The Crush Next Door

by Jenna Fiore

An engaged woman, her hot new neighbor, a whole heap of trouble…

Jessica Santoro is living the life in the big city. Well, maybe things aren’t exactly perfect with her not-so-dream job, obnoxious neighbor, and long-distance fiancé. But at least she has an ocean view. Kind of.

When Jess starts watching Dodgers games with the annoying guy next door and thinking less about her fiancé, this curveball might just lead to a home run… or a strikeout with the bases loaded.

The Crush Next Door is an 18+ romance with adult content and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Genres: Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Forced Proximity, Enemies To Lovers

359 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2022

About the author

Jenna has always had her head in the clouds, making up stories and creating characters. After years of working as a freelancer, she finally decided to put pen to paper and give this whole fiction thing a chance.

When she's not busy at her computer, she loves spending time with her husband, daughter, and insanely energetic dog who's always looking for trouble. She lives in the Pacific Northwest where she's constantly raking up pine needles in her back yard and dodging wild turkeys in her front yard.

Catch up with Jenna on her website, jennafiore.com, and stay up to date on future projects!

Reviews

[♡ Jay ₊˚୨୧ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Josh this, Josh that. All while having a fiancee. ICK

[Brittany Grantham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so awesome. The characters are fantastic, the story is so funny and entertaining. Jess is an engaged receptionist living alone in California while her fiancé is across the country for working and planning their wedding. Next door to her is Josh. Josh has loud guest that keep Jess up with the funny noises and headboard hitting their shared wall. After a funny apartment invasion by Jess (Josh wasn’t taking her suggestions about his headboard) they find a mutual love of the Dodgers. From that point on they become friends. Josh helps her find herself and they give each other the support neither has had. They are hilarious together and there’s always cause for a bet. This is an HEA, full of laughs and the steaminess is hot. This book had me finishing it in just a few hours it was so good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have read a few books by Jenna now and have not been disappointed at all. The standard of writing is just so high each and every time so I know I am in for a treat. That is exactly what I got here.

I couldn't get enough of these two together. They gravitated to each other so naturally it was ridiculous.

Pretty predictable story but Jenna created a story that didn't make it feel like that.

Both Josh and Jess were such lovely characters in their own right and put them two together was really nice and comfortable and I very much enjoyed their journey in finding each other.

Their love for baseball was so cute and funny it made the story that much more enjoyable and real because you could easily see these two doing exactly that.

How Josh got entwined in Jess family was lovely as well. And Jess with his friends. It was just a well rounded story that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I look forward to the next book that Jenna creates.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Halle Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I absolutely loved reading this book. The friendship between our main character and her love interest are established from the very beginning and as the story progresses their friendship becomes stronger, which eventually become a relationship. I loved reading their journey from friendship to lovers and how he was just always there for her and her there for him as well.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!!! This book was totally cute. The banter between Josh and Jessica were great. And the hate between Josh and Devon. You just knew that Jessica and Josh would be great together because of how easily they got along. The one thing I didn't understand is why Devon had to stay away so long and why he didn't fly back more often considering that's where they had lived together.

I just glad she figured everything out before it got to far and that Jessica and Josh got their happily ever after together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow burn neighbors/friends to lovers story. I really liked Josh and Jess. They are good friends long before they are anything else. Devon just ends up being a pathetic secondary character. I could have done without the additional parent drama that happens. I don’t think it added any substance to the book. There are so many amusing little moments scattered around. Very enjoyable and easy read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully hilarious yet beautiful story. I enjoyed reading every bit of it. Love Josh and Jess. Their chemistry is off the charts. Just had the best time reading this and definitely recommend reading it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[CORINNE · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily

I throughly enjoyed this book although basic storyline done before not in this way the power of someone believing in what you think/ trust/ believe without judgment is uplifting and reassuring and gives hope

A lovely story with a cute ending

Loved learning about sunsets too

Thank you 😊

[Daisy Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

More reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder

Jess and Josh’s story is one of the best friends to lovers I’ve ever read. They’re neighbors who bond over a mutual love of Dodgers baseball and quickly become friends. She’s enjoying living on her own for the first time, despite missing her fiancé, who moved from LA to NYC temporarily for work. They hit it off so well Josh soon invites her to join in his sports podcast and their banter takes it to the next level.

I enjoyed watching their friendship develop from casual to true besties in every way. Despite the physical attraction they were both determined to ignore, their relationship was completely platonic and innocent, which made it all the more adorable for me. It’s fun to see their connection deepen and grow into something more because it’s such a natural progression. This is a sweet and funny HEA that brings the heat.

[Arenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best friends-to-lovers romances I've read and I loved it from start to finish. They begin as neighbors and Jessica is engaged to another man, but her friendship with Josh develops so naturally that it's wonderful to read. They're also funny together and I love their dialogue and banter; so it really adds to their relationship. Overall, most of the characters in the story were very mature about everything that happened and I can't tell you how refreshing it is to see reasonable reactions vs. having drama just for the sake of the plot. So kudos to the author for that.

The only thing that I didn't really care for was the subplot with her father. I mean, on the surface, sure, it's a nice and heartwarming thing that happens, but I don't think it really added a whole lot to the story so I could have done without it.

As for spice, there's a lot of longing and pining going on in the first 75% of the book and then one or two explicit and detailed scenes towards the end.

All in all, I could not recommend this more, especially if you love friends-to-lovers or roommate/neighbor-type tropes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the epitome of friends to lovers, and I loved it. I'm not exactly the biggest fan of friends to lovers, because most of the times it feels rushed. But Jenna showed us how the characters developed their friendship. Something I hated was Devon. The second he mentioned that he went and got drinks with the wedding planner, I just knew that he was cheating on Jess.
Josh on the other hand, is going on my book boyfriends list. He was sweet and was there for Jess EVERY SINGLE TIME. I really liked the fact that he believed her, when she told him about her dad. They felt natural. Also his dog Magic, *chef kisses* The plotline about her father was shocking, to say the least. I did not expect it. And let's not forget Chris Hemsworth showing not once, but TWICE. I was giggling like a mad woman the whole time.
Over all, I went through every single emotion in the span of a few hours. It was all worth it. One of my new favorite books!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling for the Neighbor . . .

Josh and Jessica are neighbors. Jessica is engaged but her fiancé Devon moves to the opposite coast. Josh is an annoying noisy neighbor, oblivious apparently to his headboard that bangs against their shared wall. But, when she can’t stop him and sneaks into his apartment to see if she can resolve the issue, he sees her trying to escape and invites her to watch some baseball games with him.

Being together, bantering, and getting to know each other makes it become obvious that her fiancé is not doing any of the things that make her happy – and Devon is also cheating on her. Josh is there when she needs him and their friendship continues to grow. Is this perhaps the relationship she should be focusing on?

This was so funny and adorable. I really loved the interactions of Josh and Jessica and how easy he was to be around. Grab your copy and delight in their fun story as fate puts the right two people together to fall in love.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess and Josh are neighbors in LA and her fiancé has move to NYC temporarily. Her neighbor makes a lot of noise and she tries to fix it but gets caught. He invites her over to watch the baseball game and they become friends. They start a podcast together and her fiancé doesn't like him. Josh treats Jess like a very special person in his life and really listens to her concerns and problems. Her fiancé doesn't do this. Her fiancé cheats and she starts to rely on Josh's friendship more and more. They finally get a HEA but go through some problems first. I like the story because it is so realistic. Friends then lovers. I like the way that the author allows Jess to grow and mature into her authentic self with minimal help from others. The chemistry between these two is soooo steamy.

I received this book as an Arc and am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Christine Fass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised how much I liked this book, I figured I would enjoy it but it is a lot lighter than what I have been reading recently. I expected Jess to be a lot more uptight and I thought Josh would be far more juvenile. I loved that Jess and Josh were firmly building a friendship for most of the book. Josh was a great friend to Jess and was really there for her when she needed someone. I liked that their romance wasn't rushed and they both went into it with a mature outlook. The whole plot with Jess's dad was insane and I kinda guessed something like that would happen but I was still surprised. Josh and Jess really brought out the best in each other and communicated so well, it was obvious from when Jess threw herself over the balcony they were meant to be.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Crush Next Door was such a fun read!

I loved Jess - I didn't love her jerk of a fiance though, because it was clear from the beginning that he did not make her a priority, even though he was working with the wedding planner to make the plans for their dream wedding.

Josh - what's not to love about Josh. He knows he's a player, but he's trying to change that and who better to spend time with, then his attached neighbor who loves the same baseball team as him, and who is willing to make all those silly bets with him.

I loved watching Jess and Josh's friendship grow and how he helped her deal with the aftermath that happened every time Jess talked or dealt with her fiance Devon.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sarah C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read. I enjoyed getting to read a book that included watching a strong friendship grow between the two main characters first. I prefer books that are close to insta-love, and though this isn't that, because Jess and Josh were such good friends, I still loved reading about their adventures. A few times, when the book mentioned Jess' dad, I felt like it was going to end too soon, but the way it truly ended was perfect. The storyline about her dad felt a little farfetched, but I'd still happily read this book again! I received an advance copy for friend and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[booklover0228 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Josh and Jess

This book was fantastic. The banter and chemistry between Josh and Jess were off the charts. Josh was Jess’s next door neighbor. They both were into sports and would watch the ball games together. Jess was waiting for her fiancé to come back from New York where he was working to open a new business, and also working with a wedding planner to plan their wedding. When Jess finds out that he is cheating with the planner, she ends the engagement. Josh is by her side though all the ups and downs. The both realize that they are meant to be and their HEA is finally found.

[Allison Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josh & Jessica
This was just the book I needed right now. It was sweet, fun, & flirty with minimal drama. Josh and Jess are neighbors. Jess has a long-distance fiance who's not a bad guy, but he's also not the best guy. Josh is a great friend and neighbor who looks out for Jess in a thoughtful but not inappropriate way. Over time, their friendship strengthens, and they both fill holes in each other's lives. While feelings do start to develop, neither of them acts on it until any obstacles are cleared.

There was one weird little story line that seemed a little farfetched, but it didn't take away from the big plot.

[Nicole Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Can Develop Between Neighbours Watching Dodgers Games

This is a slow burn romance that has a great story line. The author has done a fantastic job of giving depth to each character by the way the story has been written. I loved how the relationship developed between Jessica & Josh with a little help from Josh's four legged friend.
This story takes you through a variety of emotions.
This is the first book I have read by Jenna Fiore & I will definitely be reading more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, slow burn romance. The two main characters had crazy chemistry and a natural budding romance. I do wish Devon (the fiancé) had gotten out of the picture a bit sooner so we could’ve had more time for Josh and Jess as a romantic couple. It was easy to predict what would happen with Devon and I kept waiting for it. There were a few “far-fetched” moments dealing with other characters but overall the story itself was cute. I received and arc for my honest review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Crush Next Door by Jenna Fiore is a good, and enjoyable realistic friends to lovers romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. Jess and Josh are neighbors in LA. Jess fiancé has move to NYC temporarily. They become friends even starting a podcast together. Jess's fiancé cheats and she starts to rely on Josh's friendship more and more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Harriet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this romance.
Such a great bond between Josh and Jessica. Thier relationship was so great, supportive, fun and enjoyable to read.

The banter in this book is great, the character development, and storyline keeps you hooked.

I finished this in one sitting and just loved it, was so enjoyable, steamy scenes scattered throughout but those with the chocolate and the cream 🔥🔥🔥🎇.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kanani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read written by Jenna Fiora. I'm happy to say it will be the first of many more! This story is a classic friends-to-lovers, but Josh and Jess are completely adorable together. Their friendship is natural and unforced. Their interactions are easy and hilarious. Her fiance chose to move across the country and be unfaithful. Josh chose to be kind and supportive when she needed a friend. I loved these two together! Great story!

[Alyson Nerren · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the feels

This was a really good book! I loved how Josh and Jess stated off as friends, then turning into best friends and then finally lovers! Even though Jess had been engaged when they first met, they never crossed the line! But they soon developed feelings for each other! They had incredible chemistry!!

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read from this author. I really liked this story from start to finish and I will be reading more from this author in the future. I loved the first person point of view which is a deal breaker for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Breanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute book. The chemistry between Josh and Jessica was undeniable. They were definitely made for each other. Josh is definitely a book boyfriend. I couldnt put this down. I definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emilie Viguier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one, their relationship was pretty smooth, Jess was self aware and respectful (they both were), and honestly Josh is the sweetest.

- Sweet smile and hot body
- Teasing but respectful
- Passion driven and athletic
- Trusts her and supports her
- Has a great dog
- Caring and Patient
- Funny

[Melissa Pettit · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was adorable, with the beginning showing signs of true angst. You really went on the journey of how and why they fell in love, which is cuter than instalove (IMO). The backstory was a little cringe, and I did start skipping paragraphs because some of in towards the end felt like filler. Cute story altogether and I really loved the WHY they were in love with each other!

[Kasey Blake · Rating 1 out of 5]

That was really bad? Like genuinely so bad. So poorly written it felt like reading a child’s diary. I can’t believe that was edited? I mean it wasn’t terrible at the beginning but by the end my god the crazy story about the dad was enough to stop reading right there. The last like 100 pages what the fuck was going on?

[T.I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this story a lot. It was nice how this story played out between Jess and Josh. I loved the characters, the chemistry, the storyline, and how the story ended. Really great book. Very enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.