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Secrets of River Hollow #3
Next to You
Two scarred hearts must decide if love is worth the trust it takes...
After enduring a life-altering accident and a heartbreaking divorce, Casey Clark moves back home, unsure of which direction his life will take. When his meddling sister ropes him into managing her shop, he’s forced to work with the most skittish woman he’s ever met—Shyla. She’s interesting and beautiful but clearly doesn’t want to be around him, which makes working with her near impossible.
Single mom Shyla Burton moved far away from her past to the little town of River Hollow for peace and quiet. But when she finds out that her new boss is a man, she knows peace is the very last thing she’ll get. Even though Casey is confined physically, he’s still strong and moody which will inevitably spell disaster for her. But when Casey befriends Shyla’s son, Jack, she starts to see him in a different light.
When Shyla's past rises to haunt her once again, will love really cover a multitude of sins?
After enduring a life-altering accident and a heartbreaking divorce, Casey Clark moves back home, unsure of which direction his life will take. When his meddling sister ropes him into managing her shop, he’s forced to work with the most skittish woman he’s ever met—Shyla. She’s interesting and beautiful but clearly doesn’t want to be around him, which makes working with her near impossible.
Single mom Shyla Burton moved far away from her past to the little town of River Hollow for peace and quiet. But when she finds out that her new boss is a man, she knows peace is the very last thing she’ll get. Even though Casey is confined physically, he’s still strong and moody which will inevitably spell disaster for her. But when Casey befriends Shyla’s son, Jack, she starts to see him in a different light.
When Shyla's past rises to haunt her once again, will love really cover a multitude of sins?
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2022
55 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
Dulcie Dameron
18 books437 followersDulcie is a wife and mother who channels her free spirit into the stories she pours onto the page. Her romance writing obsession turned day job is fueled by caffeine, sarcasm, and kisses from her bearded grump. If you love stories with sizzling tension minus the spice, add her books to your never-ending TBRs.
Find her on Instagram at @dulciedameron
Find her on Instagram at @dulciedameron
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 12, 2022
I don't particularly like when the book characters share my name...especially if they're a man...😅😅 But I enjoyed Next to You a lot! It was short, sweet, and clean!! Definitely a great read ☺️
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May 22, 2025Oh, my heart this book 😭😍😭😍. I loved this book and watching two broken and scarred people find their healing in God and one another.
I seriously read it in one day and I just couldn't get enough of how sweet and patient Casey was with Shyla.
This book is the perfect blend of tender and heart warming with a dash of suspense.
I seriously read it in one day and I just couldn't get enough of how sweet and patient Casey was with Shyla.
This book is the perfect blend of tender and heart warming with a dash of suspense.
August 23, 2022
I'm definitely a Dulcie Dameron fan, but this was her most intense book yet. I tend to stay away from suspenseful reads and lean toward sweet romances. This one had both.
I think Jack is my favorite character, and I can't usually say that about children. He's a tornado, in the best way, and as a mom of boys, I really enjoyed the very realistic depictions, as well as the discomfort his mom experienced as a result of his tendencies. They truly brought some lol moments, and in a mostly serious and intense book, the moments of levity were needed.
I also enjoyed catching up on the characters from the first two stories from this series. I really loved that Prue got her own story in this one.
It was a great read, but if domestic violence is a trigger, it will be a tough read. It was totally clean, with only kissing and no inappropriate language. There was also a Christian faith arc, as with all her stories.
I recommend this novel to those who enjoy small town romantic suspense and characters with deep emotional wounds.
I think Jack is my favorite character, and I can't usually say that about children. He's a tornado, in the best way, and as a mom of boys, I really enjoyed the very realistic depictions, as well as the discomfort his mom experienced as a result of his tendencies. They truly brought some lol moments, and in a mostly serious and intense book, the moments of levity were needed.
I also enjoyed catching up on the characters from the first two stories from this series. I really loved that Prue got her own story in this one.
It was a great read, but if domestic violence is a trigger, it will be a tough read. It was totally clean, with only kissing and no inappropriate language. There was also a Christian faith arc, as with all her stories.
