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Neighbor from Hell #15
Playtime's Over
Six years is a long time to wait for revenge…
From New York Times Bestselling Author R.L. Mathewson comes the next novel in the Neighbor from Hell series, filled with revenge, questionable choices, and a Bradford determined to make the one woman that he couldn’t live without fall in love with him.
Once upon a time, Kristen Haven was his best friend, his entire world, and the one woman Garrett Bradford couldn’t stop thinking about, but that all changed six years ago when a simple misunderstanding ruined everything, and now…
Now, he was really hoping that she was willing to overlook the fact that he’d made her life a living hell for the past six years.
It was never going to happen.
Not after he’d told her to go to hell, and definitely not after he sent clowns to frolic in her front yard. Now that he knew the truth, Kristen was determined to forget about him and move on with her life, but there was just one problem with that plan…
She needed him.
Which meant that she had no choice but to give in to his demands, remind herself that she needed him whenever the urge to beat the hell out of him with whatever was within reach hit, and pretend that she wasn’t falling in love with the one man that she could never forgive.
A romantic comedy about second chances, revenge, questionable life choices, and one man determined to win back the only woman he’s ever loved…whether she likes it or not.
From New York Times Bestselling Author R.L. Mathewson comes the next novel in the Neighbor from Hell series, filled with revenge, questionable choices, and a Bradford determined to make the one woman that he couldn’t live without fall in love with him.
Once upon a time, Kristen Haven was his best friend, his entire world, and the one woman Garrett Bradford couldn’t stop thinking about, but that all changed six years ago when a simple misunderstanding ruined everything, and now…
Now, he was really hoping that she was willing to overlook the fact that he’d made her life a living hell for the past six years.
It was never going to happen.
Not after he’d told her to go to hell, and definitely not after he sent clowns to frolic in her front yard. Now that he knew the truth, Kristen was determined to forget about him and move on with her life, but there was just one problem with that plan…
She needed him.
Which meant that she had no choice but to give in to his demands, remind herself that she needed him whenever the urge to beat the hell out of him with whatever was within reach hit, and pretend that she wasn’t falling in love with the one man that she could never forgive.
A romantic comedy about second chances, revenge, questionable life choices, and one man determined to win back the only woman he’s ever loved…whether she likes it or not.
Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2026
267 people are currently reading
1766 people want to read
About the author
R.L. Mathewson
73 books15.5k followersNew York Times Bestselling author, R.L. Mathewson was born in Massachusetts. She’s known for her humor, quick wit and ability to write relatable characters. She currently has several paranormal and contemporary romance series published including the Neighbor from Hell series.
Growing up, R.L. Mathewson was a painfully shy bookworm. After high school she attended college, worked as a bellhop, fast food cook, and a museum worker until she decided to take an EMT course. Working as an EMT helped her get over her shyness as well as left her with some fond memories and some rather disturbing ones that from time to time show up in one of her books.
Today, R.L. Mathewson is the single mother of two children that keep her on her toes. She has a bit of a romance novel addiction as well as a major hot chocolate addiction and on a perfect day, she combines the two.
In 2019/2020, R.L. Mathewson will be publishing Devastated, the first Anger Management novel, Tall, Dark & Furious, the 6th installment to the Pyte/Sentinel series, Irresistible, the long anticipated novel for the Neighbor from Hell Series as well as many more books throughout the year, paranormals, contemporaries, and YAs.
Growing up, R.L. Mathewson was a painfully shy bookworm. After high school she attended college, worked as a bellhop, fast food cook, and a museum worker until she decided to take an EMT course. Working as an EMT helped her get over her shyness as well as left her with some fond memories and some rather disturbing ones that from time to time show up in one of her books.
Today, R.L. Mathewson is the single mother of two children that keep her on her toes. She has a bit of a romance novel addiction as well as a major hot chocolate addiction and on a perfect day, she combines the two.
In 2019/2020, R.L. Mathewson will be publishing Devastated, the first Anger Management novel, Tall, Dark & Furious, the 6th installment to the Pyte/Sentinel series, Irresistible, the long anticipated novel for the Neighbor from Hell Series as well as many more books throughout the year, paranormals, contemporaries, and YAs.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 24, 2026
Used to love this author, and I don't know if my preferences or her style has changed.
I found it very repetitive, 157 uses of "really", 69 of "twitch", and 43 of "adorable". I was incredibly sick of hearing how adorable the fmc was by the end.
