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Next-Door Nemesis
Two rival candidates for a homeowner’s association presidency are about to find out how dirty suburbanites fight in this steamy new romantic comedy from Alexa Martin.
After years of hustling, Collins Carter has finally made it...back to her parents’ house. Between tending to the compost with her newly retired dad and running into her high school nemesis at the only decent coffee shop in town, Collins realizes this subdivision from hell she swore she’d never return to is her rock bottom.
Then the homeowner’s association complaint arrived.
Nathaniel Adams always dreamed of a nice, quiet life in his suburban hometown. Or at least that’s what he thought until Collins moved back and sent his quaint, organized life into a tailspin. He thought Collins was infuriating ten years ago, but when she announces she’s running against him for HOA president, all bets are off.
From secret board meetings to vicious smear campaigns whispered over backyard fences, Collins and Nate sink to levels their sleepy suburb has never seen before. But as hate turns into lust, these two enemies are forced to reckon with the feelings they’ve ignored for years. If only there were bylaws for real life.
After years of hustling, Collins Carter has finally made it...back to her parents’ house. Between tending to the compost with her newly retired dad and running into her high school nemesis at the only decent coffee shop in town, Collins realizes this subdivision from hell she swore she’d never return to is her rock bottom.
Then the homeowner’s association complaint arrived.
Nathaniel Adams always dreamed of a nice, quiet life in his suburban hometown. Or at least that’s what he thought until Collins moved back and sent his quaint, organized life into a tailspin. He thought Collins was infuriating ten years ago, but when she announces she’s running against him for HOA president, all bets are off.
From secret board meetings to vicious smear campaigns whispered over backyard fences, Collins and Nate sink to levels their sleepy suburb has never seen before. But as hate turns into lust, these two enemies are forced to reckon with the feelings they’ve ignored for years. If only there were bylaws for real life.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2023
237 people are currently reading
25193 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Martin
9 books2,235 followersAlexa Martin is a writer and stay at home mom. She lives in Colorado with her husband, a former NFL player who now coaches at the high school where they met, their four children, and a German Shepherd. When she's not telling her kids to put their shoes on...again, you can find her catching up with her latest book boyfriend or on Pinterest pinning meals she'll probably never make. Her first book, Intercepted, was inspired by the eight years she spent as an NFL wife.
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June 16, 2023
Alexa Martin once again proves her mastery in crafting captivating romance novels with her latest release. This time, she takes the thrilling concept of neighbors from hell and combines it with the irresistible enemies-to-lovers trope, resulting in a book that will have romance enthusiasts utterly enthralled.
In this addictive tale, we meet Collins Carter and Nathaniel Adams, former best friends whose relationship took a sharp turn when Nate abandoned Collins to join the popular crowd at school. Their animosity has only grown over time, turning them into fierce arch-nemeses who can barely stand each other's presence. Collins, determined to move forward, pursues her dreams of becoming a screenwriter. However, her world comes crashing down when her long-time boyfriend and mentor betrays her, causing her to have a public breakdown that quickly becomes an internet sensation. With her reputation in ruins and her career prospects dwindling, Collins finds herself returning to her childhood home in Ohio, where she seeks solace living with her parents, immersed in daily Bible rites and indulging in home improvement reality shows alongside her mother. But fate has a wicked sense of humor, as Collins discovers that Nathaniel has moved in next door. Dressed impeccably and radiating an air of pretentiousness, Nathaniel works as a realtor and holds a prominent position on the Homeowners Association (HOA), earning him popularity in the neighborhood. He wastes no time in rubbing Collins' failures in her face, pushing her buttons, and even stooping to blackmail in an attempt to get rid of her.
But Collins isn't one to back down easily. Determined to stand her ground, she enters into a heated competition against Nathaniel for the presidency of the HOA. Assisted by her brilliant lawyer friend Ruby and newfound ally Ashley, a master mixologist, Collins unleashes her arsenal to secure victory and protect her newfound peace. However, amidst the chaos and rivalry, Collins begins to question her assumptions about Nathaniel. Could it be possible that she misjudged his intentions? Is there a chance that beneath their fiery exchanges, a flicker of their former friendship remains? As Nathaniel gradually lets down his guard, Collins finds herself torn between her deep-rooted animosity and an undeniable, simmering attraction. With each passing moment, their chemistry grows stronger, tempting them to explore a connection neither anticipated.
This novel is an absolute delight, offering a perfect blend of humor, passion, and redemption. Alexa Martin's witty writing style shines through, enveloping readers in a story that is as entertaining as it is heartfelt. The exploration of the thin line between love and hate adds depth to the characters, keeping readers on their toes and eager to witness their transformation. Prepare yourself for a wild ride of emotions reminiscent of the finest rom-coms, with echoes of the beloved enemies-to-lovers and friends-to-lovers tropes.
I extend my sincerest gratitude to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for generously providing me with a digital review copy of this enjoyable book. It was an absolute pleasure to immerse myself in its pages and share my honest thoughts.
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In this addictive tale, we meet Collins Carter and Nathaniel Adams, former best friends whose relationship took a sharp turn when Nate abandoned Collins to join the popular crowd at school. Their animosity has only grown over time, turning them into fierce arch-nemeses who can barely stand each other's presence. Collins, determined to move forward, pursues her dreams of becoming a screenwriter. However, her world comes crashing down when her long-time boyfriend and mentor betrays her, causing her to have a public breakdown that quickly becomes an internet sensation. With her reputation in ruins and her career prospects dwindling, Collins finds herself returning to her childhood home in Ohio, where she seeks solace living with her parents, immersed in daily Bible rites and indulging in home improvement reality shows alongside her mother. But fate has a wicked sense of humor, as Collins discovers that Nathaniel has moved in next door. Dressed impeccably and radiating an air of pretentiousness, Nathaniel works as a realtor and holds a prominent position on the Homeowners Association (HOA), earning him popularity in the neighborhood. He wastes no time in rubbing Collins' failures in her face, pushing her buttons, and even stooping to blackmail in an attempt to get rid of her.
