Keep It Down!

by Ofelia Gränd

One day, Eason Wickham will push his next-door neighbor down the stairs. Nate Allen might be hot, but he’s the most annoying person Eason has ever met. He has no respect for the people living in the building, and night after night, he has a party. Whenever Eason rings his doorbell and tells him to keep it down, he flirts and tries to get Eason to come inside.

Calling the cops does not affect Nate's behavior, and neither do Eason's angry Post-It notes. But when Eason is hit by a car and fractures his leg, Nate sends his friends packing and makes sure Eason is okay. He cooks for him, shops for him, and does his laundry, but he's still the most annoying person Eason has ever met. Right?

The cute Post-Its Nate leaves for him to find doesn't mean he's a different person, and while Eason longs for when Nate gets off work every day, it doesn't mean they should be more than friends. Does it?

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, LGBT, M M Romance

69 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 9, 2022

About the author

Gay fiction and M/M Romance writer

Ofelia Gränd is Swedish, which often shines through in her stories. She likes to write about everyday people ending up in not-so-everyday situations, and hopefully also getting out of them. She writes contemporary, paranormal, romance, horror, Sci-Fi and whatever else catches her fancy.

Her books are written for readers who want to take a break from their everyday life for an hour or two.

When Ofelia manages to tear herself from the screen and sneak away from husband and children, she likes to take walks in the woods. She’s recently discovered the miracle of podcasts and spends her strolls listening to wise people talk.



If you want to know more, subscribe to Ofelia's email list at http://ofeliagrand.us9.list-manage.co...

Reviews

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Ahh, we’ve got a precious little thing here.
The blurb is clearly telling what it’s about and yes Eason is hugely irritated by his noisy neighbor, the man has loud friends and always partying.
While Eason is a grumpy one, Nate is smitten by him and flirts with him, much to Eason’s dismay.
He doesn’t back down to tell Nate what he thinks of him!

When Eason breaks his leg Nate is dedicated to helping him and oh boy does Eason needs help!

A sweet and fun read, enemies to lovers is my favorite, so I enjoyed it very much. I love and am in awe of how authors are capable to write short stories and making them feel complete, with a great storyline and nicely developed characters.
So yeah, this one is worth reading!

[Shelba · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 52%.

I was dubious about this one. I’ve been having issues with characters in some of Holly Day’s books (Ofelia Grand’s other nom de plume), so I admit I had low expectations… but apparently not low enough.

Nate, Eason’s neighbour, throws parties late into the night, steals laundry spots, complains about Eason vacuuming early in the morning, even though he is cleaning up broken class thrown on his balcony by one of Nate’s guests. Nate, in his 30s, also has lots of younger people at his parties, people described as barely out of their teens, and he thinks it’s a good thing when younger people find him hot.

Eason, understandably, wants to push Nate down the stairs. And for some reason repetitively tells Nate how pathetic he is… which is not really what I’d go with, but okay.

But after Eason breaks his leg, Nate decides to help him out around the apartment. Apparently Nate has always thought they were flirting, having the cops called on him included. Eason declares them swore enemies. Shortly after, they kiss.

Fine, whatever. More fake enemies to lovers, just what the world needs.

But, the reason for my DNF:

Nate comes over to help Eason shower. He suggests Eason take one of his painkillers, which make Eason a little loopy. But that’s no problem, because Nate will help him shower, by getting naked and getting in the shower with him. And then cupping his balls, and rubbing his crack before fingering Eason.

At this point, I’m out. I didn’t even finish the shower scene, so I don’t know how far things go, but I don’t want to read a sex scene where one character is loopy on narcotics and his “helpful” neighbour decides that’s an appropriate time to make his move.

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute and quick enemies to lovers story. Eason and Nate are neighbors at odds until an accident has Nate taking care of Eason. Nice short story.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Mariansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading this author, and I’m in love with these characters!
I love enemies to lovers, it’s one of my favourite tropes. Ofelia wrote this perfectly. Love the banter between them, and Eason with his “angry” post it scribbling is adorable. Nate sees only the charm in all this and finds a way to charm Eason’s pants off 😏
This was a great short story, that didn’t really feel like a short. I got invested, loved the writing and the plot. Highly recommend it!

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is short and sweet, with exactly the kind of enemies-to-lovers trajectory you’d want from one somewhat haughty guy (with lovable cat) and one laid-back, lackadaisical but mostly sweet if somewhat loud guy with negligible apartment etiquette but a heart of gold. It’s cute watching them get together, and the epilogue is heartwarmingly perfect for them.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Merit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to suspend my beliefs for this novella because if a neighbour did the things that Nate did to me, I wouldn't be so quick to forgive him as Eason is. Even if he's hot.

It didn't really feel like enemies-to-lovers because Nate didn't dislike Eason as much as Eason disliked Nate, and Nate even asked Easton out. Also, they go from dislike to like in the blink of an eye.

I didn't really like Nate's parties and the people he strung along, but it was okay because it was only a very small part of the story. I'd have liked to get more of a feel of who Nate was and what his personal background was, though.

Luckily all that didn't stop me from enjoying this story because I'm more about the feels, and this story delivered because this author can write.

Nate and Easton were sweet and hot together, and Nate was really sweet to Easton when he cared for him.

