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Jansen Brothers #2
How to Love Your Neighbor
Most Anticipated for 2022 Goodreads * PopSugar * Buzzfeed * USA Today
"Sophie Sullivan’s writing feels like a warm hug.” —Rachel Lynn Solomon, bestselling author of The Ex Talk
Enemies-to-lovers meets HGTV in this frothy, effervescent romantic comedy from Sophie Sullivan, author of Ten Rules for Faking It.
Interior Design School? Check. Cute house to fix up? Check.
Sexy, grumpy neighbor who is going to get in the way of your plans? Check. Unfortunately.
Grace Travis has it all figured out. In between finishing school and working a million odd jobs, she’ll get her degree and her dream job. Most importantly, she’ll have a place to belong, something her harsh mother could never make. When an opportunity to fix up—and live in—a little house on the beach comes along, Grace is all in. Until her biggest roadblock moves in next door.
Noah Jansen knows how to make a deal. As a real estate developer, he knows when he's found something special. Something he could even call home. Provided he can expand by taking over the house next door--the house with the combative and beautiful woman living in it.
With the rules for being neighborly going out the window, Grace and Noah are in an all-out feud. But sometimes, your nemesis can show you that home is always where the heart is.
“This is a novel you'll want to read over and over again.” - USA Today
"Sophie Sullivan’s writing feels like a warm hug.” —Rachel Lynn Solomon, bestselling author of The Ex Talk
Enemies-to-lovers meets HGTV in this frothy, effervescent romantic comedy from Sophie Sullivan, author of Ten Rules for Faking It.
Interior Design School? Check. Cute house to fix up? Check.
Sexy, grumpy neighbor who is going to get in the way of your plans? Check. Unfortunately.
Grace Travis has it all figured out. In between finishing school and working a million odd jobs, she’ll get her degree and her dream job. Most importantly, she’ll have a place to belong, something her harsh mother could never make. When an opportunity to fix up—and live in—a little house on the beach comes along, Grace is all in. Until her biggest roadblock moves in next door.
Noah Jansen knows how to make a deal. As a real estate developer, he knows when he's found something special. Something he could even call home. Provided he can expand by taking over the house next door--the house with the combative and beautiful woman living in it.
With the rules for being neighborly going out the window, Grace and Noah are in an all-out feud. But sometimes, your nemesis can show you that home is always where the heart is.
“This is a novel you'll want to read over and over again.” - USA Today
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2022
637 people are currently reading
44301 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Sullivan
17 books1,388 followersSOPHIE SULLIVAN is a Canadian author as well as a cookie-eating, Diet Pepsi-drinking, Disney enthusiast. She's written ten books for St. Martin's Press, including Ten Rules for Faking It, Can't Help Falling in Love, and the Rock Bottom Love series. She loves reading and writing romance in almost equal measure. She's had plenty of practice writing happily ever after as her alter ego, Jody Holford.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,476 reviews
March 14, 2023
Another amazing sunshine meets grump troupe with stimulating enemies to lovers premise: two neighbors who cannot stand each other with volatile chemistry find themselves partnering for special magazine interview for showing how to design your own home effectively!
Grace is in her mid-twenties, design student, working at different jobs to make her ends meet including dog walking, serving coffee: but she is skillful handyman who is capable of fixing anything thanks for nothing to her mother who neglected her throughout childhood and she learned to survive at the trailer park junk by herself.
She’s inherited her grandparents’ house and now she’s ready to move there for starting her brand new life to pursue her dreams: she will fix the slowly with her limited financial sources but her dear ambitious real estate developer/ new neighbor Noah she already bumped into when he was surfing ( of course she drooled over him after seeing his six packs) has another plans like buying her house for wider space for constructing pool!
Grace is too stubborn to let him win. Of course her charming neighbor Noah is also stubborn man with sharpened negotiation skills to force her change her mind.
He already moved to West Coast after being public face of his father’s company and he never approved his father’s business ethics. By changing his location, he plans to have a fresh start, making friends, doing charity works and finding his life purpose.
He wants to have the place all to himself. But this energetic, animated, gold hearted, eccentric neighbor of him is about to rethink his life choices by attracting his full attention.
Their chemistry is undeniable. Maybe they can make peace and they can be benefited from the magazine interview offer by working together to get better opportunities for their own careers. But when the sparks fly between them, it’s impossible to stay in the professional line, isn’t it?
By the way Noah is Chris’ brother from “Ten Rules for faking it “ so if you love the author’s previous book, you’ll love to see Chris and Everly’s cameos at this book! Good to see them back!
I have to admit: I loved this book so much more than the author’s previous book. I loved both MCs who suffer from dysfunctional parent issues, how they leave their comfort zones, how their characters evolve and I truly loved them as couple! This is one of most romantic book I’ve read lately!
Special thanks to NetGalley,dear Rivka Holler and St Martin’s Press/ St. Martin’s Griffin for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Grace is in her mid-twenties, design student, working at different jobs to make her ends meet including dog walking, serving coffee: but she is skillful handyman who is capable of fixing anything thanks for nothing to her mother who neglected her throughout childhood and she learned to survive at the trailer park junk by herself.
She’s inherited her grandparents’ house and now she’s ready to move there for starting her brand new life to pursue her dreams: she will fix the slowly with her limited financial sources but her dear ambitious real estate developer/ new neighbor Noah she already bumped into when he was surfing ( of course she drooled over him after seeing his six packs) has another plans like buying her house for wider space for constructing pool!
Grace is too stubborn to let him win. Of course her charming neighbor Noah is also stubborn man with sharpened negotiation skills to force her change her mind.
He already moved to West Coast after being public face of his father’s company and he never approved his father’s business ethics. By changing his location, he plans to have a fresh start, making friends, doing charity works and finding his life purpose.
He wants to have the place all to himself. But this energetic, animated, gold hearted, eccentric neighbor of him is about to rethink his life choices by attracting his full attention.
Their chemistry is undeniable. Maybe they can make peace and they can be benefited from the magazine interview offer by working together to get better opportunities for their own careers. But when the sparks fly between them, it’s impossible to stay in the professional line, isn’t it?
By the way Noah is Chris’ brother from “Ten Rules for faking it “ so if you love the author’s previous book, you’ll love to see Chris and Everly’s cameos at this book! Good to see them back!
I have to admit: I loved this book so much more than the author’s previous book. I loved both MCs who suffer from dysfunctional parent issues, how they leave their comfort zones, how their characters evolve and I truly loved them as couple! This is one of most romantic book I’ve read lately!
Special thanks to NetGalley,dear Rivka Holler and St Martin’s Press/ St. Martin’s Griffin for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
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April 21, 2022dnf @ 20%
August 5, 2022
So… I read How to Love Your Neighbor twice this year and even though I forgot so much from the first time I was reading it, I still stand by my rating of 3,5 stars.
The reason I decided to reread this novel was because I realized I forgot too many things and it didn’t feel appropriate to write a review on something I just briefly remember.
How I forgot it so fast and was even surprised I didn’t remember important side characters is a whole another problem and I will call my cards on post covid instead of on book itself.
Still, my main impressions stayed the same: at the beginning I couldn’t stand Noah (the love interest) for the love of me, with his arrogance and expectations to get whatever he wants however he wants. He reminded me of one political party (from Croatia), fathers’ sons who get everything they want in life without ever having to make an effort, that never look back on people they cross over on their way.
Even when Noah had his change of heart (which was purely bc he fell in love with MC, not because he had some epiphany or character development) I still didn’t like him, and if this was a real life and not a romance book, I wouldn’t trust him.
On the other side, our MC Grace was easy to like and to understand.
I even identified with her when it comes to her relationship with her mother in a way (but here I have to stress out our situations are very different).
Side characters were amazing and scenes that involved them were my favourites.
The writing style was good and easy to follow.
The book was entertaining enough to make me want to check other work written by Sophie Sullivan.
If you are looking for a relaxing summer read to pass time and be entertained How to Love Your Neighbor is a good choice.
The reason I decided to reread this novel was because I realized I forgot too many things and it didn’t feel appropriate to write a review on something I just briefly remember.
How I forgot it so fast and was even surprised I didn’t remember important side characters is a whole another problem and I will call my cards on post covid instead of on book itself.