But Collins isn't one to back down easily. Determined to stand her ground, she enters into a heated competition against Nathaniel for the presidency of the HOA. Assisted by her brilliant lawyer friend Ruby and newfound ally Ashley, a master mixologist, Collins unleashes her arsenal to secure victory and protect her newfound peace. However, amidst the chaos and rivalry, Collins begins to question her assumptions about Nathaniel. Could it be possible that she misjudged his intentions? Is there a chance that beneath their fiery exchanges, a flicker of their former friendship remains? As Nathaniel gradually lets down his guard, Collins finds herself torn between her deep-rooted animosity and an undeniable, simmering attraction. With each passing moment, their chemistry grows stronger, tempting them to explore a connection neither anticipated.
This novel is an absolute delight, offering a perfect blend of humor, passion, and redemption. Alexa Martin's witty writing style shines through, enveloping readers in a story that is as entertaining as it is heartfelt. The exploration of the thin line between love and hate adds depth to the characters, keeping readers on their toes and eager to witness their transformation. Prepare yourself for a wild ride of emotions reminiscent of the finest rom-coms, with echoes of the beloved enemies-to-lovers and friends-to-lovers tropes.
I extend my sincerest gratitude to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for generously providing me with a digital review copy of this enjoyable book. It was an absolute pleasure to immerse myself in its pages and share my honest thoughts.
medium.com
December 7, 2023
**Many thanks to Catherine Barra at Berkley and Alexa Martin for an ARC of this book provided via NetGalley! Now available as of 11.14!**
No blue trampoline covers! A 5 minute open garage door limit?!....No more than 15 lbs of PET??
(In that case, apologies to my lovely cat...sounds like we need to bump up the cardio! 😹)
What do all of these bizarre and restrictive rules have in common? They are all ACTUAL HOA rules in REAL neighborhoods. (At least...according to the Internet. 😉) Collins Carter is glad to have moved far away from this sort of goofy gatekeeping...until she finds herself RIGHT back in her parents' neighborhood and subject to all of the rules and regulations that come along with it. An embarrassing viral video and a manipulative hotshot Hollywood ex brought her writing career in LA to a grinding halt, and Collins returns home to find her hometown much as she left it. And there's one particular thorn in her side who makes his annoying (and annoyingly HANDSOME) presence known: she comes face to face with her former best friend Nathaniel Adams.
But Nathaniel hasn't been resting on his laurels...and his aspirations seem just within reach. Already a successful real estate agent in the area, he is about to run for president of the neighborhood's Homeowner's Association (HOA) and feels sure that his involvement and good favor in the community will lead him to a landslide victory. However, Collins is looking to make a name for herself too...and two can play at the public take-down game! With her lawyer sister Ruby's long-distance support and a fast friendship with a zany girl from her high school past to bolster her confidence, Collins launches an all-out battle for HOA president, determined to take Nathaniel down a peg...or several! But with smear campaigns flying and pranks whizzing back and forth, why is Collins suddenly feeling stirrings of feelings from so long ago? Is the fiery contempt of the past slowly morphing into something ELSE fiery...passion? 🔥 And when all the votes are counted, will winning the HOA STILL be more important than winning a certain someone's heart?
Although I'm far from a romance aficionado, this sort of romance is what I'd call standard fare. There are few surprises to be found, a small cast of characters (thankfully!), and the sort of silliness you'd expect from a premise like this one. Since in general it's hard to take a HOA TOO seriously, there's a certain amount of suspension of disbelief you need to have in order to take this journey with Collins. As much as I was rooting for some personal growth in our MC, she seemed young at the start and pretty much stayed in that place throughout the book. As much as I appreciated that she had some pals in her corner, it was a bit strange that the OTT and sort of valley girl, MLM loving neighbor became such quick friends with Collins also...she went from finding her sort of nuts to inviting her over and spilling her darkest secrets to her at chain restaurants over drinks pretty quickly. (Maybe this is what friendships are like for 20 year olds these days...but for me, I found it a little off putting).
Of course, the other piece of this puzzle is Nathaniel. This is enemies to lovers romance, but I'll be honest: these two NEVER really felt like full-blown enemies to me. There was a bit of snarky comments shot back and forth at the beginning, but Collins was acknowledging his hot bod from pretty much the get-go, and once we found out these two had such an intense past and were SUCH good friends...to the point where Collins' mom pretty much couldn't stop fawning over Nathaniel, it didn't feel like these two were so much enemies as Collins had been scorned when Nathaniel basically swapped high school cliques without an explanation.
I mean...it may have seemed world ending in high school I suppose. But a quick conversation between these two could have cleared that up at ANY point in time (and eventually does)...so the 'conflict' seemed a bit weak to me. Nathaniel is really 90% at fault for the entire demise of their relationship, so I didn't really get why Collins was so desperate to forgive him and so wooed by his 'newer' self. I also didn't really jibe with the banter or find it that funny, although again, this may be a sign of being a bit older than the target demo for this particular read. I just felt like the characters read a bit more juvenile than I'd expect and in that way I had a lot less buy in for the inevitable conclusion of this predictable rom-com. (No spoilers, but there may be a TV script penned by Collins that is actually called HOA**holes...with asterisks and all 🤦♀️)
Though Martin's twist on the neighbor to you love to hate...and eventually hate to admit you love...felt a bit unique with the HOA angle, when it comes to this neighborhood?
I may have 'paid my dues'...but I still got the eviction notice. 🏠
3.5 stars
No blue trampoline covers! A 5 minute open garage door limit?!....No more than 15 lbs of PET??
