Tempted by Her Neighbor

by Katie Reus

He thinks his neighbor is out of his league…

Kyran got into a fair amount of trouble as a teenager, but after eight years in the military, he’s left his troublemaking past behind him, built a successful business and put down roots. Unfortunately, the sheriff of his hometown has a long memory. To him, Kyran will always be a loser, no matter how much he’s cleaned up his act.

And now she’s his alibi…

When he’s accused of a crime he didn’t commit, no one is more surprised than Kyran when prim and proper Lucie Miller provides him with an alibi—one that’s a complete lie. Determined to find out why his sexy next-door neighbor stepped up, he soon finds himself in danger of losing something far more important than his newfound respectability—his heart.

Author This novella was previously published elsewhere years ago. It has been revised and edited.

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Novella, Contemporary Romance

98 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 17, 2024

About the author

Katie Reus® is the USA Today bestselling author of the Endgame trilogy, the MacArthur Family series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom's stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn't always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense.

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempted by Her Neighbor by Katie Reus
Contemporary romance, Novela. Stand alone.

Kyran O’Callaghan grew up in Hudson Creek with an abusive father and little supervision. Knowing his options were limited, and his habits were leading him down the wrong path, Kyran went into the military to leave his troubled pass behind him. Eight years later and back in town, he’s built a successful auto repair business and bought a home on Hudson Lake. The only downside of his successful business is that the sheriffs son is in competition with Kyran and the sheriff blames and hassles Kyran when his son complains about slow business. When Kyran’s neighbor gives him an alibi one night, he is surprised. Maybe now he’ll have the courage to actually talk to Lucie. Until now, he could only lamely wave occasionally. He’s tongue tied whenever he tries to talk to her.

Lucie Miller has been watching her sexy next-door, neighbor Kyran since he moved in. She brought him a plate of cookies, but he seems to be avoiding her since then. It’s almost like he’s afraid to talk to her for some reason. When the sheriff starts hustling Kyran, Lucie is all to happy to shut him down. She saw Kyran finish his run and then spend the next few hours doing pull-ups, then sit-ups, then push-ups. She knows he’s not causing trouble somewhere else and she’s not afraid to tell the sheriff that. She’s not sure why Kyran is surprised she spoke up but now they are actually talking and she’s very happy to further their relationship.

Small town romance with all the feels. Kyran and Lucie are both losing their hearts to each other. Low angst, big hearts.

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick page turner with my favorite type of hero. He's the tall, silent by deadly type with a bit of shyness. You wouldn't think that would be a good mix but it really was. The shyness quickly moved to quiet dominance. I'd be interested to get more from several of the side characters that appeared in this book.

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a deliciously delightful read. I love a grumpy hero and Kyran was not only grumpy, he was on the quiet side and he couldn’t take his eyes off of Lucie. Add in the fact that they were neighbors and you’ve hooked me completely!





This was such a fun story. I loved how their relationship evolved along with the trickling of suspense and mystery interwoven through it. The steam between Kyran and Lucie was nuclear and their personalities were perfect together. This has everything I like in a romance despite being short in length. I would have loved more from this couple, but was satisfied with what I was given.

Dual POV
Safe no ow/om drama; h not a virgin; H not a manwhore
Triggers no apparent triggers
Steam 5 /5; explicit, condoms used

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this very short but very good novella

kyran is back, he may have been a trouble maker when he was a teenager but he had served his country and now it was time to settle down and do what he wanted to do...

he'd opened up a garage and had a few employees and he had bought a house near the lake, he just needed the sheriff to leave him alone

lucie miller is his neightbour and ends up being his alibi when the sheriff comes calling...... how what and why is all kyran is wondering...

oh man this story though short is why some authors can write them and some cant...this is a win win for me... its funny, sad and very entertaining with enough spice to keep everyone happy....

cant wait for the next book this author brings out whatever length

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempted by her Neighbour😇

Kyran is ex-military and moved back to his small hometown about five years ago to set up an auto repairs business. He’s moved out to the water, just outside of town for the quiet location but he has a problem with his neighbour. Lucie, is a distraction and sexy to boot. She’s also from a wealthy family and is a yoga instructor. They are complete opposites but work in every way🥰

Loved this story and wouldn’t mind getting to know some of the secondary characters better❣️I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review😁