Not to mention, apparently crazy things happen when they go places, but because they decide the craziness can never be discussed, the reader doesn't know what happened. How did the fmc make two marines cry in a rage room? We'll never know, because it's too embarrassing? I have no idea because the author won't show *or* tell us. Same applies to the camping trip, but I really (hah) didn't care by then.
Readers also don't learn how bad he treated her, it's all hinted at, and his so-called grovel just involves him carting her around where he wants her and she puts up with it. His 7 uses of the word "sorry" (!?!) involve no details or explanations.
I finished it only because I thought we'd get some reasons and revelations. Whoops, my bad.
I found it very repetitive, 157 uses of "really", 69 of "twitch", and 43 of "adorable". I was incredibly sick of hearing how adorable the fmc was by the end.
Not to mention, apparently crazy things happen when they go places, but because they decide the craziness can never be discussed, the reader doesn't know what happened. How did the fmc make two marines cry in a rage room? We'll never know, because it's too embarrassing? I have no idea because the author won't show *or* tell us. Same applies to the camping trip, but I really (hah) didn't care by then.
Readers also don't learn how bad he treated her, it's all hinted at, and his so-called grovel just involves him carting her around where he wants her and she puts up with it. His 7 uses of the word "sorry" (!?!) involve no details or explanations.
I finished it only because I thought we'd get some reasons and revelations. Whoops, my bad.
January 24, 2026
I wanted to like this book. I really enjoyed the first few in the series but think that RL has taken the premise just too far, and unfortunately, this could probably be any of the last 10 books in the series just with the names changed.
The standover tactics the “hero” uses to get his way are Neanderthal at best and borderline harassment at worse. Kirsten starts by sticking up for herself, but caves in like all the women in the series.
The Bradfords are a bunch of boors who hide truely atrocious behaviour behind “tradition”.
And the writing style, ending sentences half way through, then jumping ahead and the reader is just supposed to work out, imagine what has happened? Ugh.
I really struggled to get to the end, and really only did so because the weather here is awful I was stuck inside.
I really hope RL can go back to the first few books, and strip it back a bit. The characters, especially the men were much more likeable then.
If you have read all the books, with this one you are just getting pretty much exactly the same thing.
The standover tactics the “hero” uses to get his way are Neanderthal at best and borderline harassment at worse. Kirsten starts by sticking up for herself, but caves in like all the women in the series.
The Bradfords are a bunch of boors who hide truely atrocious behaviour behind “tradition”.
And the writing style, ending sentences half way through, then jumping ahead and the reader is just supposed to work out, imagine what has happened? Ugh.
I really struggled to get to the end, and really only did so because the weather here is awful I was stuck inside.
I really hope RL can go back to the first few books, and strip it back a bit. The characters, especially the men were much more likeable then.
If you have read all the books, with this one you are just getting pretty much exactly the same thing.
January 25, 2026
lived up to my expectations
I have been waiting for Garrett’s book ever since we got a glimpse of him and Kristen in Reed and Joey’s story, and it did not disappoint.
I absolutely loved these two characters. Kristen was funny, relatable, and instantly likeable, especially with her love of The Goonies. Honestly, is there a better 80s movie?
Garrett easily earns a spot in my top five Bradfords. He has that perfect balance of confidence and vulnerability, and his character growth throughout the story felt genuine and well earned. Watching him slowly open up, especially in the way he shows up for Kristen, made this romance incredibly satisfying.
Their chemistry was effortless, the banter was sharp, and the emotional moments hit exactly where they should. This book had the perfect mix of humour, heart, and heat, making it one of my favourite reads in the series
I have been waiting for Garrett’s book ever since we got a glimpse of him and Kristen in Reed and Joey’s story, and it did not disappoint.
I absolutely loved these two characters. Kristen was funny, relatable, and instantly likeable, especially with her love of The Goonies. Honestly, is there a better 80s movie?
Garrett easily earns a spot in my top five Bradfords. He has that perfect balance of confidence and vulnerability, and his character growth throughout the story felt genuine and well earned. Watching him slowly open up, especially in the way he shows up for Kristen, made this romance incredibly satisfying.
Their chemistry was effortless, the banter was sharp, and the emotional moments hit exactly where they should. This book had the perfect mix of humour, heart, and heat, making it one of my favourite reads in the series
January 26, 2026
RL Mathewson for the win!
I have been reading the Neighbor from Hell series since the very first one and love them all and the latest addition to the series “Playtime’s Over” is no exception. It was great! Right from the first chapter I was laughing as I remembered Aiden’s story previously about making his brother believe he was invisible and seeing a glimpse of that right here in his own book.
