Mr. Right Next Door

Rose Bend #4

by Naima Simone

"Passion, heat and deep emotion—Naima Simone is a gem!" —Maisey Yates, New York Times bestselling author

As the ex-mayor’s daughter, Jenna Landon has spent her life aiming for perfection—and missing. The pressure and disappointment turned her into a bit of a mean girl, but now she’s tired of protecting her soft heart, of hiding her losses—she’s ready to leave Rose Bend and start over. But before she can leave, she has to endure the town’s carnival fundraiser, her father’s reelection campaign…and the pain-in-the-tail giant who just moved in next door.

Wrestling coach Isaac Hunter didn’t mean to disturb his neighbor with his music while fixing his car. But if anyone could use “messing with,” it’s prissy, perfect, sexy Jenna Landon. Soon their clashes turn into something hotter. Recently divorced, his focus should be rebuilding his life, not an… entanglement with a woman who spells nothing but trouble. Because Jenna is leaving Rose Bend. And they both know he can’t go with her, and he can’t ask her to stay...

Bonus novella! 

Tattoo artist Erik Mann never should’ve agreed to hire his best friend’s sister. Against the odds, he’s built a successful business in Rose Bend and has everything exactly as he likes it. The last thing he needs is her sweeping in, changing things. He doesn’t know whether to throw her out…or kiss her. Not that either is an option. Her brother made it clear that she’s strictly off-limits.

Rose Bend

Book 1: The Road to Rose Bend
Book 2: Christmas in Rose Bend
Book 3: With Love from Rose Bend
Book 4: Mr. Right Next Door

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

410 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 10, 2023

About the author

Published since 2009, USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone loves writing sizzling romances with heart, a touch of humor and snark. Her books have been featured in The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly, and described as balancing “crackling, electric love scenes with exquisitely rendered characters caught in emotional turmoil.”

She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.

Reviews

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

MR. RIGHT NEXT DOOR (Rose Bend Book #4) by Naima Simone is an emotional contemporary romance that takes the “mean girl” of the series and turns everything you believe about her upside down while matching her with a broken hero who has come home to Rose Bend to heal with family. This is a small-town romance series, and while these stories are more enjoyable when read in order, they can be read as standalone stories.

Jenna Landon is cold and sharp. If you get too close, you will receive a verbal blow that is meant to cause pain. She does not let people see the hurt and “never enough” woman her parents continue to reminder her that she is to them. She is finally ready to flee Rose Bend after one more fundraiser for her father’s reelection campaign.

Retired pro wrestler Mr. Right is Isaac Hunter, and he has returned to Rose Bend to be close to his family after a much-publicized divorce. He accepts the position of assistant wrestling coach at the high school while he decides what he wants to do with the rest of his life. While working on his truck and blaring country music on an early Saturday morning, his next-door neighbor comes over to complain. While Isaac discovers that the prissy Jenna Landon is fun to mess with, he also discovers there is more to her than others around town have seen.

Isaac has enough problems of his own and his next-door neighbor spells nothing but trouble, but as their attraction builds, so does his need to prove to Jenna that she is more than enough for him.

WOW! I never thought this redemption story could be possible. Ms. Simone completely turned my feelings around for Jenna and made me fall for another new man in Rose Bend. When an author can make you cry for the “mean girl”, you know you have found a gem. Jenna and Isaac are characters that could walk right off the page, they are written so realistically. The slow burn and snarky dialogue are perfect for these characters and this romance. The sex scene is not until almost the end of the story, and it is explicit, but it is not gratuitous just perfect. It is always fun to catch up with characters from the other books in the series and it is especially heartwarming to watch Jenna make amends and reunite with her two best girl friends in town.

I highly recommend this contemporary romance and look forward to returning to Rose Bend again and again.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, my favorite author forces me to feel literally all the feels. I kinda feel like she's doing it on purpose at this point? Why do you do this to me, Naima Simone!!!!

For realsies though. I loved this book. So much. Especially since I loathed Jenna before this book, which made it so much harder to realize I'd been a terrible, judgemental witch and I'm so sorry for ever doubting you Jenna!! I also love Isaac, and how he sees her in a way that no one else does, sees things that no one else sees. To have someone see each part of you that you hide....my heart.

