Review: Mr Right Next Door by Naima Simone
MR. RIGHT NEXT DOOR
RETURN TO ROSE BEND
Mr. Right Next Door by Naima Simone is the fourth full-length book in the author’s Rose Bend series, following previously published books, The Road to Rose Bend, Christmas at Rose Bend, and With Love from Rose Bend. There have also been a few novella’s released in this series, A Kiss to Remember, Slow Dance at Rose Bend, The Love List, and Trouble for Hire. Though there are several books released in this series, each one can be read and enjoyed as a standalone road, so don’t be afraid to jump into the series at any time!
BOOK REVIEW
Jenna Landon breaks my heart. Like seriously just cracks it right in two. She’s a survivor, but she doesn’t allow others to know it. Not really. Not until the words are so powerful that they simply cannot be contained within her. She might be a bonified mean girl, but there are so many layers and depths to her character that being a mean girl isn’t all she is or even who she is at her core. Because that mean girl demeanor? It comes from a place of real pain, real heartache, and real disillusionment. She’s been hurt, badly, and she’s been let down, repeatedly. She’s every at-risk teenager I ever worked with, and I’ve worked with a lot of them in the last decade. But she is considered privileged because of her station in life, who her parents were and the wealth they carried with them. Ugh, I just want to hug the woman and never let her go.
Isaac Hunter is another character that breaks my heart, right before he set out to steal it. The man has been through a lot, maybe not as much as Jenna, but the things he has been through have certainly left their mark on him. Which is probably why he can relate to and see Jenna so much better than the people who have known her or dealt with her all their lives. He’s an observant man, and he’s not afraid to push boundaries when warranted. He’s also not afraid to step back whenever that is needed, too. He’s good like that. And he’s close to his family, despite not having lived near them in a while.
Both of these characters were so well-written, and their experiences truly did complemented one another. They were good together, and good for each other, seeing the things most everyone else has missed. I loved that about them. I loved how they challenged each other and their pet names for each other are among my all-time favorites, if not my number one favorite. They just fit so well, and they were so darn cute with it that I couldn’t help but smile every time one of them used them.
This book ran me through a gamut of emotions. Tears, both happy and sad, laughter, joy, satisfaction, and finally, contentment. I loved the journey Jenna and Isaac had in this story, and how well Simone took them down the path to HEA. They might not be perfect people, but they are perfect together, and I freaking adored them so much. As soon as I finished reading the book, I immediately wanted to start it all over again. There is just so much to unpack with Jenna, and yet, it’s all right there in the pages of the book. By the end, readers truly know who she is and what she’s about, and the same could be said for Isaac. They are two of my all time favorite characters, and definitely within this series.
Simone did an outstanding job with this romance, I simply cannot recommend reading it enough. I sure as heck loved the hell out of it. It’s just so beautifully crafted and wonderful to read. It’s highly memorable, well-executed, and it hits every single one of my romance reading love buttons.
It’s a KEEPER!
Read this book if you love themes of family (born, chosen, or found), friendship, community, heartbreak, love, acceptance, forgiveness, and hope.
RATING: 
BOOK INFORMATION
Mr Right Next Door by Naima Simone Series: Rose Bend #4
Published by HQN Books on January 10, 2023
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 448
Format: eBook, Paperback
Source: Amazon Purchase
Buy: Amazon | Goodreads
RATING:
Also in this series: The Love List, With Love From Rose Bend, Trouble for Hire
As the ex-mayor’s daughter, Jenna Landon has spent her life aiming for perfection—and missing. The pressure and disappointment turned her into a bit of a mean girl, but now she’s tired of protecting her soft heart, of hiding her losses—she’s ready to leave Rose Bend and start over. But before she can leave, she has to endure the town’s carnival fundraiser, her father’s reelection campaign…and the pain-in-the-tail giant who just moved in next door.
Wrestling coach Isaac Hunter didn’t mean to disturb his neighbor with his music while fixing his car. But if anyone could use “messing with,” it’s prissy, perfect, sexy Jenna Landon. Soon their clashes turn into something hotter. Recently divorced, his focus should be rebuilding his life, not an… entanglement with a woman who spells nothing but trouble. Because Jenna is leaving Rose Bend. And they both know he can’t go with her, and he can’t ask her to stay...
Bonus novella included!
Trouble for Hire
Tattoo artist Erik Mann never should’ve agreed to hire his best friend’s sister. Against the odds, he’s built a successful business in Rose Bend and has everything exactly as he likes it. The last thing he needs is her sweeping in, changing things. He doesn’t know whether to throw her out…or kiss her. Not that either is an option. Her brother made it clear that she’s strictly off-limits.
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About Naima Simone
USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone’s love of romance was first stirred by Johanna Lindsey and Nora Roberts years ago. Well not that many. She is only eighteen…ish. Published since 2009, she spends her days writing sizzling romances with heart, a touch of humor and snark.
She is wife to Superman–or his non-Kryptonian equivalent–and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern US.