Still, my main impressions stayed the same: at the beginning I couldn’t stand Noah (the love interest) for the love of me, with his arrogance and expectations to get whatever he wants however he wants. He reminded me of one political party (from Croatia), fathers’ sons who get everything they want in life without ever having to make an effort, that never look back on people they cross over on their way.
Even when Noah had his change of heart (which was purely bc he fell in love with MC, not because he had some epiphany or character development) I still didn’t like him, and if this was a real life and not a romance book, I wouldn’t trust him.
On the other side, our MC Grace was easy to like and to understand.
I even identified with her when it comes to her relationship with her mother in a way (but here I have to stress out our situations are very different).
Side characters were amazing and scenes that involved them were my favourites.
The writing style was good and easy to follow.
The book was entertaining enough to make me want to check other work written by Sophie Sullivan.
If you are looking for a relaxing summer read to pass time and be entertained How to Love Your Neighbor is a good choice.
October 15, 2021
How to Love Your Neighbor
by Sophie Sullivan is a heartwarming, humorous, and appealing contemporary romance set in Harlow Beach, California. However it is more than your typical enemies to friends to lovers story. This novel is about all types of relationships.
Grace Travis has a few months left before she graduates with her interior design degree. To make ends meet, she has student loans and works multiple jobs. She’s inherited a bungalow on the beach from grandparents she never met and plans to move into it and renovate it. It turns out the next door neighbor is a real estate developer who plans to renovate his large house and wants to buy Grace’s home so he can expand.
Grace and Noah are great characters that felt authentic. They each have their virtues and flaws, and this adds to both the realism and the humor that is contained in this book. Their determination, family issues, desire to be successful on their own, and much more made them feel real. While there is an attraction, they also challenge each other and frustrate each other resulting in some humorous moments as well as some introspection by each. The secondary characters add conflict or support. I especially liked Morty, Josh, and Rosie who contributed something extra to the story without detracting from the main theme.
This isn’t an instant love story or a steamy book. It touches on some deeper subjects such as toxic relationships with a parent, friendship of multiple types, social anxiety, giving back to the community, asking for help, learning about yourself through relationships with others, and much more. While there were a couple of slower spots, I liked the up and down dynamic between Noah and Grace. Additionally, the deeper subjects pulled the story together for me.
Overall, I enjoyed this highly entertaining and heartfelt book. It was a refreshing change from what I typically read, but it won’t be the last one that I read by this author. Those that enjoy contemporary romances, chick lit, or romantic comedies will likely enjoy this novel. I don’t read a lot of romances except for romantic suspense and paranormal romance, but I connected with this one.
St. Martin’s Press – St. Martin’s Griffin and Sophie Sullivan provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for January 18, 2022.
Grace Travis has a few months left before she graduates with her interior design degree. To make ends meet, she has student loans and works multiple jobs. She’s inherited a bungalow on the beach from grandparents she never met and plans to move into it and renovate it. It turns out the next door neighbor is a real estate developer who plans to renovate his large house and wants to buy Grace’s home so he can expand.
Grace and Noah are great characters that felt authentic. They each have their virtues and flaws, and this adds to both the realism and the humor that is contained in this book. Their determination, family issues, desire to be successful on their own, and much more made them feel real. While there is an attraction, they also challenge each other and frustrate each other resulting in some humorous moments as well as some introspection by each. The secondary characters add conflict or support. I especially liked Morty, Josh, and Rosie who contributed something extra to the story without detracting from the main theme.
This isn’t an instant love story or a steamy book. It touches on some deeper subjects such as toxic relationships with a parent, friendship of multiple types, social anxiety, giving back to the community, asking for help, learning about yourself through relationships with others, and much more. While there were a couple of slower spots, I liked the up and down dynamic between Noah and Grace. Additionally, the deeper subjects pulled the story together for me.
Overall, I enjoyed this highly entertaining and heartfelt book. It was a refreshing change from what I typically read, but it won’t be the last one that I read by this author. Those that enjoy contemporary romances, chick lit, or romantic comedies will likely enjoy this novel. I don’t read a lot of romances except for romantic suspense and paranormal romance, but I connected with this one.
St. Martin’s Press – St. Martin’s Griffin and Sophie Sullivan provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for January 18, 2022.
March 18, 2022
This is a Hate to Love Romance/Chick-Lit/Women's Fiction. This book pulled me into it right away, but I do feel the middle was a little slow moving. I loved the characters in this book, and I found parts of this book to be very funny. There are others parts to be very cheesy, but I still enjoyed the cheesy parts too. I will say if you are looking for a steamy romance then this is not the bed for you. This is a Cute Funny Romance with a lot of family drama going on. I also loved that there was some older characters that brought a lot of spice to the book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (St. Martin's Griffin) or author (Sophie Sullivan) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
April 30, 2022
DNF. Do you want a romance with a hero that makes you think, "this man is a Republican," and not in a small town values sort of way, but in a sunk his daddy's boat during a boat parade and does coke in a shady night club with Don Jr. while whining about how no women love him sort of way? If so, this book is for you. If not, stay far far away from it. I don't remember the last time I read a book where the hero was so horrible.
I made it 15% of the way into this book and had to stop. In 15% he has:
- mocked the heroine for being working class and having multiple jobs
- egregiously flaunted his daddy's money
- whined about his ex girlfriend
- tried to throw his money at the heroine in hopes of buying her house
- admitted he wants the heroine's house so he can expand his yard so his ex will see him as a stable, responsible adult
- demanded the heroine pay half for new fence on his property
- demanded that the heroine pay to fix part of a broken fence
- when the heroine fixed the fence on her own, he didn't believe she was the one to do it because women have no handy skills and can't use tools.
- he physically cannot speak a sentence without it being condescending
There is no coming back from this for me. He has absolutely no redeeming qualities. There is nothing compelling to me about him and I do not want to watch the heroine fall for this jerk. On top of this there is absolutely no humor and the heroine is a flat so I'm not even compelled to continue so I can see where she ends up. I'm done with this book.
When we eat the rich, I call dibs on this man's arm.
I made it 15% of the way into this book and had to stop. In 15% he has:
- mocked the heroine for being working class and having multiple jobs
- egregiously flaunted his daddy's money
- whined about his ex girlfriend
- tried to throw his money at the heroine in hopes of buying her house
- admitted he wants the heroine's house so he can expand his yard so his ex will see him as a stable, responsible adult
- demanded the heroine pay half for new fence on his property
- demanded that the heroine pay to fix part of a broken fence
- when the heroine fixed the fence on her own, he didn't believe she was the one to do it because women have no handy skills and can't use tools.
- he physically cannot speak a sentence without it being condescending
There is no coming back from this for me. He has absolutely no redeeming qualities. There is nothing compelling to me about him and I do not want to watch the heroine fall for this jerk. On top of this there is absolutely no humor and the heroine is a flat so I'm not even compelled to continue so I can see where she ends up. I'm done with this book.
When we eat the rich, I call dibs on this man's arm.
January 25, 2022
A soon to be interior designer meets her match with a wealthy, surfing business man in How to Love Your Neighbor.
A random encounter on a beach while out dog walking finds Grace and Noah face to face. Or, it would be face to face, had Grace not fallen, most ungracefully, in front of this amazing man.
Turns out when her grandparents leave her their house she is so excited to have not only an opportunity to be a homeowner but an opportunity to put her design loving heart to the test. Could she make this her dream home?
It would be her dream home if her neighbor wasn't the hot surfer and it would be her dream home if she didn't fall over his fence right at his feet. Again. What is it about this guy that literally knocks her off her feet? You'll have to read this to find out.
Did this book knock me off my feet? Not really. While I loved the light hearted feel and while I loved the characters (I'm looking at you, Morty!) and while I loved the doggo's this just didn't wow me as I was hoping. It's all perfectly cute and sweet but I wanted some laugh out loud moments, I wanted some witty banter, I wanted to swoon and I didn't really get any of those things. This book got a little too heavy-handed in the lovey dovey aspect. It was so saccharine sweet I was getting a tummy ache from all the eye rolling. Entirely too much gushing over one another for this reader but that is only my opinion. Others that have a more romantic side than I do might find this the perfect escape down lovers lane but for me it was more of a detour between my thrillers. 3 stars!
Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin for kindly sending me a finished copy.
A random encounter on a beach while out dog walking finds Grace and Noah face to face. Or, it would be face to face, had Grace not fallen, most ungracefully, in front of this amazing man.
Turns out when her grandparents leave her their house she is so excited to have not only an opportunity to be a homeowner but an opportunity to put her design loving heart to the test. Could she make this her dream home?
It would be her dream home if her neighbor wasn't the hot surfer and it would be her dream home if she didn't fall over his fence right at his feet. Again. What is it about this guy that literally knocks her off her feet? You'll have to read this to find out.
Did this book knock me off my feet? Not really. While I loved the light hearted feel and while I loved the characters (I'm looking at you, Morty!) and while I loved the doggo's this just didn't wow me as I was hoping. It's all perfectly cute and sweet but I wanted some laugh out loud moments, I wanted some witty banter, I wanted to swoon and I didn't really get any of those things. This book got a little too heavy-handed in the lovey dovey aspect. It was so saccharine sweet I was getting a tummy ache from all the eye rolling. Entirely too much gushing over one another for this reader but that is only my opinion. Others that have a more romantic side than I do might find this the perfect escape down lovers lane but for me it was more of a detour between my thrillers. 3 stars!
Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin for kindly sending me a finished copy.
January 18, 2022
This book is out now!! Happy Publishing Day!!
This book was super cute!! It is the perfect hate to love story with a little family drama added in. Noah and Grace have great chemistry and their storyline was engaging and fun. I also really loved Mortys characters and his grumpy and sweet side. I would recommend this if you’re looking for an easy, light read!
Thank you Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book was super cute!! It is the perfect hate to love story with a little family drama added in. Noah and Grace have great chemistry and their storyline was engaging and fun. I also really loved Mortys characters and his grumpy and sweet side. I would recommend this if you’re looking for an easy, light read!
Thank you Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 15, 2022
How to Love Your Neighbor by Sophie Sullivan
Contemporary romantic comedy. Grumpy - Sunshine troupe.
Grace has inherited her grandparents home and is finally ready to actually move in and start updating and renovating. If only Noah, the gorgeous next door neighbor, would stop offering to buy it from her. To Grace, it’s more than just a house. It’s a connection to her history and also a symbol she’s ready move forward to loving and enjoying life. It’s a home.
A cute enemies to lovers romcom. I enjoyed the banter and contests between the two. Clever but also good that neither held a grudge and leaned toward good humor.
I knew the mother was going to be a problem from the very beginning. It was inevitable.
The seniors are funny. Stereotypical, but humorous.
The love story was adorable and I liked the inclusion of her friends and his brothers.
Stories with humor and romance are my favorite.
🎧 I alternated between an ebook copy and an audiobook. The audiobook was narrated by Chloe Dolandis who did a wonderful job on the performance, keeping it mostly lite and cheerful, while also clearly expressing the grumpy Noah and gruff Morty. While I enjoyed both versions, the audiobook gave me happiness.
I listened to the audiobook at 1.5 to match my local area standard as well as reading speed to follow along with the print version.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Macmillan audio.
Contemporary romantic comedy. Grumpy - Sunshine troupe.
Grace has inherited her grandparents home and is finally ready to actually move in and start updating and renovating. If only Noah, the gorgeous next door neighbor, would stop offering to buy it from her. To Grace, it’s more than just a house. It’s a connection to her history and also a symbol she’s ready move forward to loving and enjoying life. It’s a home.
A cute enemies to lovers romcom. I enjoyed the banter and contests between the two. Clever but also good that neither held a grudge and leaned toward good humor.
I knew the mother was going to be a problem from the very beginning. It was inevitable.
The seniors are funny. Stereotypical, but humorous.
The love story was adorable and I liked the inclusion of her friends and his brothers.
Stories with humor and romance are my favorite.
🎧 I alternated between an ebook copy and an audiobook. The audiobook was narrated by Chloe Dolandis who did a wonderful job on the performance, keeping it mostly lite and cheerful, while also clearly expressing the grumpy Noah and gruff Morty. While I enjoyed both versions, the audiobook gave me happiness.
I listened to the audiobook at 1.5 to match my local area standard as well as reading speed to follow along with the print version.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Macmillan audio.
October 23, 2021
Ugh. Unfortunately, I can’t recommend this book. I was so hyped for this one and it’s just not my cup of tea. For enemies-to-lovers there was no actual perceivable tension or chemistry between Noah and Grace. I was not at all invested in their relationship and there was no spice (which may be a good thing if you aren’t into book sex scenes, but for me it was a negative). Equally frustrating I found the interactions with her mom (aka the villain) to be childish and very much wattpad-esque in dialogue and behavior. The only positive I got out of the book was Morty who is a crotchety old man/father figure to Grace and I felt like Sophie did an amazing job capturing the attitude of my own grandfather (and that generation) which I enjoyed seeing on page.
January 18, 2022
How to Love Your Neighbor is a sweet, heartfelt romantic comedy with characters that feel real - people you'd like to know. Grace is the girl from the wrong side of the tracks who's moving into a house left to her by her grandparents. The house is a fixer upper, but it's view of the beach is highly desirable, and Grace is determined to plant her roots in the house where her grandparents lived. The problem is the rich, arrogant hunk next door, Noah, who seems to think he can throw money at her and she'll fold and sell him her new place so he can add on a pool. Noah is a gorgeous real estate developer - a business tycoon who moved there to escape his father's business influence and make his own way in the business world. A famous magazine wants to photograph and record his house makeover with one little catch . . . they want the irritating woman next door who happens to be graduating from design school to be his designer on the project. If he refuses, the story is dead. All Noah has to do is convince Grace that doing it will benefit them both.
Sullivan has penned a hilarious rom-com with insane chemistry blazing between her hero and heroine who try so hard to hate one another. Neither understands the other, but they agree to work together for their mutual benefit. The lessons learned just may change both their lives. What I loved about this story was the amazing character development as both dared to step out of their comfort zone and take chances when challenged by the other. The author does an amazing job keeping it real with several twists and turns in the evolution of these characters and their relationship. I felt the story dragged just a bit in the middle and could have been shortened a little. In spite of that, I enjoyed How To Love Your Neighbor and highly recommend it to fans of romance especially those who love their romance with a lot of snark, sizzle and pop. Lots of laughter and love in this one!
*Special thanks to St. Martins Griffin for an arc of this book.
**Review posted at Cross My Heart Reviews
Sullivan has penned a hilarious rom-com with insane chemistry blazing between her hero and heroine who try so hard to hate one another. Neither understands the other, but they agree to work together for their mutual benefit. The lessons learned just may change both their lives. What I loved about this story was the amazing character development as both dared to step out of their comfort zone and take chances when challenged by the other. The author does an amazing job keeping it real with several twists and turns in the evolution of these characters and their relationship. I felt the story dragged just a bit in the middle and could have been shortened a little. In spite of that, I enjoyed How To Love Your Neighbor and highly recommend it to fans of romance especially those who love their romance with a lot of snark, sizzle and pop. Lots of laughter and love in this one!
*Special thanks to St. Martins Griffin for an arc of this book.
**Review posted at Cross My Heart Reviews
February 12, 2023
3.5⭐ rounded up.
Book 2 in The Jansen Brothers series ~ fine as a standalone, but we get glimpses of Everly & Chris from Ten Rules for Faking It (my review isn't very wordy, so don't get excited to read that one).
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, enemies to lovers, neighbors to lovers, toxic parent, slow burn, no steamage
Grace & Noah
Noah wants to buy Grace's home that she's so exited to be fixing up, but she's not having it. I do like a good house flipping story and this one did not disappoint in that aspect. Enemies to lovers is not my first choice in tropes to read, but I enjoyed their banter. Overall, a fun story with some cute moments.
Narrated by Chloe Dolandis for 10 hours and 35 minutes, easy to follow at 2-2.5x. She did a fine job, but I do wish we had a male narrator.
*quick Libby loan review*
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Book 2 in The Jansen Brothers series ~ fine as a standalone, but we get glimpses of Everly & Chris from Ten Rules for Faking It (my review isn't very wordy, so don't get excited to read that one).
