Laura’s Review of Double Dare (Neighbor from Hell, #6) by R.L. Mathewson

Synopsis

Marybeth still couldn’t believe that she’d survived this long with a friend like Darrin, but somehow she’d managed to beat the odds and not give in to temptation and smother him with a pillow while he slept.

Of course some days were more difficult than others…

For twenty years he’s been biding his time, waiting for the right moment to make his move and now that it was here…
He couldn’t seem to stop screwing up.

Author’s Note:

Every NFH novel is written so that it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone book with the exception of this one. When I started writing Double Dare it wasn’t meant to coincide with The Game Plan, but it does. So, if you haven’t read The Game Plan, you may want to wait until after you do so that you can fully enjoy this book. 

What I Loved

          Well this was another awesome Neighbor from Hell book to add to already amazing series.  Once again the Bradfords have me laughing out loud so much I have to stop and try to catch my breath.  I feel like I can’t read these books in public because I can’t stop laughing and people will look at me funny. Darrin Bradford is ranking up there to be one of my favorite Bradfords because he has devoted his heart to Marybeth since childhood and loves to drive her crazy. The tricks Marybeth and Darrin play on each other made this one very entertaining story and I couldn’t get enough of it.  Then to add some pretty hot sexual chemistry into the mix made this an awesome story. 

          The plot did remind me of Rory and Connor because they both have grown up together and love to push each other’s buttons to the extreme.  I absolutely loved when Marybeth would get her revenge on Darrin, I couldn’t wait to see what she would do next and trust me when I say Darrin totally deserved it.   

          I loved not only Darrin and Marybeth’s relationship, but Darrin’s relationship with his brothers as well.  Especially his twin brother Reese because when these two got together it lead to some pretty hilarious scenes.  Not only did I enjoy Darrin and Reese together but the rest of the gang is there as well and of course that always leads to chaos and laughs.

 

Not So Much

          This is probably one of my favorite Neighbor from Hell books so far so I don’t have a ton of complaints.  My only big hang up was Marybeth herself, the constant back and forth with her became frustrating and repetitive time and time again.  I was so sick of her constantly running away over and over again and Darrin always wheeling her back in.  It was just one too many times to me because instead of it being cute it became annoying.

          Another odd thing that kind of stuck out was that one minute Marybeth is running away from Darrin for the hundredth time and the next she’s okay and wants live happily ever after with Darrin.  There was some lead up and she was starting to be worn down, but it was literally in just one paragraph where her entire character changed.  It was weird to me that a girl who is so determined for so many years would just change so drastically in a matter of a sentence.

To Sum It All Up!

       

         Once again the Bradford humor has returned in full force and it was totally great to see these dudes back again in a lot of funny ways.  I totally love the Bradford family not only because they are completely crazy but because of how much they love each other at the end of the day.  This definitely seems to be a long running series since there are so many Bradfords left so I would love the next story (Reese’s) to have more variation.  The overall arcs are becoming a little repetitive to me.  I get that you don’t want to change the character’s personality from what we know them to be but the overall formula needs to change so the series doesn’t become stale.  I love this series so much and I don’t want to be tired with it so I’m hoping there will be a change up or a new twist.  There is a bonus preview of Reese’s story and I will say I was immediately hooked so I’m excited.  Marybeth and Darrin are obviously so soulmates so it was great to see them get their happy ending no matter how hard it was to achieve that.

Laura’s Review of The Game Plan (Neighbor from Hell, #2) by R.L. Mathewson

Synopsis

Spend the next 40 years in prison or break her lease early?

Normally she’d be able to say that this one was a no-brainer, but things have definitely changed since she was forced to move in across the hall from Danny Bradford.

A lot of things……

She wanted to get through one day, just ONE day without Danny Bradford doing something to test the limits to her control, but with that damn smile of his and his habit of leaving her contemplating manslaughter, she didn’t see that happening anytime soon.

He loved his family, but some days…….

It was too much, but that was okay, because his small neighbor living across the hallway provided him with endless hours of entertainment. Not on purpose of course, but did it really matter as long she made him smile?

