Review: Neighbor Dearest by Penelope Ward

From New York Times bestselling author, Penelope Ward, comes a friends to lovers story with sexy new characters.

After getting dumped, the last thing I needed was to move next door to someone who reminded me of my ex-boyfriend, Elec.

Damien was a hotter version of my ex.

The neighbor I’d dubbed “Angry Artist” also had two massive dogs that kept me up with their barking.

He wanted nothing to do with me. Or so I thought until one night I heard laughter coming through an apparent hole in my bedroom wall.

Damien had been listening to all of my phone sessions with my therapist.

The sexy artist next door now knew all of my deepest secrets and insecurities.

We got to talking.

He set me straight with tips to get over my breakup.

He became a good friend, but Damien made it clear that he couldn’t be anything more.

Problem was, I was falling hard for him anyway. And as much as he pushed me away, I knew he felt the same…because his heartbeat didn’t lie.

I thought my heart had been broken by Elec, but it was alive and beating harder than ever for Damien.

I just hoped he wouldn’t shatter it for good. 

Wow, this story pulled at my heartstrings. The story starts off humorous, Chelsea Jameson's neighbor isn't the friendliest. He has a pair of barking rottweilers, Dudley and Drewfus, that he can't and won't keep quiet.

"And I'm not anti-social or a savant. I'm just a good old-fashioned prick...with supersonic hearing."  
   
It isn't long before Chelsea discovers the 'pick' is also her landlord and he is using his supersonic hearing to eavesdrop on her personal phone calls. Damien Hennessey not only eavesdrops on Chelsea's personal phone calls but he also gives her some sage advice.

The Omen befriends Firestarter

After a small toaster oven fire, a friendship sparks. Even though both Chelsea and Damien have a mutual attraction it's Damien that makes it very clear that he has not interest in a future with anyone who wants to get married or have kids. He only wants to be friends, an overly-protective friend, but just friends. Chelsea is just moving past a broken relationship and struggles with Damien's mixed signals. Damien's rejection is enough to push Chelsea past her limits and she makes the decision to move.

Okay, now I had expected the groveling to begin but that's not what happens next. The story takes a poignant turn when Damien's secret is discovered. The second half of the book is beautiful. Damien and Chelsea have to overcome life challenges and fears. It's what love is all about. I wouldn't label this a romance but a love story with a mix of humor, heartbreak, and faith. 5 Stars!