The Boy Next Door

5 Hearts Reviewed by Prime

Kate McMurray is one of those authors where I like to check out the blurb of a new (to me) book and is slowly becoming a definite favorite on my ever growing list of favorite authors. She does sweet and heartwarming romances for the most part. They are the type of thing that you sit down with your book/device and just pass your time pleasantly reading the extraordinarily sweet characters that emerge from her very ordinary and very relatable world.

The Boy Next Door is a second edition, of which I did not read the first edition so not sure what has changed. It is about Lowell who goes back to his hometown to care for his mother, who seems to be getting rather forgetful, after the death of his father. His father was not a kind man in life and so in death his ghost does affect his relationship with both his mother and the town. The surprise Lowell gets though is that his new neighbor is Jase. They were friends as children and as teens Lowell had had a massive crush on Jase.

Jase seems to be very straight. The evidence is still there with his recent divorce and a little girl dominating most of his time and thoughts. But Jase has a massive secret and sees the strength in the out of the closet Lowell – he’s gay, has known all his life but has tried for many years to hide that part of himself. With Lowell’s return Jase has got to confront his feelings and the manipulative people in his life if he wants a quick hook up with his friend to be a lot more.

The chemistry between these two guys is great. There is a certain depth of emotion that makes it so easy to not only relate to both Lowell and Jase, but to see that the thick sexual tension between them is more than a fling. I really liked the drama that happens between the guys – it goes to add to the feeling that certain people in Jase’s life are not only homophobic but manipulative as well. It adds a lot of depth to Jase’s character.

This book lived up to my expectations; ultimately, it was a sweet and heartwarming romance that worked on all levels.

Great main and supporting characters in this rekindled friendship turned romantic relationship. I like how the author kept it realistic and showed the impact of ending a marriage can have when one person in the couple is gay.

I really liked this story. I havent read anything from her before but will definitely be reading more. I enjoyed the way she told the story of 2 friends from school who grew apart once Lowell came out. Lowell's home life wasn't great and as soon as he could left home and never looked back. .
Jase was the loved jock and after college got married and had a child. Jase knew all along he was gay but one night hook ups was all he wanted. Lowell moves home when he dad dies and he needs to take care of his mother.
When Lowell moves next door and they strike up a friendship which turns into something more. I loved the chemistry between these 2 and the sex scenes were good. When something happens to Jase's daughter Layla , thanks to his homophobic x-wife, Jase has a change of heart and dumps Lowell. Jase feels if he never hooked up with him things would have never happened. Lowell is heartbroken and reluctant to let Jase go but he needs to help him keep his daughter. When the crisis is over Jase realizes he cant function without Lowell and that he needs him. They work out how to have each other and Layla. Great ending!!!
Received an arc from publisher for a review. Reviewed by Jodi for Alpha Book Club.