(In that case, apologies to my lovely cat...sounds like we need to bump up the cardio! 😹)
What do all of these bizarre and restrictive rules have in common? They are all ACTUAL HOA rules in REAL neighborhoods. (At least...according to the Internet. 😉) Collins Carter is glad to have moved far away from this sort of goofy gatekeeping...until she finds herself RIGHT back in her parents' neighborhood and subject to all of the rules and regulations that come along with it. An embarrassing viral video and a manipulative hotshot Hollywood ex brought her writing career in LA to a grinding halt, and Collins returns home to find her hometown much as she left it. And there's one particular thorn in her side who makes his annoying (and annoyingly HANDSOME) presence known: she comes face to face with her former best friend Nathaniel Adams.
But Nathaniel hasn't been resting on his laurels...and his aspirations seem just within reach. Already a successful real estate agent in the area, he is about to run for president of the neighborhood's Homeowner's Association (HOA) and feels sure that his involvement and good favor in the community will lead him to a landslide victory. However, Collins is looking to make a name for herself too...and two can play at the public take-down game! With her lawyer sister Ruby's long-distance support and a fast friendship with a zany girl from her high school past to bolster her confidence, Collins launches an all-out battle for HOA president, determined to take Nathaniel down a peg...or several! But with smear campaigns flying and pranks whizzing back and forth, why is Collins suddenly feeling stirrings of feelings from so long ago? Is the fiery contempt of the past slowly morphing into something ELSE fiery...passion? 🔥 And when all the votes are counted, will winning the HOA STILL be more important than winning a certain someone's heart?
Although I'm far from a romance aficionado, this sort of romance is what I'd call standard fare. There are few surprises to be found, a small cast of characters (thankfully!), and the sort of silliness you'd expect from a premise like this one. Since in general it's hard to take a HOA TOO seriously, there's a certain amount of suspension of disbelief you need to have in order to take this journey with Collins. As much as I was rooting for some personal growth in our MC, she seemed young at the start and pretty much stayed in that place throughout the book. As much as I appreciated that she had some pals in her corner, it was a bit strange that the OTT and sort of valley girl, MLM loving neighbor became such quick friends with Collins also...she went from finding her sort of nuts to inviting her over and spilling her darkest secrets to her at chain restaurants over drinks pretty quickly. (Maybe this is what friendships are like for 20 year olds these days...but for me, I found it a little off putting).
Of course, the other piece of this puzzle is Nathaniel. This is enemies to lovers romance, but I'll be honest: these two NEVER really felt like full-blown enemies to me. There was a bit of snarky comments shot back and forth at the beginning, but Collins was acknowledging his hot bod from pretty much the get-go, and once we found out these two had such an intense past and were SUCH good friends...to the point where Collins' mom pretty much couldn't stop fawning over Nathaniel, it didn't feel like these two were so much enemies as Collins had been scorned when Nathaniel basically swapped high school cliques without an explanation.
I mean...it may have seemed world ending in high school I suppose. But a quick conversation between these two could have cleared that up at ANY point in time (and eventually does)...so the 'conflict' seemed a bit weak to me. Nathaniel is really 90% at fault for the entire demise of their relationship, so I didn't really get why Collins was so desperate to forgive him and so wooed by his 'newer' self. I also didn't really jibe with the banter or find it that funny, although again, this may be a sign of being a bit older than the target demo for this particular read. I just felt like the characters read a bit more juvenile than I'd expect and in that way I had a lot less buy in for the inevitable conclusion of this predictable rom-com. (No spoilers, but there may be a TV script penned by Collins that is actually called HOA**holes...with asterisks and all 🤦♀️)
Though Martin's twist on the neighbor to you love to hate...and eventually hate to admit you love...felt a bit unique with the HOA angle, when it comes to this neighborhood?
I may have 'paid my dues'...but I still got the eviction notice. 🏠
3.5 stars
May 3, 2024
you can tell the author is a millennial
July 11, 2025
3.5/5
- This book was such a fun summer read! I haven’t been in the mood to read anything other than cutesy fluffy fun reads for summer and this was exactly what I was wanting to pick up!
- Love how this book actually gave true enemies to lovers! The things they were arguing about actually made sense!
- This is my first book by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last!
- This book was such a fun summer read! I haven’t been in the mood to read anything other than cutesy fluffy fun reads for summer and this was exactly what I was wanting to pick up!
- Love how this book actually gave true enemies to lovers! The things they were arguing about actually made sense!
- This is my first book by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last!
November 14, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
This was an enjoyable read thanks to Collins, but Nate didn't do it for me. He started off as a major dick right out of the gate, which stings even more when we learn more about what happened to their previous friendship and knowing he's (mostly) to blame, so wtf?
And then he explains what happened, which doesn't really excuse his treatment of her imo, and then she just accepts that and we move on. I don't even remember seeing him actually apologize, though SHE apologized to him several times during that speech. Booooooo.
And then we he decided he wasn't going to be an asshole anymore, he was just vanilla for me, nothing special or exciting as for MMCs go.
But Collins was fantastic and I loved her humor. I just wished she made Nate grovel more than he did to make up for years of not being friends because he's an idiot.
Though I did like that there wasn't really a third act breakup. I guess there technically was? But it was based on a calm, understanding discussion of what was going to happen in the future. Whereas in another book, they probably would have gotten into a big fight based on what happens toward the end.
So there were definitely aspects I liked about this book, but Nate brought it down for me :(
This was an enjoyable read thanks to Collins, but Nate didn't do it for me. He started off as a major dick right out of the gate, which stings even more when we learn more about what happened to their previous friendship and knowing he's (mostly) to blame, so wtf?
And then he explains what happened, which doesn't really excuse his treatment of her imo, and then she just accepts that and we move on. I don't even remember seeing him actually apologize, though SHE apologized to him several times during that speech. Booooooo.
And then we he decided he wasn't going to be an asshole anymore, he was just vanilla for me, nothing special or exciting as for MMCs go.
