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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
Wow… I am left speechless after this book. While you can read this one as a standalone, you will find some spoilers for Stepbrother Dearest if you have not read that and do intend to though. But overall, this story was full of heartbreak, self discovery and finding love when you least expect it. It swallows you whole and takes you on an amazing journey.
Chelsea got burned hard by her ex, Elec. Enter the “angry artist” as she calls him. Damien. He knocked her on her butt and out of breath. These two connect on a level that honestly at times with the things that happen, makes you wonder how they did not kill each other. But their passion for each other is very evident and you can tell that chemistry was begging to let the sparks fly. Oh do they fight it though. When these two finally give in, all bets are off and their banter as well as their love for each other is bar none. When certain issues and secrets come to life, they fight each other tooth and nail. I think that’s what I really loved about this couple. They challenged each other the whole way and continued to do so throughout the story. There were moments I was going to bawl, moments that I wanted to yell JUST DO IT ALREADY and moments where you want to utterly swoon over Damien. I love that Chelsea is a fighter even though she was hurt so bad and Damien helps her realize her worth.
Overall, I loved this story. I loved seeing Chelsea get her happy ending. I loved seeing Damien get over himself to move on to have a happy life and not a closed off one. These two were clearly made for each other and it is one of those stories that you will think about for weeks if not months to come as it was just that amazing. Highly recommend it to anyone!
Chelsea got burned hard by her ex, Elec. Enter the “angry artist” as she calls him. Damien. He knocked her on her butt and out of breath. These two connect on a level that honestly at times with the things that happen, makes you wonder how they did not kill each other. But their passion for each other is very evident and you can tell that chemistry was begging to let the sparks fly. Oh do they fight it though. When these two finally give in, all bets are off and their banter as well as their love for each other is bar none. When certain issues and secrets come to life, they fight each other tooth and nail. I think that’s what I really loved about this couple. They challenged each other the whole way and continued to do so throughout the story. There were moments I was going to bawl, moments that I wanted to yell JUST DO IT ALREADY and moments where you want to utterly swoon over Damien. I love that Chelsea is a fighter even though she was hurt so bad and Damien helps her realize her worth.
Overall, I loved this story. I loved seeing Chelsea get her happy ending. I loved seeing Damien get over himself to move on to have a happy life and not a closed off one. These two were clearly made for each other and it is one of those stories that you will think about for weeks if not months to come as it was just that amazing. Highly recommend it to anyone!
My new favorite Penelope Ward!!!
I did not realize this was a spin off of sorts from a previous book, with Chelsea being the girl dumped by Alec... I don't think this had any affect on how much I like the book, but I think it will be very hard for me to read the previous book, because I cannot imagine Alec could possibly compare to Damien.... Penelope Ward does an extremely good job at creating female characters you want to be Besty's with and male characters you just plain want.... Chelsea is recovering from a broken heart and Damien has a broken heart, his heart is so broken that he does not feel as though he has the right to get into any kind of serious relationship.... I really did understand Damien's motivation, but I could also feel for Chelsea and how frustrated she must have been... also liked the family dynamics that both of these characters had... and that ending, so perfect!
I did not realize this was a spin off of sorts from a previous book, with Chelsea being the girl dumped by Alec... I don't think this had any affect on how much I like the book, but I think it will be very hard for me to read the previous book, because I cannot imagine Alec could possibly compare to Damien.... Penelope Ward does an extremely good job at creating female characters you want to be Besty's with and male characters you just plain want.... Chelsea is recovering from a broken heart and Damien has a broken heart, his heart is so broken that he does not feel as though he has the right to get into any kind of serious relationship.... I really did understand Damien's motivation, but I could also feel for Chelsea and how frustrated she must have been... also liked the family dynamics that both of these characters had... and that ending, so perfect!
What I really liked about this book was the fact that the characters made wise choices (mostly) and were rational; well, not completely but they were real. They faced their fears when they should have and they felt insecure when they should have.
There was no silly misunderstanding between the characters that led to fighting. Well except for
What I didn't like about the book though -and this is just me- was how much they leaned on god for everything. And how much they thanked god for everything that they have worked so hard for.
All and all it was a good book and I enjoyed it very much.
There was no silly misunderstanding between the characters that led to fighting. Well except for
Spoiler
that scene where Jenna picks up the phone, but even that was tolerable, because it didn't last very long and Chelsea was set straight soon enough.What I didn't like about the book though -and this is just me- was how much they leaned on god for everything. And how much they thanked god for everything that they have worked so hard for.
All and all it was a good book and I enjoyed it very much.
Starting this book and around 12% I thought "why is everyone going crazy over this book?" In the end I was tear streaked and had the biggest grin on my face! What a ride. What a totally awesome unexpected ride. I loved it!
challenging
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
medium-paced
4 You’re My Unicorn CROWNS
Neighbor Dearest is another wonderful story about two people who long to be together but resist for reasons that ultimately become clear as the story unfolds. It is emotional, heart-wrenching, and funny, and it will leave you in a pure state of contentment.