I loved Kristen and the way she didn’t take any of the Bradford crap he tried but kept him on his toes. I love that end the end true love always wins over misconceptions and pride.
I love that Jenn and her shenanigans made an appearance as well as poor Zoey’s brownies. RL never disappoints an I eagerly await the next adventure with my Bradford’s.
I have been reading the Neighbor from Hell series since the very first one and love them all and the latest addition to the series “Playtime’s Over” is no exception. It was great! Right from the first chapter I was laughing as I remembered Aiden’s story previously about making his brother believe he was invisible and seeing a glimpse of that right here in his own book.
I loved Kristen and the way she didn’t take any of the Bradford crap he tried but kept him on his toes. I love that end the end true love always wins over misconceptions and pride.
I love that Jenn and her shenanigans made an appearance as well as poor Zoey’s brownies. RL never disappoints an I eagerly await the next adventure with my Bradford’s.
January 25, 2026
worth the wait for Kristen and Garrett.
As long as Bradfords books are written, I will read them.
Great fun, lots of humour and everything you want in a traditional NFH book.
Been waiting for this book since The Promise and I am so glad we have eventually got it. Loved both Kristen and Garrett, separately and together. Great plot twist with the villain but the clues were there if you paid attention.
Another five star for me.
As long as Bradfords books are written, I will read them.
Great fun, lots of humour and everything you want in a traditional NFH book.
Been waiting for this book since The Promise and I am so glad we have eventually got it. Loved both Kristen and Garrett, separately and together. Great plot twist with the villain but the clues were there if you paid attention.
Another five star for me.
January 26, 2026
Worth the wait
I love this story. R L Mathewson never disappoints. I read the book in 24 hours. She spins the tale perfectly, it's cute,
I laughed out loud and was even suspenseful. Let's not forget about the naughty times . Loved everything about it. This book reminded me of her earlier works that I love. You won't be disappointed
I love this story. R L Mathewson never disappoints. I read the book in 24 hours. She spins the tale perfectly, it's cute,
I laughed out loud and was even suspenseful. Let's not forget about the naughty times . Loved everything about it. This book reminded me of her earlier works that I love. You won't be disappointed
January 28, 2026
This author needs to move on to another storyline and characters, this book was difficult to finish manly because in my opinion it felt like some parts were left out or not explained in a detailed way and it seemed very repetitive of all the other Bradford stories. In short it was hard to stay engaged.
January 25, 2026
So Good!
I really love how the stories in this series just interconnect and grow in so many very entertaining ways. Great story!
I really love how the stories in this series just interconnect and grow in so many very entertaining ways. Great story!
January 28, 2026
I struggled with what to rate this one because I generally love this author and series but it didn't quite give me all of the usual feelings...
Things I liked:
The conflict bw the H and h was dealt with mostly in the beginning, no last-minute breakup just for the sake of it.
We got to see some of our old faves from previous books.
This one felt more personal to the writer like she was writing a lot more from her own experiences as an author.
Some things that missed the mark for me:
The humor just wasn't quite there for me this time, it didn't feel as natural as it has in previous books.
I never really came around on Garrett, I mean he basically decided to ruin her life just because she hurt his feelings he never actually thought she did anything to him other than permanently friendzone him.
I just didn't feel as connected to the characters or their thought processes. It almost felt like there was a wall of separation between the characters while they were interacting and like there was some transparency missing from the inner monologues.
Overall, it hit some of the right notes for the series just not all of them. Not my favorite installment, but I am still a loyal fan of the series and it was still pretty good just not quite what I'm used to.
Things I liked:
The conflict bw the H and h was dealt with mostly in the beginning, no last-minute breakup just for the sake of it.
We got to see some of our old faves from previous books.
This one felt more personal to the writer like she was writing a lot more from her own experiences as an author.
Some things that missed the mark for me:
The humor just wasn't quite there for me this time, it didn't feel as natural as it has in previous books.
I never really came around on Garrett, I mean he basically decided to ruin her life just because she hurt his feelings he never actually thought she did anything to him other than permanently friendzone him.
I just didn't feel as connected to the characters or their thought processes. It almost felt like there was a wall of separation between the characters while they were interacting and like there was some transparency missing from the inner monologues.
Overall, it hit some of the right notes for the series just not all of them. Not my favorite installment, but I am still a loyal fan of the series and it was still pretty good just not quite what I'm used to.