I recommend this novel to those who enjoy small town romantic suspense and characters with deep emotional wounds.
September 13, 2023
I liked this book. I enjoyed seeing the continuing story of the Clark family, and I adore the relationship that Rex and Priscilla have.
Casey is a new paraplegic, and is learning to cope with his life as it now is.
Shyla is a single mom who's been severely abused in the past.
They're each learning to live with their new lives and the repercussions-both good and bad-that happen because of it. Can they trust each other? WILL they trust each other? Read it and find out!
Casey is a new paraplegic, and is learning to cope with his life as it now is.
Shyla is a single mom who's been severely abused in the past.
They're each learning to live with their new lives and the repercussions-both good and bad-that happen because of it. Can they trust each other? WILL they trust each other? Read it and find out!
August 5, 2022
Sweet and touching:
I just loved this book! As with all of the books in this series, it instantly captured my heart and attention. I felt a strong connection to the main characters and quickly became invested in their journey.
Both Casey and Shyla were hurting and struggling and I enjoyed seeing them finally find healing and happiness. They made a cute couple and I was rooting for them all the way. I also liked that it featured one of the main characters being disabled and in a wheelchair.
To top it off, there was also some danger and mystery that added some wonderful depth to the story. Whilst it could be read as a standalone, I'd recommend reading the prior books as the other couples feature heavily.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I just loved this book! As with all of the books in this series, it instantly captured my heart and attention. I felt a strong connection to the main characters and quickly became invested in their journey.
Both Casey and Shyla were hurting and struggling and I enjoyed seeing them finally find healing and happiness. They made a cute couple and I was rooting for them all the way. I also liked that it featured one of the main characters being disabled and in a wheelchair.
To top it off, there was also some danger and mystery that added some wonderful depth to the story. Whilst it could be read as a standalone, I'd recommend reading the prior books as the other couples feature heavily.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 7, 2022
'You Are A Survivor & I Am So Proud Of You'
My favourite quote
"You never fail to see the best in me, even when I can't see it myself."
I enjoyed this book. This is my first time reading a Christian romance & I loved it. The author has done a fantastic job portraying Shyla & Casey story. Both have been hurt in the past & their story is one of endurance, love, faith & overcoming their past.
Will Shyla's past destroy what she & Casey have worked so hard to build or will love & community help conquer it all?
A great read & I look forward to reading more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My favourite quote
"You never fail to see the best in me, even when I can't see it myself."
I enjoyed this book. This is my first time reading a Christian romance & I loved it. The author has done a fantastic job portraying Shyla & Casey story. Both have been hurt in the past & their story is one of endurance, love, faith & overcoming their past.
Will Shyla's past destroy what she & Casey have worked so hard to build or will love & community help conquer it all?
A great read & I look forward to reading more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 27, 2022
The prologue of this book broke my heart—as it opens we find Casey in a tragic situation being left by his wife. I truly appreciated the way his character honestly grappled with God and what happened to him as he tries to navigate his new normal. The same goes for Shyla as she is learning to trust God while dealing with panic attacks and anxiety stemming from the things she’s endured.
I love Shyla’s son Jack (I’m a sucker for cute kids in books) and the relationship that builds between he and Casey. I really appreciated this being a slow and steady romance that blooms where romance was unwanted and trust slowly grew. There’s a depth and beauty to God bringing the right person into your life at just the right time. There is also a secondary love story that is such a sweet bonus!
There’s more C.C. and Dorian, more Mama Clark and Rex (and they are so sweet and hilarious together), more quirky Prue, a little suspense, and a beautiful, healing love story in this sweet book with a perfect HEA. ♥️
I love the small town of River Hollow and everyone in it!
Trigger warning for domestic violence/escaping an abuser.
I love Shyla’s son Jack (I’m a sucker for cute kids in books) and the relationship that builds between he and Casey. I really appreciated this being a slow and steady romance that blooms where romance was unwanted and trust slowly grew. There’s a depth and beauty to God bringing the right person into your life at just the right time. There is also a secondary love story that is such a sweet bonus!
There’s more C.C. and Dorian, more Mama Clark and Rex (and they are so sweet and hilarious together), more quirky Prue, a little suspense, and a beautiful, healing love story in this sweet book with a perfect HEA. ♥️
I love the small town of River Hollow and everyone in it!
Trigger warning for domestic violence/escaping an abuser.
July 5, 2023
I liked that both Casey and Shyla both connected despite the fact they had scars. Casey was injured and now has to use a wheelchair while Shyla was severely abused by men in her life, causing her to be afraid. Their romance was sweet and cute, and they were adorable together. I really liked seeing him with her son.
I liked them together, but wasn’t blown away by their romance. I also liked the Amos and Prue side romance. I thought it was very cute. I almost liked their story more than Casey and Shyla.
Going into it, I didn’t know this was a faith based book. It was just a little too much for my liking. I wish I knew that was what it was going in then I could have been prepared going in. It was just jarring when not expected.
I liked the suspense plot line. It made the story more interesting and have an edge to it. It really kept my interest especially at the end of the story. There was the twist with Amos that I guessed as soon as I realized he wasn’t her ex.
I liked them together, but wasn’t blown away by their romance. I also liked the Amos and Prue side romance. I thought it was very cute. I almost liked their story more than Casey and Shyla.
Going into it, I didn’t know this was a faith based book. It was just a little too much for my liking. I wish I knew that was what it was going in then I could have been prepared going in. It was just jarring when not expected.
I liked the suspense plot line. It made the story more interesting and have an edge to it. It really kept my interest especially at the end of the story. There was the twist with Amos that I guessed as soon as I realized he wasn’t her ex.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2022
Umm…Dulcie did it again. I LOVE these characters so much. Casey was the perfect grump at the beginning and so turned off to love and same goes for our heroine, Shyla (the perfect name for her too). She’s not quite sunshine, but she was an overall positive character despite her circumstances. Casey and Shyla are both broken by their pasts, one of them struggles with their faith, the other one leans into it wholeheartedly. By the end God’s goodness shines through.
Unlike most romances, there isn’t an *instant* burning attraction between the characters, just a curiosity on both parts. I loved how their attraction blossomed and bloomed as their story unfolded. Seeing some of Dulcie’s previous MCs play crucial roles in this book made me smile so big. (So of course I recommend you read “Not Since You” and “Now with You” before diving into this book to see how amazing these characters are in the spotlight.)
Romance is majorly my jam, but mystery and suspense are close seconds (and thirds but like I keep them on the same level) and this book had ALL THREE! There were some twists and turns that i did NOT see coming and i loved seeing a more tender part of the quirky Prue. Like absolutely loved it. These characters are well-thought out and consistent through each book and it seriously makes you feel like you're an insider watching these characters’ lives unfold. I can’t recommend this book enough. I loved it! Another home run!
Unlike most romances, there isn’t an *instant* burning attraction between the characters, just a curiosity on both parts. I loved how their attraction blossomed and bloomed as their story unfolded. Seeing some of Dulcie’s previous MCs play crucial roles in this book made me smile so big. (So of course I recommend you read “Not Since You” and “Now with You” before diving into this book to see how amazing these characters are in the spotlight.)
Romance is majorly my jam, but mystery and suspense are close seconds (and thirds but like I keep them on the same level) and this book had ALL THREE! There were some twists and turns that i did NOT see coming and i loved seeing a more tender part of the quirky Prue. Like absolutely loved it. These characters are well-thought out and consistent through each book and it seriously makes you feel like you're an insider watching these characters’ lives unfold. I can’t recommend this book enough. I loved it! Another home run!
August 9, 2022
Romance level: kissing🔥.
My heart fell for Casey, and also for Shyla. They are both so strong. I loved how awkwardly cute Casey was. He was a mixture between grumpy and cinnamon roll.
Jack was the best! he was so precious praying and protecting his mommy. His friendship with Casey was just so pure and cute🥺.I loved how protective Casey was of both Shayla and Jack💙.
My favorite part of the story is seeing him re-build his relationship with God, knowing He didn't left Casey alone. Casey's family support was everything.
I loved that Shayla never lost her faith, even after all she went through, she knew God was there with her, for her.
Shayla's building trust in Casey was something so sweet, it did took time for her to open up to him, but once she did, how comfortable she became around him actually happened quicker than I thought.
God is good and I loved to see reflected how he is always receiving us with open arms. His timing is perfect and he knows where we need to be at the exact time.
⚠️TW: domestic abuse, possible SA.
🍁
* I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of this book*
My heart fell for Casey, and also for Shyla. They are both so strong. I loved how awkwardly cute Casey was. He was a mixture between grumpy and cinnamon roll.
Jack was the best! he was so precious praying and protecting his mommy. His friendship with Casey was just so pure and cute🥺.I loved how protective Casey was of both Shayla and Jack💙.
My favorite part of the story is seeing him re-build his relationship with God, knowing He didn't left Casey alone. Casey's family support was everything.
I loved that Shayla never lost her faith, even after all she went through, she knew God was there with her, for her.
Shayla's building trust in Casey was something so sweet, it did took time for her to open up to him, but once she did, how comfortable she became around him actually happened quicker than I thought.
God is good and I loved to see reflected how he is always receiving us with open arms. His timing is perfect and he knows where we need to be at the exact time.
⚠️TW: domestic abuse, possible SA.
🍁
* I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of this book*
August 18, 2022
Another great read from Dulcie Dameron. Small town romance with a hint of mystery and Christian themes.
Casey and Shyla both have a lot of trauma to work through and I love this story of redemption. I love Casey’s relationship with Jake and how he steps into the father/male role model figure. Also the secondary character romance is so endearing. I enjoy revisiting the characters from previous books.
Casey and Shyla both have a lot of trauma to work through and I love this story of redemption. I love Casey’s relationship with Jake and how he steps into the father/male role model figure. Also the secondary character romance is so endearing. I enjoy revisiting the characters from previous books.
August 8, 2022
This touching story had my emotions all over the place. It starts with Casey in rehab and his wife telling him she can't do this which leads to a devastating revelation. Feeling lost Casey makes his way back home to his parents and sibling. Shyla has endured so much in her life that she now has panic attacks at the onset of memories from her past. She and Casey connect when he becomes the store manager that has them working together. As they find their way through getting to know each other Shyla sees a side to Casey that she never expected to see in a man one of compassion and his interaction with her son Jack. The more time they spend together brings about a change in Shyla towards Casey and just as they are really bonding her past comes back in full force. Will Casey and the people of River Hollow be able to keep Shyla and her son safe?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2023
I've enjoyed all the books in this series so far, but this one has been my favorite. Both the main characters had heartbreaking backstories, but I loved how they faced their struggles individually and together. The male romantic lead was especially compelling and I liked that we got multiple POVs in this one.
August 3, 2022
Another wonderful, Christian Romance from Dulcie Damerson! “Next to You,” did not disappoint! I feel like the situations in this story were a little more emotional and intense than the last books, but I really enjoyed the depth it brought! Both Casey and Shyla have tragic pasts, so we get to see two people who have both been hurt learn to rely on others and trust again!
Casey doesn’t have the best attitude in the beginning but I love the shift we see as he opens up his heart to love and faith again! Shyla struggles with anxiety and fear, but the strength she received when she turned to Casey for help as well as her faith was inspiring! I also really loved meeting Shyla’s son Jack! His bond with Casey was so cute!!
Of course we get to visit characters from past which is one of my favorite things! I loved seeing Claudia and Dorian, Priscilla and Rex and Prue!!! Prue is so quirky and cute and I love the extra bits we get about her in this book! Overall, I loved this one and getting more of being in River Hollow!! “Next to You,” releases August 9th!
*I received a complimentary copy from the other, all opinions are my own!
Casey doesn’t have the best attitude in the beginning but I love the shift we see as he opens up his heart to love and faith again! Shyla struggles with anxiety and fear, but the strength she received when she turned to Casey for help as well as her faith was inspiring! I also really loved meeting Shyla’s son Jack! His bond with Casey was so cute!!
Of course we get to visit characters from past which is one of my favorite things! I loved seeing Claudia and Dorian, Priscilla and Rex and Prue!!! Prue is so quirky and cute and I love the extra bits we get about her in this book! Overall, I loved this one and getting more of being in River Hollow!! “Next to You,” releases August 9th!
*I received a complimentary copy from the other, all opinions are my own!
October 5, 2022
I enjoyed reading this sweet Christian romance! It has deeper themes to it, including anxiety and overcoming trauma from past abuse, and I thought those themes were beautifully and compassionately written about in this book. There are plenty of sweet and funny moments to balance everything out, and I love the characters, including the side characters! River Hollow sounds like a great place to live!
I love how faith in God is written in this book. It feels natural to the characters, and I appreciated following them on their faith journeys.
This book was more suspenseful than I thought it would be, but I enjoyed that aspect of it. There is an HEA, but I admit I was worried for the characters for a few minutes while reading. I had a hard time putting this book down!
4.5/5 stars
Content:
Clean romance
Brief mentions of past abuse, anxiety, abuser is briefly present
I love how faith in God is written in this book. It feels natural to the characters, and I appreciated following them on their faith journeys.
This book was more suspenseful than I thought it would be, but I enjoyed that aspect of it. There is an HEA, but I admit I was worried for the characters for a few minutes while reading. I had a hard time putting this book down!
4.5/5 stars
Content:
Clean romance
Brief mentions of past abuse, anxiety, abuser is briefly present
August 8, 2022
Casey and Shyla are both scarred by what happened to them. In this book they have to get past the walls they’ve pit up and trust each other to heal and find happiness. I felt for Casey losing his career, ability to walk, and his wife leaving him. He had to discover a new way forward and pull himself out of his misery. Shyla hasn’t known the love of a good man and I could understand her fear and distrust. I loved her precocious dinosaur loving little boy Jack. There’s suspense with a stranger in town and Shyla’s ex.
August 10, 2022
Overall, this was a pretty good book, and I really enjoyed it. Casey and Shyla were both characters with past issues they had to overcome, but found their happily ever after together. They really were a good couple, and I was happy with their HEA. I was gifted a copy.
October 18, 2023
I’m not really into romance, but recently I’ve been wanting to read books with characters who have disabilities. Most of these books are romance.
I absolutely loved this book because I found the romance was subtle but powerful, and the main characters in the book both are beautifully depicted. There is love, yet no mushy or TMI scenes, which make it a good read for those who love a good romance but also those who don’t want anything overly romantic.
They both have their own challenges, and worries in life, yet somehow end up coming together where they form an unstoppable connection.
I really wish there was a follow up book because I’d love to know what happens afterwards, and see more of their life together!
I love the writing style too, it’s very light but features a lot of emotional scenes, and domestic violence.
I’ve never read a book by Dulice Dameron before, but I must admit I’m tempted to read another!
I absolutely loved this book because I found the romance was subtle but powerful, and the main characters in the book both are beautifully depicted. There is love, yet no mushy or TMI scenes, which make it a good read for those who love a good romance but also those who don’t want anything overly romantic.
They both have their own challenges, and worries in life, yet somehow end up coming together where they form an unstoppable connection.
I really wish there was a follow up book because I’d love to know what happens afterwards, and see more of their life together!
I love the writing style too, it’s very light but features a lot of emotional scenes, and domestic violence.
I’ve never read a book by Dulice Dameron before, but I must admit I’m tempted to read another!
September 5, 2022
I love Shyla and Casey.
Casey is facing readjusting to his new life after a tragedy.
Shyla is a single mom with scars.
Reading their story left me with all the feels. Dulcie did an amazing job writing this! Love, suspense, laughs and great kisses.
Casey is facing readjusting to his new life after a tragedy.
Shyla is a single mom with scars.
Reading their story left me with all the feels. Dulcie did an amazing job writing this! Love, suspense, laughs and great kisses.
March 5, 2023
“Handicapped. He turned away from the two women, clenching his jaw against the irritation that hummed through his body. He hated when people had to make special concessions for him due to his condition. And he especially hated that word.”
Things I adored:
👩❤️👨 Representation in two characters!
🩺 Invisible and physical Disability Rep!
🧠 Mental Health Awareness
🌟 Faith Aspects that make your heart swell
💋 Such gentle and sweet swoon
🕯️ The Candle Shop
❤️ Casey trying to figure out how to approach Shyla
📖 The “Safe Haven” Vibes (One of my favorite Nicholas Sparks Books!)
🍿🎥 Read this novel if you like movies like: Safe Haven, Me Before You (But with a HEA), Intouchables, Enough, and Sleeping with the Enemy
Can I just say that a novel has never had me hooked at the dedication. But this one brought tears to my eyes and hit home. “To everyone who has ever felt like their pasts made them unworthy, undeserving and undesirable. "… he makes all things new…’” And this is very indicative of how this whole novel reads. Dameron’s prose is powerful and relatable. My Kindle highlighter was out in full force. For anyone who has been mistreated in a relationship this book is for you! For anyone whose past makes them feel unlovable this one this one is for you!
I was completely swept up in the story. The representation and faith aspects were more than a breath of fresh air, they were exactly what I needed! Very few writers are brave enough to bring this much representation to a novel and Dameron gives us two characters with exceptional representation. The physical and invisible disability is wonderfully portrayed! And on top of that, we have the sweetest love story. Casey is so gentle with Shyla. I love that we get his POV and see how much care he takes in approaching her after learning of her background with domestic abuse. And when he pulls her into his lap in his wheelchair for a kiss . . . oh, the swoon is just perfect!! It’s a representation kiss that is done impeccably! My only wish was that Shyla would have fought more when everything came to a head. However, I know in instances of domestic abuse this can be more of a fantasy than a reality. But I really was yearning to see more of that.
I can’t wait to visit River Hollow again! More than anything, I want to thank the author for providing such a powerful story of two wounded souls who fit perfectly together. And for showing us that our past doesn’t have to define our present. That we can indeed be lovable no matter our baggage–no matter how insurmountable we feel it may be. Trust me, this one is a win!
CW: Mention of Domestic Abuse, Some mild scenes of abuse
“What if God placed Casey in her life to remind her that she wasn’t alone? Something about him made her feel like he understood… like he was a kindred spirit, of sorts.”
Read the full review at https://www.brookegilbertauthor.com/p...
Things I adored:
👩❤️👨 Representation in two characters!
🩺 Invisible and physical Disability Rep!
🧠 Mental Health Awareness
🌟 Faith Aspects that make your heart swell
💋 Such gentle and sweet swoon
🕯️ The Candle Shop
❤️ Casey trying to figure out how to approach Shyla
📖 The “Safe Haven” Vibes (One of my favorite Nicholas Sparks Books!)
🍿🎥 Read this novel if you like movies like: Safe Haven, Me Before You (But with a HEA), Intouchables, Enough, and Sleeping with the Enemy
Can I just say that a novel has never had me hooked at the dedication. But this one brought tears to my eyes and hit home. “To everyone who has ever felt like their pasts made them unworthy, undeserving and undesirable. "… he makes all things new…’” And this is very indicative of how this whole novel reads. Dameron’s prose is powerful and relatable. My Kindle highlighter was out in full force. For anyone who has been mistreated in a relationship this book is for you! For anyone whose past makes them feel unlovable this one this one is for you!
I was completely swept up in the story. The representation and faith aspects were more than a breath of fresh air, they were exactly what I needed! Very few writers are brave enough to bring this much representation to a novel and Dameron gives us two characters with exceptional representation. The physical and invisible disability is wonderfully portrayed! And on top of that, we have the sweetest love story. Casey is so gentle with Shyla. I love that we get his POV and see how much care he takes in approaching her after learning of her background with domestic abuse. And when he pulls her into his lap in his wheelchair for a kiss . . . oh, the swoon is just perfect!! It’s a representation kiss that is done impeccably! My only wish was that Shyla would have fought more when everything came to a head. However, I know in instances of domestic abuse this can be more of a fantasy than a reality. But I really was yearning to see more of that.
I can’t wait to visit River Hollow again! More than anything, I want to thank the author for providing such a powerful story of two wounded souls who fit perfectly together. And for showing us that our past doesn’t have to define our present. That we can indeed be lovable no matter our baggage–no matter how insurmountable we feel it may be. Trust me, this one is a win!
CW: Mention of Domestic Abuse, Some mild scenes of abuse
“What if God placed Casey in her life to remind her that she wasn’t alone? Something about him made her feel like he understood… like he was a kindred spirit, of sorts.”
Read the full review at https://www.brookegilbertauthor.com/p...
June 21, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
My goodness this was an emotional read! I loved reading the POV from Casey and Shyla, although it’s told in third person format. Their internal struggles, how they’re dealing with traumatic events from their past.
I appreciate how the author doesn’t try to tiptoe around the struggles of anxiety or make it seem like it just all goes away in an instant. Reading how Shyla deals with her panic and fears was emotional and I was rooting for her and Jack!
Reading how Casey handles being bound to a wheelchair and his inner turmoil of seeing himself differently, almost broken was relatable. While one is visible (wheelchair) the other is invisible (anxiety) but both stir up similar emotions, feelings, and mindset.
The romance was perfect, it didn’t feel overly rushed and it was tender and comforting which is what they both needed.
Took off half a star because while I understand it’s for the plot, I could’ve done without the whole mini side romance story of a side character and honestly it wouldn’t have taken away from the plot if that was taken out. I skimmed through that because it took me away from what I was reading, especially since it felt thrown in randomly
My goodness this was an emotional read! I loved reading the POV from Casey and Shyla, although it’s told in third person format. Their internal struggles, how they’re dealing with traumatic events from their past.
I appreciate how the author doesn’t try to tiptoe around the struggles of anxiety or make it seem like it just all goes away in an instant. Reading how Shyla deals with her panic and fears was emotional and I was rooting for her and Jack!
Reading how Casey handles being bound to a wheelchair and his inner turmoil of seeing himself differently, almost broken was relatable. While one is visible (wheelchair) the other is invisible (anxiety) but both stir up similar emotions, feelings, and mindset.
The romance was perfect, it didn’t feel overly rushed and it was tender and comforting which is what they both needed.
Took off half a star because while I understand it’s for the plot, I could’ve done without the whole mini side romance story of a side character and honestly it wouldn’t have taken away from the plot if that was taken out. I skimmed through that because it took me away from what I was reading, especially since it felt thrown in randomly
May 4, 2024
**Heads up for others like me who were recommended this book "based on books I've read" in KU because this is a Christian romance and I had no clue lol This is far from the books I've read and I realized about 8 pages in 🤭
I still wanted to give it a chance to see where the plot would lead up to because the synopsis pulled me in. I really tried .....unfortunately, I Dnf at 15%.
The book is very slow paced and the characters seemed unrealistic. At first, it's implied that the ex wife was selfish and wrong for leaving our male mc, but he's quick to defend her and place the blame on himself for the marriage falling apart.
His faith, his sister's faith, the husband was a "good Christian man" was repeated constantly in just the first chapter that it seemed forced and repetitive. We didn't get a chance to experience the character's behavior for ourselves before being told how we should feel about them.
Overall, I did not like the third person point of view, and the dialogue and pace of the book was flat.
I still wanted to give it a chance to see where the plot would lead up to because the synopsis pulled me in. I really tried .....unfortunately, I Dnf at 15%.
The book is very slow paced and the characters seemed unrealistic. At first, it's implied that the ex wife was selfish and wrong for leaving our male mc, but he's quick to defend her and place the blame on himself for the marriage falling apart.
His faith, his sister's faith, the husband was a "good Christian man" was repeated constantly in just the first chapter that it seemed forced and repetitive. We didn't get a chance to experience the character's behavior for ourselves before being told how we should feel about them.
Overall, I did not like the third person point of view, and the dialogue and pace of the book was flat.
July 30, 2025
Next To You by Dulcie Dameron
I was really excited to read this because I'm all about disability rep, however the internal ableism is strong here and I just couldn't. What help could a handicapped man be and being confined to a wheelchair and he was just a shell of a man. I have to hope his attitude became healthier throughout the book, but I did not have the patience to find out.
It was also suggested that this man try to befriend the woman's son to get close to her and that kind of manipulation just felt icky. And not very Christian either.
Which brings me to my third complaint. This is a Christian romance and no where in the description is that even hinted at. And I have no problem with that, I've read Christian romance before, but this one was very very preachy. Not for me.
I was really excited to read this because I'm all about disability rep, however the internal ableism is strong here and I just couldn't. What help could a handicapped man be and being confined to a wheelchair and he was just a shell of a man. I have to hope his attitude became healthier throughout the book, but I did not have the patience to find out.
It was also suggested that this man try to befriend the woman's son to get close to her and that kind of manipulation just felt icky. And not very Christian either.
Which brings me to my third complaint. This is a Christian romance and no where in the description is that even hinted at. And I have no problem with that, I've read Christian romance before, but this one was very very preachy. Not for me.
October 5, 2022
📕 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐟𝐨𝐫
𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐲 @dulciedameron
𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬. 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞.
𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐲𝐥𝐚 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧?
𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐛 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭. 😉
🤗Thank you to the author for this #gifted copy for an honest review and feature. Look forward to reading more of her books.
𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐲 @dulciedameron
𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬. 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞.
𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐲𝐥𝐚 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧?
𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐛 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭. 😉
🤗Thank you to the author for this #gifted copy for an honest review and feature. Look forward to reading more of her books.
October 11, 2022
What a sweet and heart felt romance! I pretty much read it in one sitting and loved every minute of it! Shyla and Casey are such relatable and lovable characters. I loved seeing their relationship blossom and how they opened their hearts to love again. I also loved the elements of suspense!
Thank you so much Dulcie Cameron for the gifted copy!
Thank you so much Dulcie Cameron for the gifted copy!
January 21, 2024
'Next to You' was captivating. Moreover, its tense plot was filled with secrets, anxiety, suspense, terror, a budding relationship, spirituality, and love. Casey and Shyla, the protagonists were made for each other and oozed chemistry once they hit their stride. And little Jack was the icing on top! Overall, I liked the mesmerizing narrative.
February 7, 2024
A sweet Christian romance with just the right touch of angst and suspense. Casey was paralyzed from the waist down in an extreme sports accident and feels he is not worthy of love. Shyla was the victim of spousal abuse and is terrified of men. Her son, Jack, is the adorable magnet that draws them together. Enjoy this sweet story. I did.
June 24, 2024
Cute story in the continuation of the River Hollow novels. I didn't love this one AS much as the first two as there is a second story line that I felt takes away a little from Casey and Shyla's story. But, that said, it's still a great cast of characters and I wouldn't mind living in River Hollow myself.
July 3, 2024
This book veered off from the first two books in the series it was more series, heavy and a bit of a thriller.
Still a sweet Christian romance full of love, grace and encouraging themes.
Overall this was a great book…good pace, well developed characters, and very sweet.
If you haven’t read the other books first they definitely build on each other but love the town and these great characters!
Still a sweet Christian romance full of love, grace and encouraging themes.
Overall this was a great book…good pace, well developed characters, and very sweet.
If you haven’t read the other books first they definitely build on each other but love the town and these great characters!
October 14, 2023
I loved Casey and Shyla and the tension between them. Note that this book gets quite a bit more intense than the other books in the series. I enjoyed Casey and Shyla so much that I didn't want their page time interrupted by the Prue/Amos story.
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