So, to sum up, love. All the love. I want to live in Rose Bend. Also, remind me to stock up on tissues before the next Rose Bend book comes out please!

[Anayah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am such a sucker for a nicely written small town romance 😩

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 "See me" Stars!

I rarely love a redemption story, but Naima Simone absolutely pulled it off! Jenna had a heartbreaking and incredible story. I actually ended up loving her. Oh, this is a slow burn but the steam pays off. It's worth the wait. Happy reading!

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started off a bit slower and it took a while for me to get into it. I was also intrigued by the heroine of this book who has for the previous books in the series, been painted in a pretty villainous light;. but I trusted Naima to be able to redeem her. It's not so much about redeeming Jenna, more about revealing Jenna, revealing who she really is and why she puts on the facade of an uncaring, coldhearted bitch. Her backstory is painful and I was glad to see her shake off the toxic people in her life (basically her parents) and be brave enough to fight for her HEA with Isaac. Also, Jenna deals with infertility and I am so so glad this book didn't end in a magical pregnancy because that's one of my least favorite things; I love Isaac telling her that having or not having a baby isn't the sum of who she is.

CW: off page teenage pregnancy resulting in miscarriage; toxic parents, parental abandonment; off page cheating resulting in divorce, loss of baby via adoption when birth mother chose to keep the baby; infertility;

ARC via Netgalley, review is all mine;

[TLynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently divorced, Isaac Hunter retired as a championship wrestler and moved back to Rose Bend to be near his family. He wanted a fresh start so he took the position as an assistant coach for Rose Bend’s high school wrestling team. His focus should have been on deciding his future and not the troublesome female next door who is leaving town soon.
“You said you can’t blame people in this town for not taking a look. For not seeing you. Okay, you might not blame them. But I will. I do. I know the cold and prickly persona you give off. And that tongue can slice fast and deep. But I’ve been in Rose Bend for a matter of weeks. Weeks, Jenna. And I see there’s more to you than ice, thorns, and sharpness. All I had to do was take the time to look. To want to look.”
Jenna Landon, the daughter of Rose Bend’s ex-mayor, has spent her life trying to be perfect for her parents but never reaching their standards. She hides behind the mean girl persona that she has perfected over the years but she is ready to leave Rose Bend and the reputation she has made over the years. She just has to survive the town’s fundraiser and her father’s campaign to be reelected then she is moving and restarting her life.
Jenna protected her heart by hiding behind a mask of indifference and no one took the time to understand her until Isaac. He had his own personal struggles but he took the time to see the real Jenna and stood up for her. I loved how realistic Jenna and Isaac were. Their struggles were real life and heartbreaking. This was an emotional book but still had plenty of humor. The first meeting of Jenna and Isaac was cute, and I loved their banter and nicknames for each other.
I read this as a stand-alone, but I had no trouble with it. It was another delightful book by Ms. Simone with all the small-town feel-goods and I really enjoyed reading it.

[Fedora · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW.

If you’re wondering whether Naima Simone can write an incredibly powerful and moving and believable redemption story, let me help you answer that with a resounding YES.

Mr Right Next Door by Naima Simone is the fourth in her Rose Bend series, and Jenna Landon, also known largely as the town’s frosty Ice Queen, and not in any of the flattering Disney-esque ways, is not the neighbor Isaac Hunter, newly retired wrestling superstar also known by his stage persona Mr Right, expected. But as Ms Simone ably shows us and Isaac and Jenna, who get off on the wrong feet with an early morning not-meet-cute, sometimes someone who doesn’t know us at all can turn out to be someone who sees us most clearly…

Honestly, Mr Right Next Door was glorious—I came to love Jenna, who has been keeping her truest self under wraps with the verbal equivalent of a fortress built of flaming swords, and Isaac, who is struggling to rediscover his own footing after painful personal and professional struggles.

Naima Simone’s characterizations are finely drawn, Jenna’s and Isaac’s hearts and turmoil beautifully portrayed. The secondary characters are just as well written, and Rose Bend is as real a setting as our own home towns.