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, enemies to lovers, neighbors to lovers, toxic parent, slow burn, no steamage
Grace & Noah
Noah wants to buy Grace's home that she's so exited to be fixing up, but she's not having it. I do like a good house flipping story and this one did not disappoint in that aspect. Enemies to lovers is not my first choice in tropes to read, but I enjoyed their banter. Overall, a fun story with some cute moments.
Narrated by Chloe Dolandis for 10 hours and 35 minutes, easy to follow at 2-2.5x. She did a fine job, but I do wish we had a male narrator.
*quick Libby loan review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
January 20, 2022
How to Love Your Neighbor by Sophie Sullivan is a standalone contemporary romance novel. This one is the old enemies to lovers trope and does change the point of view between the characters to show both points of views in the story.
Grace Travis is about to get her degree in interior design and what better start to her new life after school than a new home to design of her own? You see Grace inherited her grandparents home and it’s in need of a little TLC but Grace knows she can make it her own and hang onto her memories.
The day Grace is moving into her new home she meets her gorgeous neighbor, Noah Jansen. Noah doesn’t exactly make a good first impression on Grace though when he insists that he needs to buy her home whether she’s looking to sell or not. However, Noah also needs a designer for his own home and fate will have it Grace is the one that will tackle the task.
The first thing I should admit in my review for How to Love Your Neighbor by Sophie Sullivan is that I do have a soft spot for HGTV and all those loving and listing, flipping or flopping shows so I was drawn to this one immediately. In my opinion the author did a wonderful job with the characters making them both likable despite them not liking one another to start the story. It was nice how they were slowly pulled together over some home design of their own making me wonder if HGTV needs a dating show!
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
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Grace Travis is about to get her degree in interior design and what better start to her new life after school than a new home to design of her own? You see Grace inherited her grandparents home and it’s in need of a little TLC but Grace knows she can make it her own and hang onto her memories.
The day Grace is moving into her new home she meets her gorgeous neighbor, Noah Jansen. Noah doesn’t exactly make a good first impression on Grace though when he insists that he needs to buy her home whether she’s looking to sell or not. However, Noah also needs a designer for his own home and fate will have it Grace is the one that will tackle the task.
The first thing I should admit in my review for How to Love Your Neighbor by Sophie Sullivan is that I do have a soft spot for HGTV and all those loving and listing, flipping or flopping shows so I was drawn to this one immediately. In my opinion the author did a wonderful job with the characters making them both likable despite them not liking one another to start the story. It was nice how they were slowly pulled together over some home design of their own making me wonder if HGTV needs a dating show!
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
March 20, 2022
3.5 stars! this was a sweet and wholesome romance with a grumpy/sunshine dynamic.
the pacing was slow at times, but i loved the HGTV vibes and the beachside setting!
morty was my favorite character— he reminded me of arthur abbott from the holiday.
“you’re like a daughter to me. family isn’t what you were born with. well, that’s not all it is. it’s what you want it to be.”
p.s. i loved how grace’s co-workers at the coffee shop were named ellie and hugo, which are the names of my cats. what are the odds! 😸☕️
the pacing was slow at times, but i loved the HGTV vibes and the beachside setting!
morty was my favorite character— he reminded me of arthur abbott from the holiday.
“you’re like a daughter to me. family isn’t what you were born with. well, that’s not all it is. it’s what you want it to be.”
p.s. i loved how grace’s co-workers at the coffee shop were named ellie and hugo, which are the names of my cats. what are the odds! 😸☕️
March 4, 2022
Finally! I am finished. How to Love Your Neighbor is a very lengthy story. With all of the hype in goodreads, I picked it up.
Miss Sullivan putting a character driven as her writting style. I get to know Grace and Noah seperately then together. I especially can relate to Grace. Her up bringing is sad and lonely. And yet she is such a sunshine. While Noah character takes a while to open up.
Despite the length, I find myself enjoy it very much. A very good book.
4 stars
Miss Sullivan putting a character driven as her writting style. I get to know Grace and Noah seperately then together. I especially can relate to Grace. Her up bringing is sad and lonely. And yet she is such a sunshine. While Noah character takes a while to open up.
Despite the length, I find myself enjoy it very much. A very good book.
4 stars
April 29, 2022
This was not for me.
I was switching between kindle & audio (kindle was better btw).
Everything felt underdeveloped.
The plot, the characters, the back story, they all seemed kind of lazily done.
I see lots of people loved this (which was why I scooped it up), so if you read it let me know what you liked about it. I am genuinely curious.
Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press & Macmillan Audio for my DRCs.
I was switching between kindle & audio (kindle was better btw).
Everything felt underdeveloped.
The plot, the characters, the back story, they all seemed kind of lazily done.
I see lots of people loved this (which was why I scooped it up), so if you read it let me know what you liked about it. I am genuinely curious.
Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press & Macmillan Audio for my DRCs.
January 17, 2022
Dnfing at chapter 5.
I hardly ever DNF books but I'm sooo not feeling this so I went and read a bunch of goodreads reviews and I don't think it's going to get much better for me so I'm putting this down before I put myself into a slump
Right away I was turned off by the writing style. I hate third person POV. especially when it's dual perspective... I don't process it as quickly and I'm usually not a fan. In this instant... not a fan.
I'm also not so into contemporary romances anymore and this is feeling very contemporary to me. I'm sure it's a great read if your into the sweet vanilla romance books but it's just not what I read anymore and I'm not in the right mood for this atm so I'm not going to push myself to read it.
Maybe I'll come back to it one day if the mood strikes.
From the reviews i read.… it looks like this is a fade to black book with not the best pacing in the romance dept and a lot of telling us they have chemistry instead of showing... all of that will definitely bother me so I'm going to take everyone else's word on this and put it down.
I might be giving up on this too soon because I always try to give a book at least 50 pages but when I noticed myself skimming by the second chapter, I realized I just shouldn't force anything and it's ok to DNF.. so that's that.
I hardly ever DNF books but I'm sooo not feeling this so I went and read a bunch of goodreads reviews and I don't think it's going to get much better for me so I'm putting this down before I put myself into a slump
Right away I was turned off by the writing style. I hate third person POV. especially when it's dual perspective... I don't process it as quickly and I'm usually not a fan. In this instant... not a fan.
I'm also not so into contemporary romances anymore and this is feeling very contemporary to me. I'm sure it's a great read if your into the sweet vanilla romance books but it's just not what I read anymore and I'm not in the right mood for this atm so I'm not going to push myself to read it.
Maybe I'll come back to it one day if the mood strikes.
From the reviews i read.… it looks like this is a fade to black book with not the best pacing in the romance dept and a lot of telling us they have chemistry instead of showing... all of that will definitely bother me so I'm going to take everyone else's word on this and put it down.
I might be giving up on this too soon because I always try to give a book at least 50 pages but when I noticed myself skimming by the second chapter, I realized I just shouldn't force anything and it's ok to DNF.. so that's that.
May 1, 2022
It took more than a month for me to finish this. But then, I liked the cozy-vibe, so yeah, two stars...
Things I liked:
🧡 The idea: I think it could've been fun of two neighbours fighting then gradually becoming a couple.
🧡 As I said earlier, The Cozy Feeling of renovation of houses: They were in a nice town and it was pretty cool.
Things I wasn't impressed with:
⚫ The writing: Too slow, not interesting and thus, even though the premise was nice, the book wasn't the greatest.
⚫ The female lead's issue: She was too focused on her mother, the author should've chosen another side track. Like Male lead's side track was nicely handled.
⚫ Not interesting chemistry: Therw isn't much to work with on the romance side. Yeah, they had their moments but it's not like I'll be shipping the.
Things I liked:
🧡 The idea: I think it could've been fun of two neighbours fighting then gradually becoming a couple.
🧡 As I said earlier, The Cozy Feeling of renovation of houses: They were in a nice town and it was pretty cool.
Things I wasn't impressed with:
⚫ The writing: Too slow, not interesting and thus, even though the premise was nice, the book wasn't the greatest.
⚫ The female lead's issue: She was too focused on her mother, the author should've chosen another side track. Like Male lead's side track was nicely handled.