But Collins was fantastic and I loved her humor. I just wished she made Nate grovel more than he did to make up for years of not being friends because he's an idiot.
Though I did like that there wasn't really a third act breakup. I guess there technically was? But it was based on a calm, understanding discussion of what was going to happen in the future. Whereas in another book, they probably would have gotten into a big fight based on what happens toward the end.
So there were definitely aspects I liked about this book, but Nate brought it down for me :(
March 29, 2024
Next-Door Nemesis by Alexa Martin is a contemporary romantic comedy novel. The story in Next-Door Nemesis is one that uses the old enemies to lovers trope with the characters having an past together in high school.
After high school Collins Carter fled her small town and headed off to L.A. to try to make it on her own. Now Collins unfortunately has made it all the way back to her parents house finding herself unemployed. The last person Collins wanted to run into was Nathaniel Adams, her old high school nemesis, after returning.
Nathaniel is now a member of the H.O.A. in Collins parent’s neighborhood and also becoming a huge thorn in her side. Spouting out H.O.A. rules left and right Nathaniel keeps up the old feud leading Collins to decide the only way to defeat him is to take his spot on the H.O.A.
Next-Door Nemesis by Alexa Martin is one of those books that kept the pages turning just to see what silly thing would happen next, forget the romance! Kidding, the romance does come along in it’s time and I was rooting for the couple between the laughs too. My only niggle on this one is it’s kind of an odd scenario to run for an spot in a homeowner’s association without being the actual homeowner but I was willing to forgive that one and just enjoy the ride for four stars!
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
After high school Collins Carter fled her small town and headed off to L.A. to try to make it on her own. Now Collins unfortunately has made it all the way back to her parents house finding herself unemployed. The last person Collins wanted to run into was Nathaniel Adams, her old high school nemesis, after returning.
Nathaniel is now a member of the H.O.A. in Collins parent’s neighborhood and also becoming a huge thorn in her side. Spouting out H.O.A. rules left and right Nathaniel keeps up the old feud leading Collins to decide the only way to defeat him is to take his spot on the H.O.A.
Next-Door Nemesis by Alexa Martin is one of those books that kept the pages turning just to see what silly thing would happen next, forget the romance! Kidding, the romance does come along in it’s time and I was rooting for the couple between the laughs too. My only niggle on this one is it’s kind of an odd scenario to run for an spot in a homeowner’s association without being the actual homeowner but I was willing to forgive that one and just enjoy the ride for four stars!
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
November 18, 2023
✨Sexy Hallmark!!!✨
[To set the scene: She’s back in her small town; he never left. They’re former best friends, current candidates running for the local HOA president position. It’s raining and she’s just shown up at his house late at night. Gasp! He answers the door shirtless and confused. They are currently enemies.]
“You know I still hate you, right?”
“Yup.” His eyes drop to my chest. My light cotton tee has molded to my breasts and I feel my nipples harden beneath his gaze.
“I hate you too.”
“Good,” I say between heavy breathing.
“Good,” Nate repeats.
And that’s all we say. Because it’s kind of hard to talk with our lips smashed together and our tongues in each other’s mouth.
And lives were changed!!! Who knew sexual tension at an HOA meeting could be so delicious? It was the perfect Hallmark plot with a GREAT third act and some solid sex. Also this is a me thing but the sex is always so much hotter when the hero is a nerd and the heroine is just so surprised he fucks well. Like yes National Treasure is his favorite movie and he is a prominent member of the HOA AND he gives good dick! A multifaceted king!
It’s a pretty basic plot, but Alexa Martin really brought something special to the table. It was funny and cozy and just wanted to keep reading. I loved Collins so much!! Let heroines have tempers!! I was cackling; sometimes vandalism IS the answer. So sorry. And the fact that she befriended that one person who always falls for MLMs made my day.
The only thing I wanted more of was Nate. I’m not sure if I’d go as far as say that I want his POV, but I wanted to know just a bit more about him. And a lot of their relationship relied on their past history, so I would’ve liked to see them develop a bit further in the present. It’s more of a “I loved everything we got I just want more” situation.
As for the audiobook, I really enjoyed the narrator. I did find myself wanting to hear Nate’s voice, so maybe I do want his POV??? Who am I??? I just want to hear my sexy nerd be very enthusiastic about cunnilingus! But it was great as is.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶️🌶️*/5
*We got a couple open door scenes. They were pretty explicit but most of the time body parts weren’t mentioned if that makes sense. I think it could’ve been a bit spicier since they put “steamy” in the summary. The first scene was a really good length but the next ones were super short or off page.
Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley and to PRHaudio for an ALC. All opinions are honest and my own.
[To set the scene: She’s back in her small town; he never left. They’re former best friends, current candidates running for the local HOA president position. It’s raining and she’s just shown up at his house late at night. Gasp! He answers the door shirtless and confused. They are currently enemies.]
“You know I still hate you, right?”
“Yup.” His eyes drop to my chest. My light cotton tee has molded to my breasts and I feel my nipples harden beneath his gaze.
“I hate you too.”
“Good,” I say between heavy breathing.
“Good,” Nate repeats.
And that’s all we say. Because it’s kind of hard to talk with our lips smashed together and our tongues in each other’s mouth.
And lives were changed!!! Who knew sexual tension at an HOA meeting could be so delicious? It was the perfect Hallmark plot with a GREAT third act and some solid sex. Also this is a me thing but the sex is always so much hotter when the hero is a nerd and the heroine is just so surprised he fucks well. Like yes National Treasure is his favorite movie and he is a prominent member of the HOA AND he gives good dick! A multifaceted king!
It’s a pretty basic plot, but Alexa Martin really brought something special to the table. It was funny and cozy and just wanted to keep reading. I loved Collins so much!! Let heroines have tempers!! I was cackling; sometimes vandalism IS the answer. So sorry. And the fact that she befriended that one person who always falls for MLMs made my day.