January 27, 2026
If you didn't enjoy this book, you'll know how the author feels about getting anything less than a 5 star review because the main character in this book is an author that seems to struggle with her readers being mean and hateful. This plot point felt a little icky and sort of passive aggressive to her real readers, and it took me out of the fantasy world and dragged me into what felt like the authors frustrating relationship with reviewers.
Other than the issue above, the book was annoyingly repetitive (how many times must he think she's adorable...30-40 times..ugh) and the pacing is frustratingly slow. (I think it was supposed to be a slow burn, but the tension wasn't great, and the story felt forced.) Overall, I just couldn't connect with this book, and the writing felt very choppy.
Other than the issue above, the book was annoyingly repetitive (how many times must he think she's adorable...30-40 times..ugh) and the pacing is frustratingly slow. (I think it was supposed to be a slow burn, but the tension wasn't great, and the story felt forced.) Overall, I just couldn't connect with this book, and the writing felt very choppy.
January 25, 2026
Kristen Haven is a writer and was best friends with Garrett Bradford for years. Until a misunderstanding caused Garrett to tell her to go to “hel*”. Now it’s been six years and Garrett moves across the street from Kristen. He realizes the mistake he made and it determined to get her to fall in love with him. Kristen wants nothing to do with him but unfortunately she needs him. They come to an agreement and she has to keep reminding herself that she needs him when he pushes her to her limit.
I absolutely cracked up reading this book. I also read it in a couple of hours. I couldn’t put it down. So funny. Second chances. A little steamy. A Bradford get together.
I absolutely cracked up reading this book. I also read it in a couple of hours. I couldn’t put it down. So funny. Second chances. A little steamy. A Bradford get together.
January 26, 2026
While i did kinda enjoy this book,it made me giggle, i have to admit it was not my favorite it just didnt come close to being as good as Devins or some of the previous books,and i will say i kept having flashes of Rory and Joey from the female character but the worst thing was never actually knowing what happened the scenes would just kinda stop with a ... was fun in the early books like when they were thinking about the vegas bans ect but this time i felt like for half the story we were left guessing about and never got an answer,it felt like it could have been a scene in any of the previous books.or a book Amber would have written
January 28, 2026
Just when you think she's done everything...
I knocked this bad boy out in a little over 24 hours (stupid job) & am happy to say it was worth every single (possibly stolen (see stupid job)) minute.
After 15 books, one would think the stories would start to get stale, but our fearless keeper of ALL the pretty words is a magical being & every new story is as fresh & riveting as the very first.
So no spoilers, or hints at the story line in this review; go read the magic for yourself then come back and let our favorite author know what a good girl she is!
Go.
Now.
We'll wait :D
I knocked this bad boy out in a little over 24 hours (stupid job) & am happy to say it was worth every single (possibly stolen (see stupid job)) minute.
After 15 books, one would think the stories would start to get stale, but our fearless keeper of ALL the pretty words is a magical being & every new story is as fresh & riveting as the very first.
So no spoilers, or hints at the story line in this review; go read the magic for yourself then come back and let our favorite author know what a good girl she is!
Go.
Now.
We'll wait :D
January 23, 2026
Revenge? Or a misunderstanding?
R.L. Mathewson's evil and devious nature shines bright in this new Neighbor from Hell novel. Especially when it starts off with revenge that a creepy as all hell clown delivers.
Garrett and Kristen's story was a perfectly hysterical and as sweet as I was hoping it would be. Garrett discovering that everything he knew for the past six years ago was wrong and how he pulls out all the stops to gain Kristen's trust back. I absolutely loved this book and cant wait for the next one in the series
R.L. Mathewson's evil and devious nature shines bright in this new Neighbor from Hell novel. Especially when it starts off with revenge that a creepy as all hell clown delivers.
Garrett and Kristen's story was a perfectly hysterical and as sweet as I was hoping it would be. Garrett discovering that everything he knew for the past six years ago was wrong and how he pulls out all the stops to gain Kristen's trust back. I absolutely loved this book and cant wait for the next one in the series
January 29, 2026
Kristin Haven and Garrett Bradford were best friends with the potential for more growing up until Garrett misunderstood something and blew it all up. Garrett has tormented Kristin ever since, until her realizes he was wrong and wants her forgiveness. Kristin though has spent her lifetime being rejected and doesn't see herself ever trusting Garrett again. Can he prove her wrong and that he is her happily ever after?