Mr Right Next Door is another Naima Simone must-read!

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought-provoking and memorable romance read!

This story and its characters broke me and put me back together again. My heart hurt for the two leads, Jenna and Isaac, and everything they went through both before and during this book. I rooted for them from the very first page because they are just so alive on the page. They are rich, vibrant, and their experiences will leave a mark. They are amazing together, and also on their own individually. I loved them so much and even though I just finished reading this one, I already want to read it again. Absolutely loved it.

Full review to come at Okie Dreams website.

[Cheryl White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in this series that I have read. This is an author that found me -- through my subscription to the HQN romance books I get monthly.
I love the attention to detail in her character descriptions, and the diversity of the characters themselves. I'll be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! The mayor’s daughter, Jenna Landon, has secrets galore. Isaac Hunter, her new neighbor, has secrets too. Together they combust and start to reveal themselves to each other.

Loved this book! Naima Simone just is one of the best.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was waiting on Jenna’s story and didn’t realize I was. She was so mean/nasty in previous stories and so easy to dislike but we were able to see the real Jeanna and I loved it. I loved her interaction with Issac as well. This was a great story. Well done Naima!! Keep them coming.

[Cecly Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment in the rose end series. So happy for Jenna and her Mr. Right.

[Meg Mardell · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first foray into Rose Bend and I loved it! This a probably a 4.5 for me as it hit all the best bits of a Small Town romance imo, including a homecoming, reconciling with past wrongs, and redefining what a 'perfect' future might be. Set this in the cutest small town imaginable in the midst of October festivals like Spooks N' Books and add in tropes like Next Door and Celebrity Romance and I was all the way in. The extent to which it works for others will probably depend on whether you are a fan of the former Mean Girl heroine. If you, like me, love an Astrid Parker style perfectionist heroine who keeps everyone at arms length by means of sharp tongue, then you should absolutely check this one out. And it would be impossible for anyone not to adore our monster truck loving ex-pro wrestler hero who won't back down from the challenge of loving this prickly pear. The chemistry between these two is enough to make the backyard firepit and steaming cups of coco redundant. Rose Bend, I'll be back.

CW: IVF and pregnancy loss (seems to be a big part of this world build generally, think Virgin River style drama).

[Pj Ausdenmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first impression of Jenna Landon, in book one of Naima Simone's Rose Bend series, was that she was a bitter, self-absorbed, nasty piece of work. My second impression, in book two, only reinforced my opinion. But then, along came book three and one single scene where Simone pulled back Jenna's curtain just a bit and suddenly I found myself wondering if I, like the rest of Rose Bend, had it all wrong. Was there actually more to this character than I had thought? And, holy wow, did Naima Simone actually have plans to redeem her???

To say I have been anticipating this story would be a massive understatement. I went into it with very high expectations and I'm happy to say that Simone not only met those expectations, she blew them out of the water. I would even go so far as to say this was my favorite book of the series so far. I loved the complexities of both Jenna and Isaac. These two set off sparks from the get-go, with their snappy banter, sizzling chemistry, and snarky nicknames that over time became endearing.

It wasn't an easy road to Jenna and Isaac's happily ever after but it never is with a Naima Simone book. That's one of the things I most enjoy about her writing, the way she keeps it real. She populates her stories with flawed, complex characters, people like you and me who face adversity and react to challenges in a myriad of ways. She also excels in writing complicated, dysfunctional families and, boy howdy, does Jenna's family ever exemplify that. I won't go into the things I wanted to do to her parents. And then she gives me deeply emotional, heart-tugging, steamy romance that renews my faith in enduring love...every single time.

If you aren't reading Naima Simone's Rose Bend series - and why aren't you? - you're missing out on some of the best contemporary romance out there. I highly recommend it. Mr. Right Next Door can be enjoyed on its own but for the full impact of Jenna's redemption I strongly recommend reading the series books in order.