The only thing I wanted more of was Nate. I’m not sure if I’d go as far as say that I want his POV, but I wanted to know just a bit more about him. And a lot of their relationship relied on their past history, so I would’ve liked to see them develop a bit further in the present. It’s more of a “I loved everything we got I just want more” situation.
As for the audiobook, I really enjoyed the narrator. I did find myself wanting to hear Nate’s voice, so maybe I do want his POV??? Who am I??? I just want to hear my sexy nerd be very enthusiastic about cunnilingus! But it was great as is.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶️🌶️*/5
*We got a couple open door scenes. They were pretty explicit but most of the time body parts weren’t mentioned if that makes sense. I think it could’ve been a bit spicier since they put “steamy” in the summary. The first scene was a really good length but the next ones were super short or off page.
Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley and to PRHaudio for an ALC. All opinions are honest and my own.
life-is-too-short
January 15, 2024A huge advantage to being the worst polyreader west of the Mississippi River is that it's very clear when a book falls in the generic, not standing out range.
And thus.
(I got a bunch of recs from some list, regrettably I do not recall which list, but so far it is batting like 0/10. Next time I'll remind myself this is why GR exists, and lists are bad)
And thus.
(I got a bunch of recs from some list, regrettably I do not recall which list, but so far it is batting like 0/10. Next time I'll remind myself this is why GR exists, and lists are bad)
November 13, 2023
This is a really funny rom-com and I really enjoyed it. I wasn’t expecting to like this one quite as much as I did and I rounded up from 4.5 stars because it was so funny. Collins left for LA as soon as she could from her small Ohio town, but after her sleezy boyfriend stole her script and her neighbor filmed her freaking out on him she returned home without any other choices. While this is far less than ideal she is prepared until she bumps into her former friend and high school nemesis Nate Adams. Clearly unsettled by her presence he uses his position on the HOA board to blackmail her into her leaving, but Collins isn’t one to back down so of course it becomes an election for HOA president and full of sexual tension and hilarity.
September 5, 2025
DNF 12%
These characters are assholes.
Listening to an hour was putting me in a bad mood.
The cuteness ended at the synopsis and cover.
These characters are assholes.
Listening to an hour was putting me in a bad mood.
The cuteness ended at the synopsis and cover.
November 30, 2023
3.75/5
I honestly have mixed feelings about this one. I started my reading journey on audio and I didn't feel connected to the dialogue or focused on the plot. It came off as a little cringey in the beginning, but as I switched over to my physical copy, I was having a BLAST.
As someone currently living in the suburbs with a HOA, I was cackling at the accuracy of Alexa's storytelling. The plot was incredibly believable and unique, which made for such an enjoyable time reading.
It took me a while to warm up to Collins and Nate's relationship; however, the ending was the freaking sweetest. Alexa did a fantastic job with their journey from childhood friends to enemies to lovers and I was eating it up.
"I've loved you since I was fourteen, Collins. I've been waiting for you to come home my entire life". I AM UNWELL.
Overall, a fun read with a unique premise that works.
Thank you Berkley, PRH Audio, GoodGirls PR, and Alexa Martin for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
I honestly have mixed feelings about this one. I started my reading journey on audio and I didn't feel connected to the dialogue or focused on the plot. It came off as a little cringey in the beginning, but as I switched over to my physical copy, I was having a BLAST.
As someone currently living in the suburbs with a HOA, I was cackling at the accuracy of Alexa's storytelling. The plot was incredibly believable and unique, which made for such an enjoyable time reading.
It took me a while to warm up to Collins and Nate's relationship; however, the ending was the freaking sweetest. Alexa did a fantastic job with their journey from childhood friends to enemies to lovers and I was eating it up.
"I've loved you since I was fourteen, Collins. I've been waiting for you to come home my entire life". I AM UNWELL.
Overall, a fun read with a unique premise that works.
Thank you Berkley, PRH Audio, GoodGirls PR, and Alexa Martin for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
January 6, 2024
22% in and I don't think I can hack it... Collins may have been dealt a bad hand but she's an awful person.
***
Update: flipped through a few pages pages and sorry, but this is a hard no for me. The relationship made zero sense, esp how they went from 0 to sex in the blink of an eye.
I had hope for this - I liked the idea of a biracial protaganist living in lily white suburbia in Ohio. But it was just not good. Sorry, Alexa.
***
Update: flipped through a few pages pages and sorry, but this is a hard no for me. The relationship made zero sense, esp how they went from 0 to sex in the blink of an eye.
I had hope for this - I liked the idea of a biracial protaganist living in lily white suburbia in Ohio. But it was just not good. Sorry, Alexa.
November 24, 2023
After an unfortunate viral video drives aspiring TV writer Collins Carter from LA back into her childhoo bedroom, she thinks she's hit rock bottom. But when a confrontation with her former childhood best friend, Nate Adams, leads to the two facing off for the newly vacant HOA president position, tension and sparks begin to fly.
This story has Martin's signature wit and I thought the banter between Collins and Nate exceptional. It took me a while to really connect with them as a couple - partially because I didn't buy into thir shared history, so all that tension felt unearned. But one we get that backstory - they clicked, but the first half was a struggle for me. And while Nate's characterization was a little weak, I apprecaited his open communication - it showed growth from when they were kids and how their relationsghip would ahve a chance today. Collins wasa tough character for me to connect with - I wouldn't say she's particularly likeable - she's immature and implusive, but she's also honest and caring so she felt like a real person - flaws and all.
Next-Door Nemesis managed to make a story with the HOA not a miserable and rigged as an HOA. There was flirty banter (over alleged fines), reminiscing, reconnecting, and real connection.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
This story has Martin's signature wit and I thought the banter between Collins and Nate exceptional. It took me a while to really connect with them as a couple - partially because I didn't buy into thir shared history, so all that tension felt unearned. But one we get that backstory - they clicked, but the first half was a struggle for me. And while Nate's characterization was a little weak, I apprecaited his open communication - it showed growth from when they were kids and how their relationsghip would ahve a chance today. Collins wasa tough character for me to connect with - I wouldn't say she's particularly likeable - she's immature and implusive, but she's also honest and caring so she felt like a real person - flaws and all.