⚫ Not interesting chemistry: Therw isn't much to work with on the romance side. Yeah, they had their moments but it's not like I'll be shipping the.
March 6, 2025
Ummm....
This book kinda just went on forever like I wanted to throw it at a wall and scream at it TO JUST END ALREADY I kinda hated it...
This book kinda just went on forever like I wanted to throw it at a wall and scream at it TO JUST END ALREADY I kinda hated it...
April 25, 2023
3.5 Stars
I’ll begin by saying that this is book two in a series. Why do I feel the need to bring this up? Well, because when I started reading it a month ago, there was absolutely no information on GR or Amazon denoting it as such (the GR series tag has only just been added).
Honestly, for a book that’s been out since January, I felt it was super strange that this series—each book featuring a different brother falling in love—was not promoted as such. Needless to say, I was vexed when I came to the realisation about halfway through, because there’s not much that vexes me more than reading out of order.
But read out of order I indeed did and I feel gross about it now, truth be told.
But I digress…
Clearly, it was still manageable as a standalone, because it did feature a brand-new couple—Grace and Noah, two new neighbours who initially have a bit of a frenemy’s thing going on, but eventually fall ass over tits for each other when they begin working on renovations together and grow closer in the process.
Grace was a pretty wonderful heroine. She was strong, determined and self-sufficient in her drive be a good friend, student and aspiring interior designer. I especially loved how she felt about men and romance—that a relationship would be a welcomed compliment to everything else she was building in her life, but it was not a necessity for her happiness and success. Yaaasss Queen!
Noah was harder to like initially. The guy came from a privileged upbringing and although he was changing his life and separating himself from his money and power come first father, he still had a hell of a lot to learn about the real world and what truly makes a good man and what makes a home a home. Grace’s influence here was pretty big, and through being around her and her positive, passionate energy, Noah actually grew into a fairly likeable guy before all was said and done.
It was a charming read, and I liked the characters and their romance a lot. The story was sweet and simple, finding its strengths in a strong ensemble cast of characters that surrounded Grace and Noah, and in the smooth, no-nonsense writing style, that helped the narrative flow at the perfect pace.
Although I’m feeling salty for having unknowingly read a book out of series order, I liked these characters enough to back-track (by reading Ten Rules for Faking It) so I can do the series its due justice… especially before book three comes out next year!
(A big thanks to whoever finally added the series link on GR this past month. I'm way less confused and niggly now).
*********************************
Audio Edition:
This was my first experience with new-to-me narrator Chloe Dolandis. I liked her performance and would listen to her again, if the right audiobook came along.
I’ll begin by saying that this is book two in a series. Why do I feel the need to bring this up? Well, because when I started reading it a month ago, there was absolutely no information on GR or Amazon denoting it as such (the GR series tag has only just been added).
Honestly, for a book that’s been out since January, I felt it was super strange that this series—each book featuring a different brother falling in love—was not promoted as such. Needless to say, I was vexed when I came to the realisation about halfway through, because there’s not much that vexes me more than reading out of order.
But read out of order I indeed did and I feel gross about it now, truth be told.
But I digress…
Clearly, it was still manageable as a standalone, because it did feature a brand-new couple—Grace and Noah, two new neighbours who initially have a bit of a frenemy’s thing going on, but eventually fall ass over tits for each other when they begin working on renovations together and grow closer in the process.
Grace was a pretty wonderful heroine. She was strong, determined and self-sufficient in her drive be a good friend, student and aspiring interior designer. I especially loved how she felt about men and romance—that a relationship would be a welcomed compliment to everything else she was building in her life, but it was not a necessity for her happiness and success. Yaaasss Queen!
Noah was harder to like initially. The guy came from a privileged upbringing and although he was changing his life and separating himself from his money and power come first father, he still had a hell of a lot to learn about the real world and what truly makes a good man and what makes a home a home. Grace’s influence here was pretty big, and through being around her and her positive, passionate energy, Noah actually grew into a fairly likeable guy before all was said and done.
It was a charming read, and I liked the characters and their romance a lot. The story was sweet and simple, finding its strengths in a strong ensemble cast of characters that surrounded Grace and Noah, and in the smooth, no-nonsense writing style, that helped the narrative flow at the perfect pace.
Although I’m feeling salty for having unknowingly read a book out of series order, I liked these characters enough to back-track (by reading Ten Rules for Faking It) so I can do the series its due justice… especially before book three comes out next year!
(A big thanks to whoever finally added the series link on GR this past month. I'm way less confused and niggly now).
*********************************
Audio Edition:
This was my first experience with new-to-me narrator Chloe Dolandis. I liked her performance and would listen to her again, if the right audiobook came along.
January 20, 2022
Real Rating: 3.5* of five, rounded up because it went down real easy & I'll do it again
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: When Irresistible Force Met Immovable Object is a romantic-fiction staple. The reason it works, time upon time after time, is that the plot never stops feeling...probable, plausible, possible. "Surely *I* will succeed where others have failed," we think with the point-of-view character. The gendered expressions of this...a man who needs to Fix It, a woman who needs to Change It...are both present here.
Why does it work? Because we're told it will, does it become a self-fulfilling prophecy? Um...how's that workin' in real life, then....
So reading this iteration of the old story is pointless, then? Nope. Not a bit of it, as you'll find out when you settle in for a dank winter's afternoon of page-borne cheerfulness. Two people with frankly selfish agendas meet with no obvious path to compromise, only of necessity the victory of Party A over Party B. For most of human history that set-up plays out that way. Given the nature of Grace's upbringing I expected it to be that way this time too, with her gladly giving up her utterly unknown grandparents' little bungalow for the handsome prince's home. Why, there's a way we can subvert expectations, thinks Author Sullivan...so instead of making Grace a gracious loser who wins the bigger prize, the neighbors mend their fences (figurative and literal) in more lasting ways. Therein the way the subversion works best.
What plays well with me, maybe predictably, is Grace's (ugh) gracious (sorry) inclusion of elders in her life. Her deeply toxic mother wasn't a mom, and her thus-inevitable lifelong search for found family is relatable to me. What makes it even sweeter, in the sugary sense, is that she volunteers for caretaker duties with older men who need her for practical reasons...Morty's the proverbial old fool whose unwillingness to grow up even as he grows old will be the death of him much to his gal-pal (NOT "girlfriend" ugh!) Tilly's disgust...but whom she in her turn needs for the long-missing and urgently needed sense of Belonging that older people anchor younger ones with. It is something I've played out from both sides at different times in my life, and it's always worked out well. So far.
So that's the plus side...the downside is real too. The two characters alternate viewpoints, which I approve of as a device in these "he-said-she-said" narratives. The execution...
No points for guessing which is from whose point of view. Grace gets the best lines...it is really her book, so fair enough...but if you go to the trouble of setting up the dichotomy, even out the benefits for it to work as well as it can. I was more convinced that these insta-luuuv sufferers were being presented to me this way so I would really understand why the lust each quite justifiably fell into went deeper. This was undermined by the aforementioned inequality of quality, if you'll forgive the excursion into recursion.
There is quite a cast of characters to keep track of...Rosie, Chris are the BFFs but Chris is also a sibling; Kyle's a contractor whose life as a dad we're treated to glimpses of but Josh is another whose appearances are frequent enough that I was left wondering why he wasn't a bigger part of the story...though I myownself don't see that as a problem, it does contribute to what I honestly feel is a big one: It's too long. I'm interested in Grace's interior design process, I'm appreciative of that layer of verisimilitude offered me, and I still want less of it. The exchanges with Morty and Tilly are amusing, but honestly? Less is more, emulate Le Corbusier when you're inching up on 400pp. And, I realize this is probably just me, but good goddesses please no more painting-as-foreplay! I got headaches from it.
In the end, as one knows it will, the story's HEA comes as no surprise but does come wrapped in a semi-lethal dose of feel-goodish sweetness. It's a lovely moment, the one that ends the book, and would film well...something I don't doubt was in the author's mind...and it gives us the thing that romantic fiction readers need: closure without foreclosure. The parties are together, big shock; but they're not on shaky ground, there's no magical elimination of the obstacles in their world. That always means to me that the author's got respect for her readers. Using deus ex machina is always a cheap trick and it's one that Sophie Sullivan did not succumb to the obvious pointers to use. Kudos for that, and could you please use your PowerPoint skills to wean other authors off it?