Advance copy received for fair and unbiased opinion.
Keeper copy purchased upon publication.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved getting Jenna's story. Who knew that the town mean girl, had a heart of gold? It only took Isaac to polish it and make it shine. Their story had so much to give and was the perfect second chance for both of them to get it right.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one didn’t make me cry quite as hard as the first in the series, but daaaaMmmmn.

CW: miscarriage, grief, the hero was adopting a baby when the birth mother changed her mind, hero’s marriage ended after his wife cheated, heroine experienced teenage pregnancy and miscarriage, terrible emotionally abusive parents. Heroine was the villain in book 1 and 2, and Naïma Simone had a difficult redemption journey to write.

Jenna Landon is the small town bitch on wheels, but pretty quickly reading her POV here we learn why. The hero, Issac, is the only one to see the cracks in her armor. Isaac is “Mr Right” WWF wrestling legend, retired from the business. They end up neighbors and off to a rocky start. But Issac is intrigued by Jenna and kinda gets off on her snarky attitude.

I HATED Jenna’s parents. She eventually does stand up for herself but it takes the whole damn book.

I loved the secret pen name story line for Jenna!

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This small town has more than it’s fair share of broken hearts, and another just came to town! Isaac didn’t grow up in Rose Bend, he is from one town over. Once his life fell apart, he takes a job, and moves to town. That puts him directly in the path of the town’s pampered princess, Jenna. We kinda knew Jenna wasn’t what she seemed, but her story broke my heart, as did Isaac’s. So basically, the authour ripped our hearts out of our chests, squished it all up, and then shoved it back in. Where, as the story unfolded, our hearts became complete and whole again, along with the characters. Always an emotional ride, always scorching chemistry, always a happy ending, I love this series and this town <3

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna Landon appears to be very cold and aloof. Her new neighbor Isaac Hunter is intrigued by her.
He sees the real Jenna. He did not let her push him away. The more he got to know her the better he liked her. Her parents were awful. They were all about appearances and did not really show their daughter any love or support. Jenna finally stood up for herself and told her parents what was on her mind about their poor treatment of her.

[Stacey Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isaac and Jenna

Jenna has been in most of the stories in the Rose Bend stories. I wondered how this character can be rehabilitated.

It worked, loved this story and how it came together so sweetly!

[Cami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr Right Next Door by Naima Simone is the fourth in the Rose Bend series but only the 2nd one I have read.

Jenna Landon is known as Rose Bend’s frosty Ice Queen. Even though I’ve only read one other book in this series I can gather that her reputation is of a snoby, self-centered rich girl who is nasty and cutting. I will say her parents are a real piece of work and I have said it before in other books I do NOT understand why grown children put up with such horrible parents!!! It almost stopped me from continuing this book. I wanted to DNF it because of the ridiculously mean and uncaring parents!!!!!

Isaac Hunter has just retired from professional wrestling where he was a superstar, aka Mr. Right. He is trying to start his new life after going through some difficult professional and personal struggles and ends up moving in next door to Jenna. Let’s just say their first encounter, the meet cute is not exactly ideal.

Jenna would be easy to hate except it doesn’t take very long to realize there is way more to her “Mean Girl” persona. I enjoyed the pace that these two main characters relationship was on as they got to know one another. I liked how Isaac “Monster” seemed to know that Jenna “Malibu” wasn’t really as bad everyone thought she was.

Cute & different story. The only reason I gave it a 4 was because of the amount of verbal abuse she took from her parents.

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Right Next Door by Naima Simone is a perfect contemporary romance full of full belly laughs. The banters and dialogue between the hero and the heroine alone make this book outstanding. Then, add in the comments from the hero's niece with superb hearing and then form his sister and mom. Half romantic comedy and half contemporary this novel is extremely fun. The characters have their own issues and then coming to terms with one another is just meant to be.

I find myself entertained throughout this book. The hero is so manly that when a simple thing reminds him of his loss, the grief consumes him. It is heartbreaking at moments like that. I loved how the "stuck up" heroine was bothered and puzzled by what caused "The Monster" to run out so fast. She does not have a cold heart after all.

It is super difficult to not fall in love with all these quirky characters. They have attitudes and personalities that just come to life. Overall, I highly recommend reading this latest novel by Naima Simone and her other books too! She writes so well!