Next-Door Nemesis managed to make a story with the HOA not a miserable and rigged as an HOA. There was flirty banter (over alleged fines), reminiscing, reconnecting, and real connection.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
January 15, 2024
1.5 Stars / 3 Steam Fans
Pretty sure I zoned out for most of this book. I didn't find any of the HOA moments super funny. I didn't feel the chemistry between Collins and Nathaniel.
Video review available in Week 3: Jan 14 – Jan 20, 2024, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
Pretty sure I zoned out for most of this book. I didn't find any of the HOA moments super funny. I didn't feel the chemistry between Collins and Nathaniel.
Video review available in Week 3: Jan 14 – Jan 20, 2024, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
November 27, 2023
I shouldn’t love a man who wears khakis this much but nate is the exception to all of the rules
February 6, 2024
I haven’t laughed out loud as much while reading a romance novel in a LONG time, but Next-Door Nemesis had me giggling from the first chapter. It’s written with exactly my brand of humour.
I love Collins as a female MC. She’s unapologetic and loyal and a bit unhinged and funny and strong and soft and I was rooting for her the entire book. I didn’t get a lot of tension or chemistry between her and Nate, but goodness, I was just so happy for her to find her home again.
Definitely recommend!
I love Collins as a female MC. She’s unapologetic and loyal and a bit unhinged and funny and strong and soft and I was rooting for her the entire book. I didn’t get a lot of tension or chemistry between her and Nate, but goodness, I was just so happy for her to find her home again.
Definitely recommend!
May 27, 2024
"I've loved you since I was fourteem, Collins. I've been waiting for you to come home my entire life" this book was so cute and hella spicy I loved this book with my entire being and the epilouge 🥹 that was sooo cute!
July 3, 2025
Gonna save thoughts for book club but first book I liked since throne of glass series!!!!!! Everyone cheered
November 18, 2023
A fun enemies to lovers. I loved the Midwestern charm throughout the whole book.
The MCs had a great back story, although the reason for them growing apart when they were younger seemed a bit unlikely.
Their chemistry together was great, a bit spicy but only a few scenes
The MCs had a great back story, although the reason for them growing apart when they were younger seemed a bit unlikely.
Their chemistry together was great, a bit spicy but only a few scenes
November 9, 2023
I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. I am not typically a fan of one POV but this book changed it for me! I loved the banter, i caught myself laughing out loud multiple times during the book. I always enjoy a good enemies to lovers/second chance romance.
there were also times where i found myself giggling and literally kicking my feet.
I read the ARC provided by Good Girls PR in exchanged for an honest review
there were also times where i found myself giggling and literally kicking my feet.
I read the ARC provided by Good Girls PR in exchanged for an honest review
January 29, 2025
I'm so sad I was so underwhelmed by this book!
First, it is literally impossible to make anything surrounding the HOA fun or interesting. So at its core, this book wasn't fun, and many parts weren't interesting. Which is fine if the book wasn't marketed as a fun, rivals-to-lovers, romantic comedy.
Collins was an extremely unlikable FMC—at least she was for me. I don't pretend to know the plight of mixed race people, but I will forever find it odd when Black or mixed Black women find themselves constantly one of one in a room. Collins couldn't have ONE Black friend or Black ex? Golly. And then, to top it off, the only time Collins talks about being glad to be Black is when she remarks about her sun-kissed skin. Otherwise she's lamenting her "untamable" hair and comparing herself to white women she'll never look like. Which, again, very well might simply be a plight I just don't understand, but I have a feeling this was an odd decision for her to partake in.
Nate was boring. He wasn't even a himbo, which could've made him more interesting, he was just a white man in suburbia who wears suburban clothes and never left his hometown. His conflicts with Collins were weird because he could have explained very early on what happened instead of praying she never brought it up again.
The conflicts these two had were extremely low stakes and it was difficult to root for them through them purely because…are y'all actually fighting about the HOA right now? Are you for real loudly holding a grudge over something that happened when y'all were in high school?
I didn't mind Martin's writing overall, which is why this is not a flat-out 1 ⭐️ read.
2.5 ⭐️s
3 🌶️
First, it is literally impossible to make anything surrounding the HOA fun or interesting. So at its core, this book wasn't fun, and many parts weren't interesting. Which is fine if the book wasn't marketed as a fun, rivals-to-lovers, romantic comedy.
Collins was an extremely unlikable FMC—at least she was for me. I don't pretend to know the plight of mixed race people, but I will forever find it odd when Black or mixed Black women find themselves constantly one of one in a room. Collins couldn't have ONE Black friend or Black ex? Golly. And then, to top it off, the only time Collins talks about being glad to be Black is when she remarks about her sun-kissed skin. Otherwise she's lamenting her "untamable" hair and comparing herself to white women she'll never look like. Which, again, very well might simply be a plight I just don't understand, but I have a feeling this was an odd decision for her to partake in.
Nate was boring. He wasn't even a himbo, which could've made him more interesting, he was just a white man in suburbia who wears suburban clothes and never left his hometown. His conflicts with Collins were weird because he could have explained very early on what happened instead of praying she never brought it up again.
The conflicts these two had were extremely low stakes and it was difficult to root for them through them purely because…are y'all actually fighting about the HOA right now? Are you for real loudly holding a grudge over something that happened when y'all were in high school?
I didn't mind Martin's writing overall, which is why this is not a flat-out 1 ⭐️ read.
2.5 ⭐️s
3 🌶️
December 3, 2023
Thank you to Good Girls PR for providing me with a finished copy!