[Marie Andersson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novella. It was hot and sexy. Katie always write sexy men. 🥰😍 I have read an earlier version and the title was Temping Alibi then. Katie changed some of the plot when she wrote this new version. 🥰😍

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

TEMPTED BY HER NEIGHBOR by Katie Reus is a contemporary, adult, romance novella focusing on former US Marine turned mechanic Kyran O’Callaghan, and his neighbor Lucie Miller.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Kyran and Lucie TEMPTED BY HER NEIGHBOR follows the building romance and relationship between our story line couple. Lucie Miller has watched from afar as her sexy neighbor went about doing his business. When her car started acting up, Lucie knew the perfect man to get things done but a visit from the local sheriff pushed Lucie to become Kyran’s alibi for a crime he did not commit. From that point forward, Kyran and Lucie would become friends and lovers as the accusations against Kyran and harassment by the Sheriff were ongoing. Kyran’s younger years were spent getting into trouble, and in this, the Sheriff would continue to place blame whenever he could.

The relationship between Kyran and Lucie is a neighbors to friends to lovers. Kyran is hoping for something more from the woman that controls his heart but the Sheriff is determined to destroy Kyran O’Callaghan, with a little help from someone else. Lucie and Kyran’s fall is quick, sexy and sassy without the use of over the top, sexually graphic langauge and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include Lucie’s over protective brothers Andrew and Jake: Sheriff Terrance Hill, and his nephew Henry.

TEMPTED BY HER NEIGHBOR is a fast paced, quick and easy read about betrayal and blame, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is entertaining and captivating; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are energetic and determined.

copy supplied for review

[Lea Bookjoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

🇫🇷French & English reviews🇬🇧

*Cette chronique est basée sur un NetGalley ARC en échange d'un avis neutre et honnête*

Genre & Tropes : novella x romance contempo x small suspense plot x neighbours romance x small town romance

Une petite romance mignonne et sexy

Étant une grande fan de Katie Reus, j'étais ravie de voir cette petite nouvelle sortir (ou plutôt ressortir comme c'est apparemment une nouvelle réécrite et republiée !)

Tous les ingrédients sont là : un voisin sexy mais aussi étonnement timide (et je ne pensais pas aimer ça autant !), une voisine mignonne et amusante et un garagiste rival qui est en train de perdre les pédales =)

Un seul regret : TROP COURT ><

Bref, une petite romance sexy et parfaite à lire ! J'adorais avoir plus de livres dans cette petite ville ><

PS : to the publisher and Netgalley, thank you so much for the ARC =D


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


A cute and sexy little romance

Being a big fan of Katie Reus, I was delighted to see this little novella coming out (or rather coming out again since it's apparently a rewritten and republished novella !)

All the ingredients are there : a sexy but also surprisingly shy neighbor (and I didn't think I'd like that this much !), a cute and funny neighbor and a rival mechanic who is losing his mind =)

Only one regret : TOO SHORT ><

In short, a perfect little sexy romance to read ! I loved having more books in this small town ><