What I Loved

          I haven’t read a Neighbor from Hell story in a while and The Game Plan reminded me so much of why I love this series.  The Bradfords are up to their crazy antics again, and this time its Danny Bradford that is torturing his poor unsuspecting neighbor Jodi. What I love most about these books is the fact that I literally have to catch my breath from laughing so hard and this story was no different. 

         Danny Bradford definitely takes after the rest of his family with his crazy obsession with food and his love for tormenting his neighbor.  I love the scenes that begin with Bradford visiting a restaurant and end with complete chaos and another ban.  I love Danny’s relationship with his family and how no matter what his brothers and cousins support and watch over him.  I love that although there are some pretty funny scenes with each family member giving each other a hard time, they stick together and support each other during tough times and

are always there.

          My heart totally went out to Jodi, she’s a girl who has been burn pretty badly in the past and is trying to piece her life back together.  I love how even though she’s a shrimp physically can be a fierce fighter when she needs to be and when shit hits the fan she is there to fight for the people she loves.  Of course I loved the chemistry between Jodi and Danny, and I love that Jodi made Danny work for her trust and love.  Danny might be one hot ex-marine but he still needs to work to get on Jodi’s good side after all the crap he’s pulled.

Not So Much

          I love books that switch point of views because it offers a more well rounded story, but there were times that I wish the scenes were told from the other person’s point of view.  There were some scenes that felt limited to me because they were told from the wrong person’s point of view.  It sometimes created holes in the plot and skipped around a little too much. 

          As much as I love this series and the Bradford men, this story was a little repetitive after a while.  The overall plot followed the same exact pattern as the other books in this series and by this point it would’ve been nice if there was a variation, maybe adding a new twist. The constant self-loathing from Jodi was tiring as well after a while and slowed down the plot. As much as I really liked Jodi I was done with her constantly questioning herself and Danny’s intentions. 

To Sum It All Up!

          I’ve truly missed the Bradford family, they have me cracking every time I open up a new book and The Game Plan was no different.  I love the carnage this family creates anytime they travel together or dine out.  Also, it was so wonderful to see my favorite Bradfords Trevor and Jason again, and to see just how crazy Trevor’s children have become.  Danny comes from a huge immediate family and I can’t wait to see what happens to rest of his siblings because I’m sure it will be just as funny and adventurous as all the other book.  Danny and Jodi’s sexual chemistry definitely lead to some pretty steamy sex scenes which definitely added a very hot element to the book.  The attraction between these two was undeniable and it was great to watch Danny go after Jodi aggressively and show her what a good man has to offer. 

Lauren's Review of Playing for Keeps (Neighbor from Hell #1) by R.L Mathewson

I  love when it's cold out and I can stay in all weekend with a blanket and good book.  It's been a while since I read a book in a weekend but this was a light, easy, enjoyable read and it reminded me a little of Wallbanger by Alice Clayton.

Rating: 4 Stars

Summary: Done with being the world's biggest pushover, Haley decides that things are going to change starting with the aggravating neighbor who has too much charm and not enough restraint. What she didn't expect was to be sucked into his world, but Haley has a game plan and she won't let herself forget just what the bad boy next door is capable of.  The last thing Jason expected was for his little shy neighbor to go Rambo on him over some ruined flowers. After he decides to take her under his wing he can't help but notice that she fits very nicely in his life. Now the only thing left is to convince her that this is anything but a game.

What I Loved: I think when reading this book everyone is going to say the same thing. It was a light, sweet, romantic read.  The characters are entertaining, fun and likeable.  I was interested right from the beginning with the flower scene and instantly wanted Haley and Jason to be together.  I enjoyed watching their friendship develop into much more.  Loved the nickname, Grasshopper too!
Overall, the story flows with some love and drama (whoo hoo!) and of course a HEA ending.


Cons: Not much to complain about but I think the virgin thing gets a bit old sometimes and I would have loved to punch Haley's family in the face!