The post-it's were a fun addition, and the laundry room scene was hot and hilarious.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not yet read a book by this author that I didn't enjoy. And this book is no exception. This is the story of Eason Wickham and Nate Allen. Eason is a ticket agent at the airport. He has to get up early to start work. His sleep is continually being interrupted by his neighbor and his loud parties. Leaving post it notes on the door isn't enough. Sometimes he calls the police. Eason is not a big fan of his neighbor. Nate works at a restaurant and is hanging out with coworker who are significantly younger than he is. Parties and a little bit of noise are to be expected. While Eason isn't his biggest fan; Nate is a fan of Eason. When Eason ends up injured with a broken leg Nate steps up to help him. This is his chance to get to know Eason better. Without post it notes. This is their story. It is a fun, cute read that I really enjoyed. The author always writes such incredible characters. You will feel as if you know them while you read the book.

[Susan Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keep It Down by Ofelia Gränd is a quick opposites-attract read. One of the things I enjoy about the author is that their characters have different jobs. In this case, Eason is a ticket agent at an airport and Nate is in food service but not a chef. Eason is appropriately mature for his age while Nate is still partying with twenty-somethings. For me, the biggest surprise was that Nate had enough empathy to help Eason when he broke his leg. After that, their relationship went well, with only a few bumps in the road to HEA. I always like to read stories with cats as supporting characters and Loki was a fun addition to this tale. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, warm and fun

There's nothing to dislike about this lovely short story, where a nuisance neighbour suddenly proves he has a heart of gold and a lot of love to give.
It's not made clear why Nate parties every night with twenty year olds as he is mid-thirties but once he sees Eason hobbling on crutches, he grows up and gets his man, and a Happy family Christmas too.
Ofelia is a master of her craft, telling a complete story in a few pages, never leading the reader unhappy or needing more. And who wouldn't love reading about two men trading hate Post-Its that suddenly become love Post-Its?

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

👥Sweet: enemy neighbors learn to get along😉

Good, short MM contemporary romance plot pitting two neighbor strangers, Eason and Nate, with different lifestyles in a post-it note battle with a sweet Christmas ending. I could have done with a little more of the beginning conflict, but it was a light, easy read with friendship, caring gestures and just a smidgen of heated shower play mixed with the romance. Another fun read from one of my favorite MM short fiction writers.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short, sweet 'enemies-to-lovers' (at least from Eason's POV) story. Having spent many years in an apartment, I could so relate to the loud late night shenanigans and fighting for use of the laundry facilities! I almost laughed out loud when Nate says he thought all Eason's aggressive post-its and calling the cops was 'flirting.' Fun story, with a great side character in Eason's mom. Very HEA for these two guys.

I received a free copy of this story from the author and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Justine Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep it Down is a short sweet opposites attract story about Eason and Nate. Eason and Nate are neighbors and though Nate is a bit loud I think he was only trying to get Eason's attention. I love their post it note exchanges. This is a short read but it certainly doesn't feel like it. Eason and Nate are wonderful characters and I was glad to see them get together. Definitely recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how lovely to find another yummy whimsical read from Ofelia Grand. Eason and Nate are neighbors but are often at odds. Nate has parties to all hours and keeps Eason awake. Turns out that Nate is a bit of a flirt and ogles Eason at every opportunity. Then something happens to Eason and he needs help. Enter Nate! This was such a lovely little romance that though is short, rivals the story arc of much longer romances. Loved this and the author's breezy, sweet yet sexy writing.

[Shelley Chastagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt for Eason as he dealt with his rude neighbor. I think that Nate is lonely and having loud parties is his way of escaping it. I loved that Nate's first reaction to seeing Eason in need of help is to jump in. He gives his time without hesitation. The way Eason plays him at the end of the story made me laugh.
Highly recommended author

[Edga · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, low angst short story which I enjoyed. Must admit that Nate totally annoyed me for the first part, but I felt for him when I realised what a sad character he was. Fortunately, he comes into his own when Eason needs him most. The part where he visits, England is really touching. Nicely written, although I would've like more background on each of the MCs. 3.5 stars.

[Ellie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming opposites attract story, where two neighbours, both men in their thirties but with contrasting lifestyles, communicate angrily via post-it notes. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing their relationship deepen and soften with the help of those all-important notes!

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

From enemies to something more? Eason is an airport ticket agent, Nate, in the apartment next door, works in a restaurant kitchen and is the bane of Eason's life. A cute, fun short story from this prolific author with a lovely, funny ending.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Keep It Down! by Ofelia Grand. I loved this enemies-to-lovers short novella. I loved Nate and Easton's chemistry and all of the post-it notes. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Mstay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and fun read that leaves you with a smile.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super short novella. Wish it had been longer and more time had been spent on their going from enemies to lovers.

[Kuba Boltacz · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a very cute and well-written short story of enemies to lovers (at least for one of the MCs). Perfect for a late afternoon sit-down with a book and some cold beverage. Ofelia Grand has managed to make both Eason and Nate complex characters, even with the limited word count. They can both get on your nerves, but you understand perfectly where they are coming from. Their romance advances organically, there's no insta-love or sudden leaps in feelings. The steamy parts are also really good and fit naturally into the story. Overall a fun read, I'll definitely be reaching for other books by the author.
(I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review).