Funny, sexy and deeply sweet
The fastest I’ve read a book in a long time @rachelmeredithwrites
A perfect window into that time in your 20s when you’re trying to figure out who you are and who you love. Sweet, charming, sexy and funny. Where you want to skip ahead to find out what happens, but then have to go back so as not to miss something. READ IT.
Thank you to Harper Perennial for the ARC. These opinions are my own.
This is such a fascinating premise. There's a hot new sapphic romance titled Girl Next Door (yes, the same title as this book). It's written under a pseudonym, but Joe tells his best friend MC that it's clearly written by their high school friend, Nora. And Nora wrote it about her relationship with MC, even though they never were together. So MC returns home to find out more.
This is a very messy version of a romance. There are so many secrets and lies. In addition to MC, Nora, and Joe, we have many other key players, including MC's family. And every single one is complex and flawed.
My favorite parts were the scenes with the high school literary club. And I also enjoyed all the library scenes. I'm such a sucker for book content in books.
But some of the main plots weren't as good a fit for me. I recommend this for people who enjoy morally grey main characters.
CW: cheating
3.5 stars rounded up
This was a nice , easy read with an engrossing story line and relatable characters.
I really enjoyed it.
Read this book!
L
Linda Dominick
September 10, 2025
Verified Purchase
The hardest thing about going home is usually the difficult relationships waiting there for you. That was the case for MC. She comes home to issues with her old neighbor and family. The more time she spends at home, she realizes that these relationships mean more to her now more than ever. Everything in this book is messy, realistic, and complicated.
Nora is her neighbor and she needs to find out if the book she wrote was about the two of them. As MC spends time with Nora to find out if the story, she begins to fall for Nora. There’s some resistance to a relationship, but there is a HEA.
If you are looking for a lgtbq rom com with small town vibes and family drama you just might enjoy this one.
Feel good girl next door vibes
Second chance at romance? What if the literal girl next door wrote a book about you, but changed some plots so you two ended up together? And what if that said book actually brought you two together years later? That's exactly what happens with Nora and MC. This story isn't about rewriting the past or fitting in to a narrative, it's about learning to trust yourself and love.