Hot Scene: Never thought about using Buttercream frosting that way ;)

Next Read: Killing Sarai by J. A Redmerski

Laura’s Review: Perfection (Neighbor From Hell #2) by R.L. Mathewson

Basic Summary:  Zoe has had a horrible day, her boss’ wife attacks her, her boss fires her, her car window breaks on a cold rainy day, and her asshole of a neighbor parked in her spot.  It continues when she gets in a confrontation with that very neighbor, and it ends with him basically calling her fat.  Trevor Bradford, isn't so much an asshole as just incredibly selfish like most of the men in his family.  He gets by with his good looks and charm, but otherwise leads a bachelorhood existence waiting for the “perfect” woman.  Trevor knows one day he’ll land a woman that meets all his needs, including his monster size appetite.  Until then he plays the field with no strings attached.  All this comes to a halt though when he is confronted by his otherwise quiet neighbor.  Zoe was not his type; she’s chubby, plain and can’t cook at all.  He offers to help her out by finding her a new job, and hires her to clean up his apparent and keep refrigerator full for extra money.  This arrangement quickly turns into a physical arrangement which of course leads to the inevitable, love! Well, if Trevor doesn't mess it all up along the way. 

What I love about this book:  Like the first book in this series it’s freaking hilarious.  There is no huge drama, no jaded pasts haunting them, no huge heart break that most romance novels seem to have.  R.L. Mathewson manages to create lovable down to earth characters that any person reading this book can in some way relate to.  Trevor is hilarious, but at the same time sees himself as not good enough when measured up to his cousin Jason.  He is dyslexic and as a child skates by in school convincing other people to do his homework, but struggles with his disability none the less.  His father left him behind as a child, his mother died when he was older, but still has the support from his cousins, aunt, and uncle.  He has been able to make a decent life for himself despite his disability and has definite solid plans for his future which include his perfect wife.  Zoe a girl who grew up in foster care, with no family at all to lean on has put together her own life, even if it includes a lonely existence.  They both have had it tough, and along their journey find ways to be somewhat happy in life.  You feel bad for both of them, but unlike other books where this would completely handicap their personality development that would leak into their personal relationships, the author doesn't dwell on this part of their personalities.  It is not what makes the book; it’s just a background to the actual story line.  Which is what I find so refreshing because their past is somewhat in passing not the main dilemma in a way.  The Bradford men are known for their crazy appetite, and have been banned from almost every food delivery services as well as every all you can eat buffet, which causes some very funny scenes throughout the story line.  An entertaining scene in the book occurs when Zoe discovers a new buffet opening a couple towns away; the scene begins with every Bradford attending the opening and ends with them all being kicked out and banned for life.  This book keeps you laughing from beginning to end but sucks you in all at the same time. Jason and Haley from book one are supporting characters in this book, and adds to the hilarity that is Trevor and Zoe’s relationship throughout the story. 

        Zoe like Trevor is a lovable character, who has a skewed view of herself because of her weight.  She doesn't see the value that she can bring to a relationship, to her she is destined to meet a plain man and lead a plain life.  Zoe cannot wrap her head around the fact that someone as beautiful as Trevor could be attracted to someone like her.  That doesn't stop her from pouncing him whenever they are alone together though which leads to some very excellent sex scenes.  They seem to form a little family of sorts behind closed doors with their two cute little puppies leaving an open door policy between their two apartments.  They keep their relationship hidden from the public, and they think they are getting away with it but in reality not so much.  What I love about Zoe is that even though she has had such a crappy life, she is a somewhat positive and open person when it comes to the relationships she has with the people around her.  She reminds me very much of almost every woman who has insecurities about her body and how she views her physical self, compared to women around her.  I love that her mouth is what gets her in trouble because she always feels the need to voice her opinion, and although that has made her life exponentially harder throughout the years she refuses to keep it shut.  I love strong female lead characters and even though Zoe might not think that of herself she truly is a strong woman. 