This was fun. I did have a couple questions at the end but overall another entertaining Neighbor From Hell book.
This was fun. I did have a couple questions at the end but overall another entertaining Neighbor From Hell book.
January 24, 2026
No pude soltarlo desde que llego !!! Perder el sueño vale completamente la pena con esta historia, me hizo reír como solo la familia Bradford puede 😂 Kirsten y Garret son perfectos el uno para el otro. Ver el lado de una autora me encanto y sin duda trataré de ser una lectora más amable con los autores a partir se hoy. Siempre es un gusto tener mas historias de la magnífica reina malvada R.L. Mathewson 😍
January 25, 2026
EVERY SINGLE TIME IT ROCKS
So much like the readers waiting for Kirsten to write a new book I eagerly await your books. You don't even have to go into complete detail about a situation for me to laugh so hard. Again you rocked it. But I respectfully ask that you write faster. I LOVED IT JUST AS MUCH AS ALL THE OTHERS. RECOMMEND RECOMMEND RECOMMEND. Thank you for a good laugh.
So much like the readers waiting for Kirsten to write a new book I eagerly await your books. You don't even have to go into complete detail about a situation for me to laugh so hard. Again you rocked it. But I respectfully ask that you write faster. I LOVED IT JUST AS MUCH AS ALL THE OTHERS. RECOMMEND RECOMMEND RECOMMEND. Thank you for a good laugh.
January 29, 2026
The most vague reasoning for breaking a friendship and never say it properly. It felt more like a running gag between the main characters and the reader wasn't supposed to be privy to it. I didn't get why the author just didn't want the reader to know why their friendship broke , I mean you can keep it mum for a chapter or two but to never come out and say it outright made me mad. The premise and the characters were juvenile as usual.
January 29, 2026
Disappointed
This book fell very flat. There was no hook, nothing that kept me engaged or made me crack a smile. Parts that could’ve been funny were glossed over without telling the actual tale. I guessed who the “mean person” was before I was halfway through the book. I loved the earlier books in this series but the last few have felt like a recycled story with new characters.
This book fell very flat. There was no hook, nothing that kept me engaged or made me crack a smile. Parts that could’ve been funny were glossed over without telling the actual tale. I guessed who the “mean person” was before I was halfway through the book. I loved the earlier books in this series but the last few have felt like a recycled story with new characters.
January 26, 2026
I’m 20% through this book and I can’t take any more descriptions of chocolate milkshakes. Is this book a long ad for an ice cream store??
Never thought I’d DNF a book because of too many junk food scenes but here we are.
Never thought I’d DNF a book because of too many junk food scenes but here we are.
January 26, 2026
Finally great read
Loved to finally get Garrett's and Kristen's story also Loved the update for Jen and Reed and Joey. Especially Loved the next generation story of their kids in the epilogue.
Loved to finally get Garrett's and Kristen's story also Loved the update for Jen and Reed and Joey. Especially Loved the next generation story of their kids in the epilogue.
January 26, 2026
Love love love this book
Such an amazing addition to one of my all time favorite series! These books never fail to make me laugh! I always love hearing a new one is coming out and order asap! One of my favorite authors I don't even read descriptions just one click!
Such an amazing addition to one of my all time favorite series! These books never fail to make me laugh! I always love hearing a new one is coming out and order asap! One of my favorite authors I don't even read descriptions just one click!
Want to read
January 18, 2026Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.
January 25, 2026
Myslim, ze s touhle serii koncim, protoze uz me ty postavy vubec neberou...
January 27, 2026
Worth the wait
Garrett and Kristen's story was worth the wait and leaves you wanting more from the Bradford's and the unfortunate souls that cross their paths.
Garrett and Kristen's story was worth the wait and leaves you wanting more from the Bradford's and the unfortunate souls that cross their paths.
January 27, 2026
Absolutely loved this book.
January 27, 2026
Once again fantastic work. Funny second chance love story, with many hillarious scenes, that gave You really good laught. And we met here most of Bradfords, including Jason and Trevor.
January 27, 2026
Loved it
Loved this book just like all the others in this series you have out done yourself again R.L Mathewson. Please keep the books coming
Loved this book just like all the others in this series you have out done yourself again R.L Mathewson. Please keep the books coming
January 29, 2026
Bravo!!
I laughed until I cried and then laughed some more! As usual I can’t wait until the next book. Thank you!
I laughed until I cried and then laughed some more! As usual I can’t wait until the next book. Thank you!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews