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lurker_stalker's review against another edition
2.0
I think after I read my last Gerri Hill romance I said I wasn't going to read any more of them. I hope I remember that the next time I get the urge.
Hill used to be one of my go-to romance authors. Her books weren't spectacular but they were consistently easy to read and had characters I could connect with and that I cheered for. But the last two or three that I've read had characters who were pretty unlikable and, honestly, participating in or supporting behaviors that I found morally unacceptable (stalking, blackmail, peeping, etc).
There were times when I nearly quit reading The Neighbor but ended up sticking it out.
Hill used to be one of my go-to romance authors. Her books weren't spectacular but they were consistently easy to read and had characters I could connect with and that I cheered for. But the last two or three that I've read had characters who were pretty unlikable and, honestly, participating in or supporting behaviors that I found morally unacceptable (stalking, blackmail, peeping, etc).
There were times when I nearly quit reading The Neighbor but ended up sticking it out.
lezreadalot's review against another edition
2.0
This is a tough one.
I liked several things about this book. I liked that it detailed a late-ish in life change of career. Eight years ago, Laura published a book to medium acclaim. Writing has always been something that she's loved. However, try as she might, no matter how many drafts she starts and throws away, she can't seem to get her second book out of her. I kind of expected her to get some kind of breakthrough and defeat her writer's block but instead she slowly comes to the conclusion that maybe her book was a one time thing, trying to force out another one wasn't making her happy, and she instead starts to pursue something that she likes: yard work! It didn't feel defeatist at all, even to someone like me, who hopes to be published one day. Cutting grass and planting flowers made her happy, so she turns her life in that direction. It was just really nice, to see that painted as a positive thing, though it's something that would be stereotypically seen as a menial job. Idk I really liked that!
I also liked that the characters were in their late 30s, early 40s; always great to see romance where people find love a little later in life. Especially lesbians! We don't stop existing when we turn 30! Also liked the thread of Laura reconnecting with her mother; it wasn't forced at all, even though they never exactly reconciled about what drew them apart (her mother's remarriage). The writing was competent and pleasurable (really liked the scenes in the woods), and the narration by Nicol Zanzarella was top-notch; I really enjoy her voice.
My dislikes start at an unfortunately crucial place: the characters. Lmao I did not like either of these women... at all. Laura started off badly by annoying Cassidy in a schoolyard "I like you so I'll pull your pigtails" way that I did not enjoy. Then she made it worse by spying on her with binoculars, which, I'm sorry, didn't get pulled off like some hijinks-y romcom stuff. It was just creepy! And she never exactly came clean about it, even after her mother told her she should, which... even worse! Cassidy wasn't any better. Rich people in romance book always walk a thin fucken line with me, and when she joked about firing two of her employees for not fixing something fast enough, I started washing my hands of her. Her fair weather friends were all made out to be these terrible and shallow people, but because their terribleness was so exaggerated, almost to be point of being caricatures, it just seemed like the author wrote in a bunch of dumb shit so the two main characters could dislike other people. Seriously, some of the main faults with Cassidy's dates were: "doesn't like beef" and "can't abide spicy food". Obviously, they had more pertinent and serious flaws, but Cassidy and Laura just came off as judgemental.
In keeping with the judgy-ness, Laura keeps describing Cassidy's exes as anorexic. From the way Claudia is described and the way she eats, she honestly probably is, and it's not something I wanted to see joked about in a book. Especially in the way Laura and Cassidy did it. At the same, the book manages to be vaguely fatphobic. (Laura likes to eat and can put away a good plate... but don't worry she's NOT FAT. We know this subtle fact about her from the maybe 30 or so times it's mentioned.) I also got skeeved off every time a woman who was clearly not straight was called straight. There was nothing overtly biphobic but if it looks like a duck, etc.
I started off by saying this is a tough one but I guess it's not, not really. This could have been a charming little romance (I'm thinking of those mornings they talked to each other through the fence and had coffee together... cute!) but the characters were thoroughly unlikable people. Add that to everything else, and it's a meh from me.
Pity!
I liked several things about this book. I liked that it detailed a late-ish in life change of career. Eight years ago, Laura published a book to medium acclaim. Writing has always been something that she's loved. However, try as she might, no matter how many drafts she starts and throws away, she can't seem to get her second book out of her. I kind of expected her to get some kind of breakthrough and defeat her writer's block but instead she slowly comes to the conclusion that maybe her book was a one time thing, trying to force out another one wasn't making her happy, and she instead starts to pursue something that she likes: yard work! It didn't feel defeatist at all, even to someone like me, who hopes to be published one day. Cutting grass and planting flowers made her happy, so she turns her life in that direction. It was just really nice, to see that painted as a positive thing, though it's something that would be stereotypically seen as a menial job. Idk I really liked that!
I also liked that the characters were in their late 30s, early 40s; always great to see romance where people find love a little later in life. Especially lesbians! We don't stop existing when we turn 30! Also liked the thread of Laura reconnecting with her mother; it wasn't forced at all, even though they never exactly reconciled about what drew them apart (her mother's remarriage). The writing was competent and pleasurable (really liked the scenes in the woods), and the narration by Nicol Zanzarella was top-notch; I really enjoy her voice.
My dislikes start at an unfortunately crucial place: the characters. Lmao I did not like either of these women... at all. Laura started off badly by annoying Cassidy in a schoolyard "I like you so I'll pull your pigtails" way that I did not enjoy. Then she made it worse by spying on her with binoculars, which, I'm sorry, didn't get pulled off like some hijinks-y romcom stuff. It was just creepy! And she never exactly came clean about it, even after her mother told her she should, which... even worse! Cassidy wasn't any better. Rich people in romance book always walk a thin fucken line with me, and when she joked about firing two of her employees for not fixing something fast enough, I started washing my hands of her. Her fair weather friends were all made out to be these terrible and shallow people, but because their terribleness was so exaggerated, almost to be point of being caricatures, it just seemed like the author wrote in a bunch of dumb shit so the two main characters could dislike other people. Seriously, some of the main faults with Cassidy's dates were: "doesn't like beef" and "can't abide spicy food". Obviously, they had more pertinent and serious flaws, but Cassidy and Laura just came off as judgemental.
In keeping with the judgy-ness, Laura keeps describing Cassidy's exes as anorexic. From the way Claudia is described and the way she eats, she honestly probably is, and it's not something I wanted to see joked about in a book. Especially in the way Laura and Cassidy did it. At the same, the book manages to be vaguely fatphobic. (Laura likes to eat and can put away a good plate... but don't worry she's NOT FAT. We know this subtle fact about her from the maybe 30 or so times it's mentioned.) I also got skeeved off every time a woman who was clearly not straight was called straight. There was nothing overtly biphobic but if it looks like a duck, etc.
I started off by saying this is a tough one but I guess it's not, not really. This could have been a charming little romance (I'm thinking of those mornings they talked to each other through the fence and had coffee together... cute!) but the characters were thoroughly unlikable people. Add that to everything else, and it's a meh from me.
Pity!
bookish_smorgasbord's review against another edition
4.0
Nicol Zanzarella delivers another great performance as her voice plays matchmaker between stalled writer Laura Fry and businesswoman Cassidy Anderson. For Laura, she isn't sure what her next move will be, aside from helping her mother regain mobility after an accident. On the other side of The Neighbor's fence, Cassidy remains stuck in a cycle of dissatisfying trysts. Zanzarella draws out their uncertainties, frustrations, and slow burning attraction as they find love in an unlikely place. Don't read this on an empty stomach! Lots of BBQs and delicious dinners to make any romance listener salivate.
aliu6's review against another edition
4.0
4.25 stars
When Laura Fry moves back into her childhood home to help out with her recently widowed mother, she expects to spend her time cooking, cleaning, doing yard work, and slowly chipping away at the writer's block she just can't seem to shake. Instead, she finds a new house right next door, along with a new neighbor, Cassidy Anderson, who seems to entertain an endless string of beautiful guests. Though Laura and Cassidy get off on the wrong foot, they slowly get to know each other and develop a friendship. Soon, the differences between them don't seem so great, and who knows, they might even find exactly what they're looking for.
This was a cute, pleasant read. And I finished this book in one sitting.
The Characters: I really liked both Laura and Cassidy. Laura is super down-to-earth and relatable. Cassidy is used to a more luxurious lifestyle and is never wanting for female company, but she's good at heart. She goes on so many dates because she's desperately looking for The One, and don't worry, she finds it in Laura. They clicked together really well. The side characters did not stand out much. I liked Laura's banter-y relationship with her mother, but the others (especially Cassidy's friends) were pretty one-dimensional.
The Romance: This was a sweet romance with practically no angst. Laura and Cassidy don't have immediate chemistry, which I liked. Instead, they settled into an easy friendship and the severe attraction came later on. Since it was smooth-sailing, nothing was terribly exciting, but it was definitely still enjoyable to watch.
The Plot: Most of the plot revolved around the MCs growing romance. There is a mini side plot with Laura trying to write another book, but we don't get too much closure with that. The romance is enough to push the plot forward.