These characters had me emotionally invested from the beginning. Chelsea, who the reader meets in Stepbrother Dearest, already has my sympathy from page one. She is so kind and sweet, and I hate what happened to her (although there was really no choice in the matter), so I desperately wanted her to get her happy ending. I wanted her to find her unicorn. Damien, our hero in the story, is artistic and stand-offish in the beginning, but he is protective and incredibly kind as well.
Both of these characters are incredibly likable, which is what makes their story so emotional. The character development created by Penelope Ward leaves the reader no choice but to become invested in the relationship of these characters, as we root for their happy ending.
There is definitely chemistry between these two characters, and it is clear from the beginning of the story. There is, however, a lot of “will they or won’t they” throughout the story. Some readers may not like the whole “I want to be with you but I can’t” events that occur in the book, but his reasoning behind why he can’t be with her completely makes sense and fits with who he is as a character. And, ultimately, the will they or won’t they allows the reader to really see the two of them develop as a couple and pine for the HEA.
This plot will rip your heart out, but it will also piece it back together. It is angsty and sad in parts, but Penelope Ward leaves you with a giddy smile on your face when it is all over. I promise! One aspect that I truly love about this story is the humor. I laughed so many times throughout the whole book. The craziness of some of the scenes helped to balance out the more emotional and heart-breaking aspects of the story, providing the reader with the perfect comic relief. This truly a wonderful story with incredible pacing in regards to the couple’s development together.
As with any Penelope Ward book, I expect an emotional rollercoaster, and, boy, did she deliver. My heart ached in sadness for these characters, I laughed over so many crazy events of the plot, and finally smiled at the conclusion of this story, one that both characters certainly deserved. Now, I will sit and wait, hoping for Jade’s story.
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For more reviews and other book news, check out modernbellebooks.com
Neighbor Dearest is another wonderful story about two people who long to be together but resist for reasons that ultimately become clear as the story unfolds. It is emotional, heart-wrenching, and funny, and it will leave you in a pure state of contentment.
These characters had me emotionally invested from the beginning. Chelsea, who the reader meets in Stepbrother Dearest, already has my sympathy from page one. She is so kind and sweet, and I hate what happened to her (although there was really no choice in the matter), so I desperately wanted her to get her happy ending. I wanted her to find her unicorn. Damien, our hero in the story, is artistic and stand-offish in the beginning, but he is protective and incredibly kind as well.
Both of these characters are incredibly likable, which is what makes their story so emotional. The character development created by Penelope Ward leaves the reader no choice but to become invested in the relationship of these characters, as we root for their happy ending.
There is definitely chemistry between these two characters, and it is clear from the beginning of the story. There is, however, a lot of “will they or won’t they” throughout the story. Some readers may not like the whole “I want to be with you but I can’t” events that occur in the book, but his reasoning behind why he can’t be with her completely makes sense and fits with who he is as a character. And, ultimately, the will they or won’t they allows the reader to really see the two of them develop as a couple and pine for the HEA.
This plot will rip your heart out, but it will also piece it back together. It is angsty and sad in parts, but Penelope Ward leaves you with a giddy smile on your face when it is all over. I promise! One aspect that I truly love about this story is the humor. I laughed so many times throughout the whole book. The craziness of some of the scenes helped to balance out the more emotional and heart-breaking aspects of the story, providing the reader with the perfect comic relief. This truly a wonderful story with incredible pacing in regards to the couple’s development together.
As with any Penelope Ward book, I expect an emotional rollercoaster, and, boy, did she deliver. My heart ached in sadness for these characters, I laughed over so many crazy events of the plot, and finally smiled at the conclusion of this story, one that both characters certainly deserved. Now, I will sit and wait, hoping for Jade’s story.
=======
For more reviews and other book news, check out modernbellebooks.com
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! This book was just perfection...it was everything I hoped it would be. I loved stepbrother dearest (one of my all time favs) and this one actually surpassed it! That's how fantastic this read was. Even the sad parts were beautiful. So many swoon worthy moments I felt like I would combust. Damien and Chelsea's love was exactly what I look for in romance novels. Sexy, smart, wity, steamy, and laugh out loud funny. The slow burn romance was on point! I wish more books were like this. And of course Penelope Ward delivers, yet again! I love all of her books...all of them! She never disappoints... phenomenal writer...phenomenal book!
1.5 stars.
The first half of this was OK, but the second half I completely lost interest and just wanted it to end. I’m still stuck on.
I hated the ex girlfriend, they made her have no good qualities AT ALL. I hated the heroine because she called women who just HUNG OUT WITH the hero, whores and sluts, and I hated him for being a knob 80% of the time.
After they finally get together however the relationship kind of took a back seat? It’s just scenes of largish events in a relationship and it jumps from each one with no real flow.
Not for me.
The first half of this was OK, but the second half I completely lost interest and just wanted it to end. I’m still stuck on
Spoiler
his heart condition... he ’eats healthy’, however he also can’t live without... coffee? It just sits weird with me. Like that should be the last thing he’s drinking on the regular lolI hated the ex girlfriend, they made her have no good qualities AT ALL. I hated the heroine because she called women who just HUNG OUT WITH the hero, whores and sluts, and I hated him for being a knob 80% of the time.
After they finally get together however the relationship kind of took a back seat? It’s just scenes of largish events in a relationship and it jumps from each one with no real flow.
Not for me.