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: When Irresistible Force Met Immovable Object is a romantic-fiction staple. The reason it works, time upon time after time, is that the plot never stops feeling...probable, plausible, possible. "Surely *I* will succeed where others have failed," we think with the point-of-view character. The gendered expressions of this...a man who needs to Fix It, a woman who needs to Change It...are both present here.
Why does it work? Because we're told it will, does it become a self-fulfilling prophecy? Um...how's that workin' in real life, then....
So reading this iteration of the old story is pointless, then? Nope. Not a bit of it, as you'll find out when you settle in for a dank winter's afternoon of page-borne cheerfulness. Two people with frankly selfish agendas meet with no obvious path to compromise, only of necessity the victory of Party A over Party B. For most of human history that set-up plays out that way. Given the nature of Grace's upbringing I expected it to be that way this time too, with her gladly giving up her utterly unknown grandparents' little bungalow for the handsome prince's home. Why, there's a way we can subvert expectations, thinks Author Sullivan...so instead of making Grace a gracious loser who wins the bigger prize, the neighbors mend their fences (figurative and literal) in more lasting ways. Therein the way the subversion works best.
What plays well with me, maybe predictably, is Grace's (ugh) gracious (sorry) inclusion of elders in her life. Her deeply toxic mother wasn't a mom, and her thus-inevitable lifelong search for found family is relatable to me. What makes it even sweeter, in the sugary sense, is that she volunteers for caretaker duties with older men who need her for practical reasons...Morty's the proverbial old fool whose unwillingness to grow up even as he grows old will be the death of him much to his gal-pal (NOT "girlfriend" ugh!) Tilly's disgust...but whom she in her turn needs for the long-missing and urgently needed sense of Belonging that older people anchor younger ones with. It is something I've played out from both sides at different times in my life, and it's always worked out well. So far.
So that's the plus side...the downside is real too. The two characters alternate viewpoints, which I approve of as a device in these "he-said-she-said" narratives. The execution...
"You're a very curious and capable woman."
She beamed at him. "Thank you."
He just laughed. Maybe the women he usually hung out with liked different compliments.
–and–
Biting his cheek to keep from smiling, he nodded, then asked, "You think I'm handsome?"
She turned away before her eyeroll was complete. "I'm about to Julia Roberts your credit cards so make sure you're prepared."
No points for guessing which is from whose point of view. Grace gets the best lines...it is really her book, so fair enough...but if you go to the trouble of setting up the dichotomy, even out the benefits for it to work as well as it can. I was more convinced that these insta-luuuv sufferers were being presented to me this way so I would really understand why the lust each quite justifiably fell into went deeper. This was undermined by the aforementioned inequality of quality, if you'll forgive the excursion into recursion.
There is quite a cast of characters to keep track of...Rosie, Chris are the BFFs but Chris is also a sibling; Kyle's a contractor whose life as a dad we're treated to glimpses of but Josh is another whose appearances are frequent enough that I was left wondering why he wasn't a bigger part of the story...though I myownself don't see that as a problem, it does contribute to what I honestly feel is a big one: It's too long. I'm interested in Grace's interior design process, I'm appreciative of that layer of verisimilitude offered me, and I still want less of it. The exchanges with Morty and Tilly are amusing, but honestly? Less is more, emulate Le Corbusier when you're inching up on 400pp. And, I realize this is probably just me, but good goddesses please no more painting-as-foreplay! I got headaches from it.
In the end, as one knows it will, the story's HEA comes as no surprise but does come wrapped in a semi-lethal dose of feel-goodish sweetness. It's a lovely moment, the one that ends the book, and would film well...something I don't doubt was in the author's mind...and it gives us the thing that romantic fiction readers need: closure without foreclosure. The parties are together, big shock; but they're not on shaky ground, there's no magical elimination of the obstacles in their world. That always means to me that the author's got respect for her readers. Using deus ex machina is always a cheap trick and it's one that Sophie Sullivan did not succumb to the obvious pointers to use. Kudos for that, and could you please use your PowerPoint skills to wean other authors off it?
June 19, 2021
thank you to netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
overall, a cute enough story but just wasn't super memorable.
there isn't anything in here that i LOVED, just as there isn't anything i strongly HATED. it was not what i hoped it would be and just not what i look for in a romance.
a small thing i did really like was how the romance was all fade-to-black. i was not expecting that at all, considering its an adult romance, but i personally loved how this wasn't at all spicy.
the first major problem i had was that i just didn't like the actual relationship? i personally didn't see any connection and we were told countless times, rather than shown, how much "chemistry" the two had. their relationship progressed at a weird pace and i unfortunately just wasn't invested in them as a couple. i still just don't understand the whole conflict they had and how they suddenly went from "enemies" to lovers. i actually wish we'd gotten more individual character development, especially from noah, as it maybe would've helped it be more believable.
i think some of the characters and conversations felt a little immature, and honestly a little cringeworthy. the writing was a little clunky, as was the actual plot, because it felt stilted and slow at times but then were other points where so much was happening at once, i was left just questioning what i had just read. a good example of the latter would be the beginning, first couple of chapters. i just confused and not at all intrigued enough to keep reading.
unfortunately, this one was a miss in many ways for me, although i'm sure many people will love it for what it is.
overall, a cute enough story but just wasn't super memorable.
there isn't anything in here that i LOVED, just as there isn't anything i strongly HATED. it was not what i hoped it would be and just not what i look for in a romance.
a small thing i did really like was how the romance was all fade-to-black. i was not expecting that at all, considering its an adult romance, but i personally loved how this wasn't at all spicy.
the first major problem i had was that i just didn't like the actual relationship? i personally didn't see any connection and we were told countless times, rather than shown, how much "chemistry" the two had. their relationship progressed at a weird pace and i unfortunately just wasn't invested in them as a couple. i still just don't understand the whole conflict they had and how they suddenly went from "enemies" to lovers. i actually wish we'd gotten more individual character development, especially from noah, as it maybe would've helped it be more believable.
i think some of the characters and conversations felt a little immature, and honestly a little cringeworthy. the writing was a little clunky, as was the actual plot, because it felt stilted and slow at times but then were other points where so much was happening at once, i was left just questioning what i had just read. a good example of the latter would be the beginning, first couple of chapters. i just confused and not at all intrigued enough to keep reading.
unfortunately, this one was a miss in many ways for me, although i'm sure many people will love it for what it is.
November 9, 2021
Gushy and sweet.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There are some tropes that make it guaranteed you are going to fall for the story. The traditional neighbor-next-door with the love/hate twist is one of those tropes for me. You already know what is coming and the fact we get a happily ever after is the icing too. Getting there is the main story.
Sometimes it take a bit to warm up to the "bad guy" in the story. But for me, I enjoyed the character of Noah right from the start. I never got the bad guy vibe. He was annoying sometimes, didn't think most of the time, but you knew he wore his heart on his sleeve.
This story has many fun, quirky parts to it to keep you entranced and engaged. The supporting characters add a load of balance and humor that really develops the story. The heartfelt growing romance between Noah and Grace was energetic, emotional, and deeply layered. The author gives us plenty of heat and building tension but in a clean way.
How to Love Your Neighbor fits the bill when it comes to a sweet, endearing story that just leaves you feeling happy and sated. That is the best type of romances.
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/how-to-love-...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There are some tropes that make it guaranteed you are going to fall for the story. The traditional neighbor-next-door with the love/hate twist is one of those tropes for me. You already know what is coming and the fact we get a happily ever after is the icing too. Getting there is the main story.
Sometimes it take a bit to warm up to the "bad guy" in the story. But for me, I enjoyed the character of Noah right from the start. I never got the bad guy vibe. He was annoying sometimes, didn't think most of the time, but you knew he wore his heart on his sleeve.
This story has many fun, quirky parts to it to keep you entranced and engaged. The supporting characters add a load of balance and humor that really develops the story. The heartfelt growing romance between Noah and Grace was energetic, emotional, and deeply layered. The author gives us plenty of heat and building tension but in a clean way.
How to Love Your Neighbor fits the bill when it comes to a sweet, endearing story that just leaves you feeling happy and sated. That is the best type of romances.