As a fan of Alexa Martin's Intercepted, I was excited to read Next-Door Nemesis, pitched as a romance between two rivals in their HOA. I was even more pleasantly surprised to learn that the characters were childhood best friends turned enemies in high school. It added some great tension to Collins and Nate! I also appreciated the story arc of Collins living at home and figuring out her career with the support of her parents and close friends. Overall, this was a pretty standard, sweet romance, and I look forward to reading more of Alexa Martin's books.
Follow me on TikTok | Instagram | Twitter for more book reviews & recommendations!
As a fan of Alexa Martin's Intercepted, I was excited to read Next-Door Nemesis, pitched as a romance between two rivals in their HOA. I was even more pleasantly surprised to learn that the characters were childhood best friends turned enemies in high school. It added some great tension to Collins and Nate! I also appreciated the story arc of Collins living at home and figuring out her career with the support of her parents and close friends. Overall, this was a pretty standard, sweet romance, and I look forward to reading more of Alexa Martin's books.
Follow me on TikTok | Instagram | Twitter for more book reviews & recommendations!
November 6, 2023
When Collins returns back to her parents house, after losing her job, she doesn't expect to find her high school nemesis, Nate, living close by. And why is she seeing him everywhere she goes? When Collins finds out Nate will be running for HOA president, she chooses to run against him because why not? As the two work closer together, well....I'll leave you to guess what happens.
This book was such a delight to read! I relish witty banter and these two had it going in spades. Funny in parts and emotional in others, this book had me rooting for our couple throughout. Highly recommend to all my romcom lovers!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book was such a delight to read! I relish witty banter and these two had it going in spades. Funny in parts and emotional in others, this book had me rooting for our couple throughout. Highly recommend to all my romcom lovers!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 22, 2023
Alexa Martin does it again folks! If you have not been blessed with the wit and humor that is Alexa Martin, you are missing out!
This is the perfect rom-com! You will be laughing from page 1, and will not be able to put this book down. Some of my favorite tropes are in this book and done so well! This is a second chance, friends turned to enemies turned to lovers, loved you since childhood romance that will be one of the best this fall!!
This is the perfect rom-com! You will be laughing from page 1, and will not be able to put this book down. Some of my favorite tropes are in this book and done so well! This is a second chance, friends turned to enemies turned to lovers, loved you since childhood romance that will be one of the best this fall!!
January 20, 2024
This childhood friends to enemies to lovers romance takes place in a Midwestern suburban setting, featuring a hilarious HOA takeover.
I loved the way Collins and Nate antagonize each other! Admittedly, I didn't like Collins right away because she seemed immature, but she quickly won me over with her snarky opinions and her hatred of MLMs. Once I learned more of her backstory I felt more sympathetic to her plight. I didn't love Nate and I was disappointed that Collins forgave him so quickly about everything. Still, this was a fun book even if the romance wasn't exactly to my taste.
I loved the way Collins and Nate antagonize each other! Admittedly, I didn't like Collins right away because she seemed immature, but she quickly won me over with her snarky opinions and her hatred of MLMs. Once I learned more of her backstory I felt more sympathetic to her plight. I didn't love Nate and I was disappointed that Collins forgave him so quickly about everything. Still, this was a fun book even if the romance wasn't exactly to my taste.
Want to read
April 21, 2025emily henry recommends this so yk i have to read it
August 22, 2023
Alexa Martin does it again! So enjoyed this.
Thank you Berkley for my copy of Next Door Nemesis! All thoughts are my own.
I have been a huge fan of Alexa Martin’s, personally and as an author, for a long time. And i am so excited to add Next Door Nemesis to my favorites list! It's a second chance, friends to rivals to lovers Rom Com that explores what it means to return to where you grew up and what home means.
Synopsis:
“After years of hustling, Collins Carter has finally made it...back to her parents' house. Between tending to the compost with her newly retired dad and running into her high school nemesis at the only decent coffee shop in town, Collins realizes this subdivision from hell she swore she'd never return to is her rock bottom.Then the homeowner's association complaint arrived.Nathaniel Adams always dreamed of a nice, quiet life in his suburban hometown. Or at least that's what he thought until Collins moved back and sent his quaint, organized life into a tailspin. He thought Collins was infuriating ten years ago, but when she announces she's running against him for HOA president, all bets are off.From secret board meetings to vicious smear campaigns whispered over backyard fences, Collins and Nate sink to levels their sleepy suburb has never seen before. But as hate turns into lust, these two enemies are forced to reckon with the feelings they've ignored for years. If only there were bylaws for real life.” —StoryGraph
What I Liked:
The Message of Home—Something I’ve struggled with a lot is what is means to find home. For me, Home has always been my childhood house. But now that it’s gone, I think Home has a different definition and one I’m really grateful to have found. I related to Collins a lot and i’m so glad I read this book.
The Characters—Obsessed with them. Side characters too!
The Humor—Alexa knows how to make me laugh off the page and she really slayed the humor in this book.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
Relationship developed a * little * fast for my taste—I love you Alexa. I LOVE YOU. I just wanted like oneeee more discussion before they figured their ish out.
Character Authenticity: 5/5 Spice Rating: 2/5 Overall Rating: 5/5
Content Warnings:
N/A
Thank you Berkley for my copy of Next Door Nemesis! All thoughts are my own.
I have been a huge fan of Alexa Martin’s, personally and as an author, for a long time. And i am so excited to add Next Door Nemesis to my favorites list! It's a second chance, friends to rivals to lovers Rom Com that explores what it means to return to where you grew up and what home means.