Cons:  Although Zoe is a strong woman, she does become kind of whiny to me after a while.  I get why Zoe is the way she is, but at a certain point it becomes a little annoying.  Obviously for her relationship with Trevor to survive she has to accept the fact that he loves her, but it would've been nice if she did it a couple chapters sooner.  I get why Trevor keeps his relationship with a secret, and at the end he can’t wait to scream to the world how in love with her he is, but I would've like to have seen that part of their relationship elaborated more.  Maybe if there was just one more chapter added onto the book where they are in an actual real dating relationship in public I would've loved the book even more.  To me, when they get to this point of the story, the book is kind of just rushed through, and then it just ends.  The epilogue is great and it’s really funny, but I would've just wanted to see more Zoe and Trevor dealing their circumstances a little bit longer.  I can’t really want those circumstances are because it would spoil the ending for you. 

Overall:  This series is great, this is my second time around reading them because I read them a long time ago and I wanted to write a review about them but I didn't remember all the details.  R.L. Mathewson truly understands what a romantic comedy is, and it is delivered so beautifully through this series.  The sex scenes are just a wonderful as the food scenes are and everything in between.  I love this book and I love this author!!!!!

Laura’s Review: Playing For Keeps (A Neighbor From Hell Series) by R.L. Mathewson

MANY MANY THUMBS UP!!!!!!

Basic Summary:  Haley is an ultra shy lady, who was so happy to live on her own and finally be a homeowner, that is until Jason moves next door.  To make things even worse  Jason is not only her neighbor from hell but her coworker as well.  They finally come to blows after Haley has had enough, they soon get into hilarious situations that literally make you laugh out loud, and of course eventually fall in love.

What I Love About This Book:  It’s hilarious, there are very few series that make me laugh, and this book has me cracking up.  Jason Bradford is hilarious; I can’t even imagine the genius that is R.L. Mathewson to write such a hilarious character.  Not only is he funny, but he has depth to him that isn’t obvious at first but you discover naturally as the story goes on.  These elements make him a more realistic down to earth character, unlike other fictional male leading characters like Christian Grey or Jesse Ward.  The way R.L. Mathewson writes Jason, and his interactions with Haley and his family make him lovable and someone you can really latch onto as far as imagining him.  He’s more your level then being so far out there it’s hard to dream up. 

            Haley is another enchanting character, even though she is the typical shy timid virgin in this book, she isn’t at the same time.  She doesn’t fall into that whiney “why does he like me?” category.  She is a woman who knows what she has to offer to a relationship, and is confident in that.  She is very shy and lets people walk all over her, but she knows that and owns up to it.  R.L. Mathewson has created a character that isn’t same old timid leading lady, she like Jason has definite depth and dimension.   The author’s creation of these characters is truly amazing, and because of their depth really sucks you into the story.  Haley becomes a true spit fire as the story progresses and a funny, at one point Jason tied himself to her bed and instead of untying him, she ends shaving his arms and legs….hilarious!

            You very quickly understand why this series is called Neighbor from Hell, Jason is a nuisance to Haley almost immediately; “Within the first ten minutes of his arrival he’d backed into her mailbox, spilled fast food wrappers from his car into his property, which quickly made their way onto her immaculate law, and relieved himself on the great old oak tree in his front law with a sheepish smile and a shrug…” Yeah that would definitely be considered an annoying neighbor!   But right away when the book changes to Jason’s point of view, that there are reasons for his inconsideration and instantly makes him lovable. 

            Jason’s healthy appetite adds to the hilarity of the story line  and to me it’s so refreshing reading a romance and being in hysterics while reading it.  There are some books that make you laugh, but some scenes in this book left tears in my eyes they were so funny.  R.L. Mathewson doesn't skimp on the details either, and you really get a sense of the world around Haley and Jason as well as their personalities through the writing.  The epilogue was awesome as well really summing up their happily ever after, adding to the story wonderfully. 

Cons:  I guess my only con would be there wasn't enough sex in it; I would've liked to have seen more.  The sex scenes that are in the book are written really well though.  Making the protagonist a virgin kind of bothered me thought, because for a such a realistic book that element makes it very unrealistic.  The author goes on to explain why Haley chose to save herself, but still it’s reaching. 

Overall:  I loved this book, I love this series and it’s made me definitely want to explore R.L. Mathewson further.