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

[Aly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Jenna Landon is still stuck with the mean girl reputation she got in high school even if it's been years since she last acted like it. She's thinking about leaving Rose Bend to start over where no one knows the girl she used to be. Maybe she could also learn to keep her distance from her forever unsatisfied parents if she didn't have to see them every week. The arrival of a newcomer next door will change her daily routine. Who knew that bickering with the new neighbor could be that infuriating but so fun at the same time?

For Isaac Hunter, a former famous wrestler, coming to Rose Bend and living close to his family is a benefit. Leaving his old life behind and coach wrestling in high school is what's on his agenda now. But he'll make time to spend time with his new neighbor and will try to understand why he's the only one in town who seems to see her big heart.


I love this series but this book had a slower pace than the others and even if it's part of Jenna's history and served the plot, her parents just pissed me off so much!

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have all encountered that incessantly mean girl whom we wish to avoid. Naima Simone tackles the meanie of Rose Bend, Jenna. I had so much fun reading it! Jenna has so much depth that is eventually revealed as the book progresses.
I love the banter and repartee between Jenna and Isaac. I laughed when she refers to him as Monster and he calls her Malibu.
I was almost sorry to see their clashes end because they were very entertaining.
There are all sorts of reasons why people are mean and nasty and Simone gives Jenna some really good reasons for her actions, namely her parents. Those 2 were a barrel of laughs.
Go around the bend to this picturesque town and see why Isaac was Mr. Right Next Door.
Thanks to NetGalley and HTP for the early copy.

[Nadia Latai (Nadiasbookishworld86) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose Bend is the place to be loved and find love. Jenna and Isaac are the perfect mean girl grump combination. Jenna has the reputation of being the town Princess, the daughter of political royalty who finds every opportunity to snub others. Isaac is just trying to start over in life by working at the local High School and living a quiet, normal lifestyle. Oil and water are these new neighbors where quiet is nonexistent.


I loved the depths in this story! People’s behavior usually stem from their history or environment. Jenna has secrets she is ashamed of, and a reputation to uphold. Being vulnerable is not an option. Home is calling in the form of Rose Bend, where you’re a part of the family, one of the locals….. Small towns are where it’s at! ❤️

🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Grace smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can honestly say this is the first book I've enjoyed in a while. It was angsty more than I expected, it almost needed a trigger warning. At the risk of spoilers it includes miscarriages and divorce over child loss. It perfectly danced that fine line between poetic and regular writting that made the entire thing captivating. The only reason for 4 stars was the ending, it was happy, but it was a bit of a let down. The problem was resolved too quickly and everything was wrapped up.

[Joy Awuor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t we all just love a well written , Well paced and FINALLY ,a well written male character ! @Naima Simone You totally did this story the justice it deserved . A well written small town romance . 🥰 Reading this in the fall is what is making this book extra special! Will be checking out other titles . Thank you for writing a book with a good story line , Characters seeking redemption and a beautiful town and above all with lots of good small town humor!!!🫶🏾

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Malibu and Monster. It was good to read Jenna and Isaac’s story. I have what I call the Nesta scale, yes after Nesta Archeron. I’d say Jenna was a 5 out of 5 on that scale. But the redemption arc is really great. But reading about her parents was painful. Oof. Overall, a solid read and the two MCs romance was a delight.

[Linda Nease · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book about a woman whose father is trying to run for mayor again after losing to another town resident. She snubs a lot of people trying to get favor with her father, who thinks they are better than everyone else. Finally figures out that she needs to live her own life and not cater to her father.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naima Simone's name came up in an "author recommends other authors" list so, while neither 'mean girl' nor recently retired professional wrestler would have been a main character I would have sought out myself, I gave this one a try. Glad I did. Just goes to show it's always a good idea to try new things.

[Me · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3 stars read. She the "bitch" and everyone in Rosen Bend knows it. He thinks there's more to her then her reputation. She feels alone and can't trust anyone due to the trauma she went through as a teen. I read this as a stand alone and afterwards found out its a series.