelings for her and never will. Many scenes like that are cause for drama and sizzle, but Monroe writes it the way two grown-ups would actually handle it: Richard is kind, but firm, and Regina, while disappointed and a bit shaken, handles it with class and walks out quietly. It's an idealized world where everybody loves each other, everybody behaves well, and all problems and misunderstandings are easily cleared up. Who wouldn't want to spend time in a world like that?
The spice level here is a two, due to some flirtiness and innuendo, but there are only a few chaste kisses post-proposal, making this another nice clean read you can hand to folks who want a gently good time. Recommended for medium-to-large public libraries, especially where Monroe is already popular.
If there's anything cuter than a holiday romance, it's a holiday romance where two people who have known each other for a long time finally fall in love. In Monroe's latest lovely gift, it's Felicia and Richard, longtime friends and co-workers who have kept their respective crushes secret, who finally get the happiness they long for.
It's the getting there that makes this one sweet. Richard is a widower with two tween girls. Felicia is chronically single, to the point where her Grandma Lucy has outright refused to die until Felicia walks down the aisle (spunky grandmas are the chef's kiss of the contemporary romance world, IMHO). All the usual misunderstandings keep both Richard and Felicia unsure about each other: conversations with misunderstandings, missed connections, and, of course, another woman hoping to make Richard her very own.
What sets this book apart from other romances -- and this is a gift of Monroe's -- is the sense of community here. The book is about Richard and Felicia, yes, but it's also about their extended families. Richard is still close to his former wife's parents, and Felicia has, in addition to the aforementioned awesome grandma, loving parents and terrific friends. Richard has family, too, and everybody is constantly calling each other on the phone. Even Grandma Lucy has friends to go to the casino with! The love story takes place in the context of a loving community, and you just know that when Richard and Felicia finally get married, the reception is going to be lit.
The proposal itself is just too cute, and the easy, comfortable relationships the characters have with each other make the pages go by swiftly and sweetly. Even the obstacles are handled gently, and with low drama. This is especially apparent when Richard tells Regina -- the "other woman" -- that he doesn't have feelings for her and never will. Many scenes like that are cause for drama and sizzle, but Monroe writes it the way two grown-ups would actually handle it: Richard is kind, but firm, and Regina, while disappointed and a bit shaken, handles it with class and walks out quietly. It's an idealized world where everybody loves each other, everybody behaves well, and all problems and misunderstandings are easily cleared up. Who wouldn't want to spend time in a world like that?
The spice level here is a two, due to some flirtiness and innuendo, but there are only a few chaste kisses post-proposal, making this another nice clean read you can hand to folks who want a gently good time. Recommended for medium-to-large public libraries, especially where Monroe is already popular.
January 30, 2020
There is something I enjoy so much about this author’s writing style! Her stories are simple plots but her talent for creating characters that seem so real with such big personalities is what impresses me. This is a good read that shouldn’t be missed. It’s a cute story of two adults that for some reason seem to not want to be open to let the person their in love with know how they feel. I really didn’t understand why but I didn’t focus on the reason why for long, instead I focused on the story at hand.
Single and fashionable Felicia Hawkins is a character that cares a lot for others and doesn’t seem to be able to find love of her own. Felicia is a strong-willed independent woman who deserves love and happiness. Richard Grimes is a caring widower with two small adorable and obedient daughters.
I enjoyed the story. It is a very cute story of two wonderful people who find love and I felt the author told their story so beautifully. It’s a quick read that’s bubbling with humor and a trait by this author of course, lovable characters. It’s spectacularly paced. I was engaged from the first page. I enjoyed the friendship between Felicia and Richard, even though I still wonder why Richard wasn’t open to tell Felicia how he felt. I love Pam, their co-worker’s meddling. Even though she always had a lot of work to do she found time to lay bread crumbs for Felicia and Richard. Her son Clyde is eccentric and even though his role was small his brief parts in the book tickled me.
This story did reach my heart to say life is too short and love can be right beside you. The author did a wonderful job creating such fascinating characters, she is one of my favorite authors that truly is talented in storytelling. Add this book to your reading list when your looking for something quick, humorous and a happy ending.
Single and fashionable Felicia Hawkins is a character that cares a lot for others and doesn’t seem to be able to find love of her own. Felicia is a strong-willed independent woman who deserves love and happiness. Richard Grimes is a caring widower with two small adorable and obedient daughters.
I enjoyed the story. It is a very cute story of two wonderful people who find love and I felt the author told their story so beautifully. It’s a quick read that’s bubbling with humor and a trait by this author of course, lovable characters. It’s spectacularly paced. I was engaged from the first page. I enjoyed the friendship between Felicia and Richard, even though I still wonder why Richard wasn’t open to tell Felicia how he felt. I love Pam, their co-worker’s meddling. Even though she always had a lot of work to do she found time to lay bread crumbs for Felicia and Richard. Her son Clyde is eccentric and even though his role was small his brief parts in the book tickled me.
This story did reach my heart to say life is too short and love can be right beside you. The author did a wonderful job creating such fascinating characters, she is one of my favorite authors that truly is talented in storytelling. Add this book to your reading list when your looking for something quick, humorous and a happy ending.
October 19, 2019
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
I was drawn into Felicia and Richard’s lives from the beginning, and what a ride it became as two friends with stronger, unspoken feelings for each other finally become brave enough to take that chance in RIGHT BESIDE YOU. Most of what you need to know before picking up this title can be found in the Cover Description. What you won’t find there are two people who truly are good friends, co-workers who hesitate to take that relationship any further because they believe the risk is too great to mess up what they have now. So they love each other in silence, wishing for more until they have to face those feelings, acknowledge them before they lose everything they’ve feared.
Secondary characters can make or break a story for me, and how I adored Felicia’s grandmother. Grandma and Richard’s daughters added those touches of reality that I need to believe in any story. No one lives in a vacuum, so the people surrounding this couple added so much to this story. Some meddling, one determined to win Richard for herself woman (I almost used an impolite word there) but she was very annoying to me, matchmaking friends with good intentions that went wrong, and two people who really do fit so well together if they’d only take that chance and say what they’re feeling. Wrap it all up with the Christmas season and you’ll find a holiday romance that will touch your heart, give you a few chuckles and have you believing that friends make the best lifemates after all.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
I was drawn into Felicia and Richard’s lives from the beginning, and what a ride it became as two friends with stronger, unspoken feelings for each other finally become brave enough to take that chance in RIGHT BESIDE YOU. Most of what you need to know before picking up this title can be found in the Cover Description. What you won’t find there are two people who truly are good friends, co-workers who hesitate to take that relationship any further because they believe the risk is too great to mess up what they have now. So they love each other in silence, wishing for more until they have to face those feelings, acknowledge them before they lose everything they’ve feared.
Secondary characters can make or break a story for me, and how I adored Felicia’s grandmother. Grandma and Richard’s daughters added those touches of reality that I need to believe in any story. No one lives in a vacuum, so the people surrounding this couple added so much to this story. Some meddling, one determined to win Richard for herself woman (I almost used an impolite word there) but she was very annoying to me, matchmaking friends with good intentions that went wrong, and two people who really do fit so well together if they’d only take that chance and say what they’re feeling. Wrap it all up with the Christmas season and you’ll find a holiday romance that will touch your heart, give you a few chuckles and have you believing that friends make the best lifemates after all.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
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