The Writing: The writing flowed really smoothly, and I loved the dialogue, especially the flirting between Laura and Cassidy. Gerri Hill has such an easy-to-read writing style.
Other Notes: There is a bit of weirdness surrounding the original encounters where Laura is basically spying on Cassidy and her guests. I think it had the potential to come off as creepy and stalkerish (I mean, she's in her bedroom with binoculars, looking into Cassidy's backyard, where everyone is playing in the pool, sometimes naked), but it's played off as a joke and Cassidy also likes that Laura is watching, so I was willing to give Laura a pass for it.
All in all, a short and satisfying read. It's nothing new, but it's perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Would recommend!
When Laura Fry moves back into her childhood home to help out with her recently widowed mother, she expects to spend her time cooking, cleaning, doing yard work, and slowly chipping away at the writer's block she just can't seem to shake. Instead, she finds a new house right next door, along with a new neighbor, Cassidy Anderson, who seems to entertain an endless string of beautiful guests. Though Laura and Cassidy get off on the wrong foot, they slowly get to know each other and develop a friendship. Soon, the differences between them don't seem so great, and who knows, they might even find exactly what they're looking for.
This was a cute, pleasant read. And I finished this book in one sitting.
The Characters: I really liked both Laura and Cassidy. Laura is super down-to-earth and relatable. Cassidy is used to a more luxurious lifestyle and is never wanting for female company, but she's good at heart. She goes on so many dates because she's desperately looking for The One, and don't worry, she finds it in Laura. They clicked together really well. The side characters did not stand out much. I liked Laura's banter-y relationship with her mother, but the others (especially Cassidy's friends) were pretty one-dimensional.
The Romance: This was a sweet romance with practically no angst. Laura and Cassidy don't have immediate chemistry, which I liked. Instead, they settled into an easy friendship and the severe attraction came later on. Since it was smooth-sailing, nothing was terribly exciting, but it was definitely still enjoyable to watch.
The Plot: Most of the plot revolved around the MCs growing romance. There is a mini side plot with Laura trying to write another book, but we don't get too much closure with that. The romance is enough to push the plot forward.
The Writing: The writing flowed really smoothly, and I loved the dialogue, especially the flirting between Laura and Cassidy. Gerri Hill has such an easy-to-read writing style.
Other Notes: There is a bit of weirdness surrounding the original encounters where Laura is basically spying on Cassidy and her guests. I think it had the potential to come off as creepy and stalkerish (I mean, she's in her bedroom with binoculars, looking into Cassidy's backyard, where everyone is playing in the pool, sometimes naked), but it's played off as a joke and Cassidy also likes that Laura is watching, so I was willing to give Laura a pass for it.
All in all, a short and satisfying read. It's nothing new, but it's perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Would recommend!
the_kara_kara's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
charlieavocado's review against another edition
5.0
4.5. C'mon, it's Gerri Hill. It's almost exactly what you expect it to be. It's not in her bottom 30%, or in the top 15%. I would bet it floats somewhere in-between that wherever you are as a Gerri Hill fan.
I actually think Hill gets just a TINY bit outside of her usual predictability (which I find comforting and know that I'll almost always get a great book, not shaming it AT ALL, please, don't change that or I may cry), and it was refreshingly done and yet still comfortingly familiar. I swear that makes sense.
I also love when Hill writes about people in their late 30s/early 40s, I hope she keeps going into that territory, perhaps even adding another decade or so? I'm not there yet, but I really enjoy reading it and think the diversity is severely needed. I can't tell you how sick I am of reading about lesbians under 30… (Though to be fair, I wish I'd had those books a decade ago.)
I actually think Hill gets just a TINY bit outside of her usual predictability (which I find comforting and know that I'll almost always get a great book, not shaming it AT ALL, please, don't change that or I may cry), and it was refreshingly done and yet still comfortingly familiar. I swear that makes sense.
I also love when Hill writes about people in their late 30s/early 40s, I hope she keeps going into that territory, perhaps even adding another decade or so? I'm not there yet, but I really enjoy reading it and think the diversity is severely needed. I can't tell you how sick I am of reading about lesbians under 30… (Though to be fair, I wish I'd had those books a decade ago.)
itszuri's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
angieinbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I’ve sat on rating this book because I didn’t trust my gut to give it 5 stars. I do not give 5 stars very easily, and I’ve now given 4 in a very short time. But days after finishing it, I can’t personally justify a reason not to give it 5 stars because I just loved it. That’s really all there is to it. I don’t want to return it to the library.