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/how-to-love-...
January 24, 2022
Lean into the fall, Grace. You’ve got this and you’re not alone.
Overall How to Love Your Neighbor was a cute enemy neighbors to lovers read. There’s a bickering neighbors dynamic, and two people who are focused on everything and anything but love. Grace is an up and coming interior designer, working a handful of jobs, and trying to make the house she inherited, from grandparents she wasn’t able to know, a home. Noah is an established name in New York real estate, but he’s moved to California to try to distance himself from his fathers name and to find what makes him feel fulfilled.
Mainly Noah and Grace are trying to do big things, reach their goals in life and prove to themselves that they are not their parents. Love isn’t part of their immediate plan, but it always finds a way doesn’t it? There’s some hard to read parent/child dynamics in this one, but they were also very relatable. I think what makes this book good for me is that there’s found family and life lessons weaved in that I adored. I did have some issues connecting to Noah as the hero and to these two as a couple. I just didn’t FEEL it, but I think if you’re looking for a sweet romance that means heavily on the tropes and feel good messaging then you’ll enjoy this book.
*Note it is a fade to black read. Only mentioning it because I normally read higher heat romance, and don’t want assumptions made.
AVAILABLE NOW!!
*ARC
Overall How to Love Your Neighbor was a cute enemy neighbors to lovers read. There’s a bickering neighbors dynamic, and two people who are focused on everything and anything but love. Grace is an up and coming interior designer, working a handful of jobs, and trying to make the house she inherited, from grandparents she wasn’t able to know, a home. Noah is an established name in New York real estate, but he’s moved to California to try to distance himself from his fathers name and to find what makes him feel fulfilled.
Mainly Noah and Grace are trying to do big things, reach their goals in life and prove to themselves that they are not their parents. Love isn’t part of their immediate plan, but it always finds a way doesn’t it? There’s some hard to read parent/child dynamics in this one, but they were also very relatable. I think what makes this book good for me is that there’s found family and life lessons weaved in that I adored. I did have some issues connecting to Noah as the hero and to these two as a couple. I just didn’t FEEL it, but I think if you’re looking for a sweet romance that means heavily on the tropes and feel good messaging then you’ll enjoy this book.
*Note it is a fade to black read. Only mentioning it because I normally read higher heat romance, and don’t want assumptions made.
AVAILABLE NOW!!
*ARC
February 5, 2022
MINOR SPOILERS, CAUTION
2.5 ⭐
I found the cover so cute, it seemed ordinary but gah I don't know I liked it.
This book is a semi enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine trope book.
It contained too many unnecessary details so I skimmed past the dialogues.
One such redundant part is this one where Noah asked his friend Josh out to surf and the latter assumed he was gay:
As per most contemporary romance books, Noah and Grace tried to fight one another's attraction, up till the last breath before the first kiss. But it still happened anyway. With a compromise of not being enemies anymore.
That didn't work well as it should. There were more bickering and misunderstandings here and there. A lot more stolen glances.
And for their very first (supposed because it isn't clear) smut scene all we get it:
So the imagination is up to us. But Grace is nice to assure us that Noah indeed isn't lacking:
Why 2.5 ⭐? It feels too quick that Grace had Noah wrapped around her little finger. It was only a few chapters ago they were at each other's throats. That's why I classified this as semi enemies-to-lovers. Because the angst just suddenly fell flat. Also, Noah went from a grumpy man to a man in love too quickly. I felt there were too many details on the unnecessary plot of Grace's mom and Noah's dad. It felt like Noah and Grace's relationship didn't have the proper depth needed before becoming a thing. The emphasis on the friends and people around the main characters was also more developed than them which isn't to my liking.
But I won't lie that it isn't cute to see Noah try for Grace. I like that he learns and listens to her words and try to love in a language that she wanted:
And they both know how to amend their mistakes. I think two people growing together is heart-warming to read.
So overall, a light-hearted, fluffy, clean contemporary romance. This gave me Tools of Engagement vibes just except with not much angst.
I'll end this review with a sappy quote:
2.5 ⭐
I found the cover so cute, it seemed ordinary but gah I don't know I liked it.
This book is a semi enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine trope book.
It contained too many unnecessary details so I skimmed past the dialogues.
One such redundant part is this one where Noah asked his friend Josh out to surf and the latter assumed he was gay:
Josh set his can down, then swept a hand over his slightly-too-long hair. “Right. Listen, man. Sir. Noah. I’m flattered—”“I’m not into you,” Noah blurted. Josh folded his arms over his chest. “Okay. Why’d you ask me out then?”
As per most contemporary romance books, Noah and Grace tried to fight one another's attraction, up till the last breath before the first kiss. But it still happened anyway. With a compromise of not being enemies anymore.
That didn't work well as it should. There were more bickering and misunderstandings here and there. A lot more stolen glances.
And for their very first (supposed because it isn't clear) smut scene all we get it:
He moved over her, kissing her, peace and hunger warring inside of him. Her hands in his hair, their skin touching, her mouth on his; he was drowning.
So the imagination is up to us. But Grace is nice to assure us that Noah indeed isn't lacking:
Ha. No worries in that department. He knew exactly how to do all the things.
Why 2.5 ⭐? It feels too quick that Grace had Noah wrapped around her little finger. It was only a few chapters ago they were at each other's throats. That's why I classified this as semi enemies-to-lovers. Because the angst just suddenly fell flat. Also, Noah went from a grumpy man to a man in love too quickly. I felt there were too many details on the unnecessary plot of Grace's mom and Noah's dad. It felt like Noah and Grace's relationship didn't have the proper depth needed before becoming a thing. The emphasis on the friends and people around the main characters was also more developed than them which isn't to my liking.
But I won't lie that it isn't cute to see Noah try for Grace. I like that he learns and listens to her words and try to love in a language that she wanted:
I’m sorry I didn’t listen but I hear you and will do better in the future.
And they both know how to amend their mistakes. I think two people growing together is heart-warming to read.
So overall, a light-hearted, fluffy, clean contemporary romance. This gave me Tools of Engagement vibes just except with not much angst.
I'll end this review with a sappy quote:
For showing me that happiness isn’t about where you live or what you achieve. A home isn’t walls, a roof, and a floor. It’s a feeling; it comes with being seen and accepted for who you are. It’s finding the person who makes you feel alive no matter where you are or what you accomplish. The person who makes you feel like you could have nothing and still have everything. It’s unconditional love
January 4, 2026
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book isn't listed as part of a series, but it definitely is. Sophie Sullivan's first book "Ten Rules for Faking It" was about the brother Chris. This book is Noah's and there is another brother and a sister, so I definitely smell a series here. This is not a single POV Contemporary Romance, which I usually don't like, so an extra star for that. I love the characters and how each handles their respective families. It is written with a light touch, but there are some serious issues there too.
Is it love or hate at first sight? These two do not like each other on their first meeting, but there is a definite zing happening.
Noah Jansen has relocated from New York to the Beach Cities of sunny SoCal. He is trying to establish himself apart from his father as a developer, but daddy dearest is doing his best to impede his success. Noah has found a great little beach house, a place to call home, and if he can buy the shack nest door, it would be perfect. Unfortunately, the owner is a hot little number who has no interest in selling. Noah has heard that before, but everyone has a price, and Noah the businessman just has to play this the right way. Or is he going to get played?
Grace Travis has basically raised herself. Mommy Dearest cut ties with her family and really had little use even for Grace. When Grace inherited her grandparent's beach bungalow, she saw it as the chance to have a place and roots. Grace is about to graduate design school and start her life. Everything is good, except for the handsome hunk next door who wants to buy her house. Grace has no time for the man until he comes wrapped up with the design job of her dreams.
This book isn't listed as part of a series, but it definitely is. Sophie Sullivan's first book "Ten Rules for Faking It" was about the brother Chris. This book is Noah's and there is another brother and a sister, so I definitely smell a series here. This is not a single POV Contemporary Romance, which I usually don't like, so an extra star for that. I love the characters and how each handles their respective families. It is written with a light touch, but there are some serious issues there too.
Is it love or hate at first sight? These two do not like each other on their first meeting, but there is a definite zing happening.