Synopsis:
“After years of hustling, Collins Carter has finally made it...back to her parents' house. Between tending to the compost with her newly retired dad and running into her high school nemesis at the only decent coffee shop in town, Collins realizes this subdivision from hell she swore she'd never return to is her rock bottom.Then the homeowner's association complaint arrived.Nathaniel Adams always dreamed of a nice, quiet life in his suburban hometown. Or at least that's what he thought until Collins moved back and sent his quaint, organized life into a tailspin. He thought Collins was infuriating ten years ago, but when she announces she's running against him for HOA president, all bets are off.From secret board meetings to vicious smear campaigns whispered over backyard fences, Collins and Nate sink to levels their sleepy suburb has never seen before. But as hate turns into lust, these two enemies are forced to reckon with the feelings they've ignored for years. If only there were bylaws for real life.” —StoryGraph
What I Liked:
The Message of Home—Something I’ve struggled with a lot is what is means to find home. For me, Home has always been my childhood house. But now that it’s gone, I think Home has a different definition and one I’m really grateful to have found. I related to Collins a lot and i’m so glad I read this book.
The Characters—Obsessed with them. Side characters too!
The Humor—Alexa knows how to make me laugh off the page and she really slayed the humor in this book.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
Relationship developed a * little * fast for my taste—I love you Alexa. I LOVE YOU. I just wanted like oneeee more discussion before they figured their ish out.
Character Authenticity: 5/5 Spice Rating: 2/5 Overall Rating: 5/5
Content Warnings:
N/A
December 12, 2023
This book wasn't for me. The characters were immature and vindictive. There is so much bickering that I almost DNF'd it. The characters are adults that acted more like 13 year olds. With all the petty fighting I couldn't believe the romance.
February 23, 2024
I'm quite torn on how to rate this and I think for the time being it's 2.75 stars (because I usually keep the actual 1 and 2 stars for books I really hated and this doesn't fit in that category either).
For starters, I found it a little boring. I mostly kept reading because their mysterious past "misunderstanding" was constantly used as excuse for how they were acting, and I just wanted to find out what it was out of frustration, but nothing else in the story actually kept me interested.
The way both MCs act is very childish and got on my nerves really fast. It was pretty frustrating how most (if not all) of the problems in this book could have been easily avoided if they just... talked like normal civil human beings.
I also admit that I felt a bit of second hand embarrassment during their "bickering" because many of their sassy remarks were talked about as if they were power moves but they were not that "girl-boss" (and whatever the male equivalent is) of either them like the author wanted us to believe.
The way they went from enemies to having sex was very out of the blue in my opinion, and right after that they're suddenly all nice to each other. I'm glad they actually talked about their problems after the sex and that it wasn't dragged out (those conversations got a couple tears out of me which is a point in the book's favor, although I still felt like something was missing), but the transition from "hate" to "friends-ish" still felt too sudden.
I feel like the fact that they already knew each other was used as an excuse to not develop the relationship properly because we never see them actually bond or show that they like each other until they bone. And even after that, yes they stop being assholes, but they still don't have much chemistry.
Last thing, which is really just a me problem, is the emotional whiplash the first chapter alone gave me. For context, I have religious trauma and that one first chapter has so many mentions of Bibles and church groups in just a couple of pages. I'm being dramatic, I know, and during the rest of the book it was only mentioned here and there (which didn't bother me), but damn that was a strong start to pack in just a few early pages.
Representation: Black biracial fmc with anxiety, white mmc.
Content Warnings: toxic relationships, racism, microaggressions, sexual harassment, misogyny, grief, parental abandonment, emotional abuse.
For starters, I found it a little boring. I mostly kept reading because their mysterious past "misunderstanding" was constantly used as excuse for how they were acting, and I just wanted to find out what it was out of frustration, but nothing else in the story actually kept me interested.
The way both MCs act is very childish and got on my nerves really fast. It was pretty frustrating how most (if not all) of the problems in this book could have been easily avoided if they just... talked like normal civil human beings.
I also admit that I felt a bit of second hand embarrassment during their "bickering" because many of their sassy remarks were talked about as if they were power moves but they were not that "girl-boss" (and whatever the male equivalent is) of either them like the author wanted us to believe.
The way they went from enemies to having sex was very out of the blue in my opinion, and right after that they're suddenly all nice to each other. I'm glad they actually talked about their problems after the sex and that it wasn't dragged out (those conversations got a couple tears out of me which is a point in the book's favor, although I still felt like something was missing), but the transition from "hate" to "friends-ish" still felt too sudden.
I feel like the fact that they already knew each other was used as an excuse to not develop the relationship properly because we never see them actually bond or show that they like each other until they bone. And even after that, yes they stop being assholes, but they still don't have much chemistry.
Last thing, which is really just a me problem, is the emotional whiplash the first chapter alone gave me. For context, I have religious trauma and that one first chapter has so many mentions of Bibles and church groups in just a couple of pages. I'm being dramatic, I know, and during the rest of the book it was only mentioned here and there (which didn't bother me), but damn that was a strong start to pack in just a few early pages.
Representation: Black biracial fmc with anxiety, white mmc.
Content Warnings: toxic relationships, racism, microaggressions, sexual harassment, misogyny, grief, parental abandonment, emotional abuse.
October 21, 2023
I have mixed feelings on this book. I like Alexa Martin's writing style - she is a great writer! I just didn't love this story. The two main characters had a long history together and I had a feeling of why they turned from best friends to enemies in their teens was going to be something along the lines of miscommunication. When the reason why they stopped being friends was revealed, I scratched my head. I get it, they were teens and teenagers make bad choices. But if the conflict could be fixed with a simple honest conversation, I usually can't get behind that.
Collins was a bit on the immature side which was cute at first but then got old after a while.
I think those who like enemies-to-lovers will like this one. I'm starting to feel like it's not the trope for me.
Steam level: 🔥🔥🔥
I received a complimentary audiobook from the publisher.
Collins was a bit on the immature side which was cute at first but then got old after a while.
I think those who like enemies-to-lovers will like this one. I'm starting to feel like it's not the trope for me.
Steam level: 🔥🔥🔥
I received a complimentary audiobook from the publisher.
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