The story follows Laura, a mystery writer who has a crippling case of writer’s block—8 years and counting—and because she’s not otherwise working, she’s tasked with the job of taking care of her mother, who is recently widowed and is partially disabled after a car accident a few years back. When Laura moves back to her mom’s house, she discovers her mom has a neighbor in a newly built house where the woods Laura spent her childhood exploring once stood. She soon finds out, via an upstairs window, that her mom’s new neighbor, Cassidy—tall, dark, and gorgeous—entertains a steady parade of female guests every weekend where clothing at the pool is often optional.
They meet. They are mutually unimpressed. They call each other names and make judgements about the other. But then they begin to banter and drink early-morning coffee on Laura’s patio. Cassidy convinces Laura to mow her lawn and plant flowers. Laura uses Cassidy’s pool. They keep talking and learning and teasing and eating and eventually really enjoying the time they spend together.
But Laura is not Cassidy’s type: femme, blonde, sophisticated, employed, not living with her mother. And they both know it. And yet... and yet...
Here’s why I loved this novel so much.
1. The characters really get to know each other. Their attraction is based on who they are. They’re honest. They tease. They laugh. They challenge each other. They simply work in equal partnership.
2. They genuinely enjoy spending time together. And actively participate in tasks together.
3. They communicate. They have insecurities and fears and they don’t shy away from them. They confront and work through them.
4. Towards the end of the novel this thing (no spoilers) happens. In any other story this would have derailed our protagonists, but not Laura and Cassidy. They trust each other to figure it out. And it’s probably my favorite and funniest moment in the book.
There is very little angst here. That may not interest a lot of readers, but given everything happening in this pandemic era, this is exactly what I needed and wanted.
So yeah. 5 f*cking stars sounds about right.
The story follows Laura, a mystery writer who has a crippling case of writer’s block—8 years and counting—and because she’s not otherwise working, she’s tasked with the job of taking care of her mother, who is recently widowed and is partially disabled after a car accident a few years back. When Laura moves back to her mom’s house, she discovers her mom has a neighbor in a newly built house where the woods Laura spent her childhood exploring once stood. She soon finds out, via an upstairs window, that her mom’s new neighbor, Cassidy—tall, dark, and gorgeous—entertains a steady parade of female guests every weekend where clothing at the pool is often optional.
They meet. They are mutually unimpressed. They call each other names and make judgements about the other. But then they begin to banter and drink early-morning coffee on Laura’s patio. Cassidy convinces Laura to mow her lawn and plant flowers. Laura uses Cassidy’s pool. They keep talking and learning and teasing and eating and eventually really enjoying the time they spend together.
But Laura is not Cassidy’s type: femme, blonde, sophisticated, employed, not living with her mother. And they both know it. And yet... and yet...
Here’s why I loved this novel so much.
1. The characters really get to know each other. Their attraction is based on who they are. They’re honest. They tease. They laugh. They challenge each other. They simply work in equal partnership.
2. They genuinely enjoy spending time together. And actively participate in tasks together.
3. They communicate. They have insecurities and fears and they don’t shy away from them. They confront and work through them.
4. Towards the end of the novel this thing (no spoilers) happens. In any other story this would have derailed our protagonists, but not Laura and Cassidy. They trust each other to figure it out. And it’s probably my favorite and funniest moment in the book.
There is very little angst here. That may not interest a lot of readers, but given everything happening in this pandemic era, this is exactly what I needed and wanted.
So yeah. 5 f*cking stars sounds about right.
pandon's review against another edition
4.0
This book was very enjoyable. Good character development, easy to like characters, not a lot of angst. If you are a fan of Gerri Hill, you’ll like this.
reneetc's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this slow burn romance. It's rare that I have time to finish a book in one day, but The Neighbor captured my attention and did not let go. Despite the binoculars, Laura "Yard Girl" Fry is not the "nosy, creepy neighbor who spied." Instead, she is a thirty-eight-year-old writer (?) suffering from writer's block while taking care of her partially disabled mother and in a relationship dry spell. Under her circumstances, how could she not be curious about her Casanova neighbor who feeds her loneliness with petty, shallow "friends" and revolving bedmates? With Laura and Cassidy's circumstances in mind, their evolving relationship was well-paced and believable. With a good dose of humor, some pre-relationship angst, and lots of smiles, Laura and Cassidy's magnetic chemistry brought a smile to my face from cover to cover. I'm glad neither of them hid their attraction from each other. I hoped that once they put their fears/insecurities/pretenses/doubts aside, there would be fireworks. The end did seem a little rushed, but in the scheme of things, I'm happy with the results. I have nothing but good feeling vibes about their happily ever after.