Noah Jansen has relocated from New York to the Beach Cities of sunny SoCal. He is trying to establish himself apart from his father as a developer, but daddy dearest is doing his best to impede his success. Noah has found a great little beach house, a place to call home, and if he can buy the shack nest door, it would be perfect. Unfortunately, the owner is a hot little number who has no interest in selling. Noah has heard that before, but everyone has a price, and Noah the businessman just has to play this the right way. Or is he going to get played?
Grace Travis has basically raised herself. Mommy Dearest cut ties with her family and really had little use even for Grace. When Grace inherited her grandparent's beach bungalow, she saw it as the chance to have a place and roots. Grace is about to graduate design school and start her life. Everything is good, except for the handsome hunk next door who wants to buy her house. Grace has no time for the man until he comes wrapped up with the design job of her dreams.
February 4, 2022
I have been not so patiently waiting for Sophie Sullivan's second book for WAY too long. I loved 10 Rules, but think I just might love How to Love Your Neighbor even more. Noah is a real estate developer who is trying to break free from the image he gained while working with his dad. He moves to a fixer upper on the beach in California and right next door to Grace. Grace is a design student with big goals and a small bank account. She is working nonstop to be successful in school and to make ends meet. When she inherits her grandparents cottage on the beach, her only dream is to move in and fix it up. This neighbors situation creates an enemies to lovers set up that is fun and playful, but not too mean. It creates a tension between Noah and Grace that keeps you turning pages and ignoring your family (that's when you know its good!). The depth of emotion is spot on. The cameos from 10 Rules are so good. I can't wait to share this one with pretty much everyone.
Notes for the reader: This can totally be read stand alone. It is closed door, but done very well.
Notes for the reader: This can totally be read stand alone. It is closed door, but done very well.
November 24, 2021
Short Review: I highly recommend this book to those looking for a sweet, funny, clean, and lighthearted romantic read.
Full Review: How to Love Your Neighbor is a perfect follow up to Ten Rules for Faking It
Full Review: How to Love Your Neighbor is a perfect follow up to Ten Rules for Faking It
In this book we meet Noah, the brother of Chris, the male protagonist from the first book. Noah has moved to a house on the beach, and he’s determined to purchase the neighboring rundown property so he can build a pool (because who doesn't need a pool when they live on the beach?). Little does he know, Grace, a design student, has just inherited the place from her grandparents and has every intention of renovating the place and setting down roots.
Noah and Grace clash heads, despite some initial chemistry before they knew who each other was. Noah is a son of a rich businessman who just wants to make a name for himself. Grace grew up dirt-poor and is struggling to make ends meet. They both have something to prove, and, like with any fabulous romance novel, their goals are in direct conflict with their desires… This book is funny and sweet. Noah and Grace have some hilarious moments, and I absolutely love how Grace gets tongue-tied whenever in Noah’s presence, and then berates herself internally. Cringey and so relatable!
Grace and Noah make several bets and deals over the course of the book, all of them involving some form of home renovation or design. Because Grace is finishing up her design degree and Noah usually works on the back-end of flipping properties, this is a nice theme that ties the entire book together. The author features quite a few complementary creative events throughout the book (paint night, anyone?), which ties the entire plotline together in a perfectly little bow.
I absolutely love the book’s supporting cast. Any time a romance novel has a persnickety old man/woman who provides their two cents in one of the protagonist’s lives, I’m there for it, and this book delivers in the form of an old man named Morty.
We even get to see Chris and Everly from the previous book, which is a nostalgic (for me) reunion.
*Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ebook to review*
This review appeared first on https://powerlibrarian.wordpress.com/
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August 9, 2022
I have been trying to finish this book for 5 months. It just did not hold my interest. Maybe because renovations are not that interesting to read about. And honestly, the design work that Gracie did sounded basic as anything. I started having flashbacks to that Nora Roberts Inn trilogy where we heard all about beds, painting, floors, etc. and my eyes glazed. Those three books became a hate read after a while. The romance between Gracie and Noah is good, it's a nice slow heat. But it just got really boring after a while. Plus there's another romance in this one with her best friend and I swear I went at one point, they just met and they moved in together? And I got super distracted. At this point though with so many authors and readers attacking romance books by claiming they don't need to end in a Happily Ever After (yes they freaking do) I was just glad to read a 3 star romance with a HEA. This is not a world shaker by any means, but it gets the job done. This is a continuation to the other book Sullivan put out, "Ten Rules for Faking It". Why this is not pushed as a sequel is baffling. Everly and Chris are in this. Plus the next book she is putting out in January 2023 is following Chris and Noah's brother Wes. I am also confused why the title is spelled the way it is when this book takes place in California and none of the characters are British.
"How to Love Your Neighbour" follows Gracie Travis and Noah Jansen. Gracie is dealing with moving out of a home she shares with an elderly friend to move into a home that the grandparents she never met left her. Noah wants to buy the home in order to expand his house's footprint. Gracie of course refused to sell and then the book follows them as they get to know each other. When Gracie is offered the ability to help design Noah's home and a magazine spread to boot, how can she resist?
I liked Gracie and Noah fine. Both of the characters have a shared terrible upbringing that brings them closer. Noah's dad is awful and Gracie's mother is awful. They both want to put down roots for the same reasons. I do think that there was too much back and forth of Noah not understanding how "women" and people with emotions work. I get that he's supposed to be the clueless rich guy, but come on. Do rich people not understand how to say sorry? That was a whole thing in this book that took me completely out. The romance as I said was a nice slow burn. But I just got bored after a while and hoped they get on with it.
As I said above, the plot dealing with the renovations and whatnot took up way too much of this book. They even did a freaking Trading Spaces switch at one point and I rolled my eyes. If you are not going to bring up Crying Pam people you totally failed. But it was so weird to be like, yes Noah needs to learn how to love and open up by allowing people to paint his home. I am laughing right now, you can't see me, but I am cracking up.
The writing was fine, but the flow was not. There's a reason why this took me so long to get into. It starts off slow and the constant discussion of paint, renovation, and I am sorry putting up a freaking barn door did not excite me. I legit said at one point, sounds like she did what the Gaines do to homes in Texas with that so called barn yard chic mess.
The setting of the book really just stays on Gracie and Noah's two homes.
The ending was really good and I thought it was a nice way to tie up Gracie and Noah's toxic parents too.
"How to Love Your Neighbour" follows Gracie Travis and Noah Jansen. Gracie is dealing with moving out of a home she shares with an elderly friend to move into a home that the grandparents she never met left her. Noah wants to buy the home in order to expand his house's footprint. Gracie of course refused to sell and then the book follows them as they get to know each other. When Gracie is offered the ability to help design Noah's home and a magazine spread to boot, how can she resist?
I liked Gracie and Noah fine. Both of the characters have a shared terrible upbringing that brings them closer. Noah's dad is awful and Gracie's mother is awful. They both want to put down roots for the same reasons. I do think that there was too much back and forth of Noah not understanding how "women" and people with emotions work. I get that he's supposed to be the clueless rich guy, but come on. Do rich people not understand how to say sorry? That was a whole thing in this book that took me completely out. The romance as I said was a nice slow burn. But I just got bored after a while and hoped they get on with it.
As I said above, the plot dealing with the renovations and whatnot took up way too much of this book. They even did a freaking Trading Spaces switch at one point and I rolled my eyes. If you are not going to bring up Crying Pam people you totally failed. But it was so weird to be like, yes Noah needs to learn how to love and open up by allowing people to paint his home. I am laughing right now, you can't see me, but I am cracking up.
The writing was fine, but the flow was not. There's a reason why this took me so long to get into. It starts off slow and the constant discussion of paint, renovation, and I am sorry putting up a freaking barn door did not excite me. I legit said at one point, sounds like she did what the Gaines do to homes in Texas with that so called barn yard chic mess.
The setting of the book really just stays on Gracie and Noah's two homes.
The ending was really good and I thought it was a nice way to tie up Gracie and Noah's toxic parents too.
July 3, 2022
I am a sucker for an enemies to lovers romance book so this book sounded like just what the doctor ordered. Plus look at that cover! So cute! I didn't hate How to Love Your Neighbor, it was cute. Would I recommend it to my friends? I'm sorry but no.
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