PS: to the publisher and Netgalley, thank you so much for the ARC =D

[Michelle the Romance Witch · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet but fast re-release of an older novella by one of my favorite authors that is a story of two neighbors that are both surprised by the connection that sprouts between them when they finally find the courage the stop hiding their feelings. Kyran is the Bad Boy made good from the wrong side of the tracks that has found his place in his hometown after returning from war and his longing for his sexy neighbor is quickly turning into an obsession. Lucie is the town sweetheart, and she secretly loves watching her sexy neighbor, but never seems to be able to connect with him when she is in his presence. Then one day she is in the right place at the right time to protect him from the sheriff that is out to pin a crime on him that he just isn’t capable of, and their romance quickly blossoms into something deep and steamy. I loved watching these two circle one another and quickly come to terms with their feelings for one another as they feel into passion and intrigue. Kyran was the quintessential quiet alpha, a heart of gold and the intensity of any perfect hero, but I loved how sweet he was in his insecurities as well. Lucie was a darling, if a little bit shallow at times, but I enjoyed seeing her bring out the best in Kyran and finally convincing him that they would make a great couple. I wouldn’t mind seeing more of them in future if their friends or family happened to get their own stories, but all in all a cute little read for a couple of hours of entertainment, with just the right amount of steamy. A great reworking for Katie Reus and I’m looking forward to what’s coming next.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a standalone romance and it is Kyran and Lucie’s story and it is definitely a must read. Kyran has been out of the marines for years but still liked to keep up with his fitness routine and also owned his own auto body shop which kept him busy and now enjoyed living in Hudson Lake where he had just moved into his own house but the boy downside was his attraction to his neighbour Lucie who was so beautiful but she is way out of his league and he definitely wasn’t good enough for her but it still didn’t stop him looking and being distracted by her. Lucie owns her own yoga studio in town and liked to keep herself fit and in shape and also busy and as much as she wanted Kyran he didn’t seem to be interested in her and never said much either even though they were neighbours so she just enjoyed watching him work out and kept her attraction to herself. When the sheriff had it out for Kyran and constantly seemed to harass him it is Lucie who came to his rescue with an alibi and he needed to know why she did it. The attraction and chemistry between Kyran and Lucie is so strong that it can’t be denied and when they eventually come together it is so explosive and the more time that they spend together the more they fall in love and they both want happiness and a future together which is what they both deserve. Even though this is a short story it certainly packs a punch and can be read in one sitting and it was so addictive that I couldn’t put it down and definitely recommend you read it and you will not be disappointed.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having grown up with an abusive and alcoholic father, and being a troublemaking teenager himself, Kyran O’Callaghan’s future looked grim. That all changes when he joins leaves town when he turned 18 joined the Marines and becomes an elite warrior. Back in town his business is going so well, he moves near the lake never expecting that that move would change his life .
His neighbor, whom he is crushing from afar, is not only gorgeous and a successful yoga studio owner, but she’s also comes from a prominent family in town. Someone to look from afar and not touch.
Little does Kyran know that Lucie Miller has also had a thing for him. When she goes to Kyran’s shop for a car repair, Lucie ends up lying to the sheriff by providing him an alibi for the night of the crime.
That is the start of a relationship between them. Will they become serious and find their HEA or will Kyran feel he’s not good enough for Lucie?
What about the crime he had been accused of committing? Who did it and why?
This was a delightful story and leaves this reader hoping some of the secondary characters get their stories. It also reminded me of the O’Connor Family series the author wrote years ago. One worth the time of any readers not familiar with it.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[MammaDi3Gatti · Rating 2 out of 5]

First off, I adore Katie Reus and am rarely disappointed by anything she writes. That said, Tempted by Her Neighbor, an older story (barely a novella) that she's recently resurrected, is not one I'd recommend. It's not bad. It's just that there's nothing there.

The main characters are nice. The big conflict is supposed to be that they're from different sides of the tracks, but that never actually comes into play aside from a little bit of insecurity on Kyran's part. Basically, they crush on each other from afar, and then they have sex, and then they're in love. There are a few minutes of miscommunication that are quickly cleared up, plus one requisite giggly tipsy girls' night out somewhere in the middle.

The small amount of drama teased in the book's blurb is another nonstarter, really. It's almost as if the author didn't want there to be any actual strife.

Gah, I feel bad about this review. But anyway, if you want to read Reus, maybe try out her Ancients Rising series. It's much more fun.

I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leaving home to escape his abusive father, former town bad boy Kyran O’Callaghan returns to Hudson Creek after leaving the marines to open a garage and quickly finds himself falling for local good girl Lucie Miller. He had no intention of making a move on her, believing he’d be punching way above his weight but when she sees the local sheriff harasses him, accusing him of committing a crime, he’s shocked when she leaps to his defence, providing him with an alibi. He didn’t realise that Lucie had been attracted to him since he moved in next door and, tired of waiting on him to make the first move, saw this as a way to break the ice

I love a good “wrong side of the tracks falls for the town princess” type of trope and Tempted by her Neighbor shows a lot of promise. There’s a little angst but nothing too major and the characters were well rounded and likeable with just enough steam between them to be believable without being too OTT. I just wish it had been extended to full novel length, but this was still an enjoyable read from an author I know will always deliver when it comes to romantic suspense.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kyran is a former Marine who has moved home to his small town to open a garage. Now that he is successful, he has a small house by the lake and he has a good life. His neighbor is very appealing, but he is convinced she’s out of his league. Lucie loves living at the lake and running her yoga studio. She also likes watching Kyran exercise daily. When the sheriff accuses Kyran of potential wrongdoing, Lucie comes to his aid and a relationship is started. Can the man from the wrong side of town and the rich girl find love?

This is a very short story about two people from a small town that take a chance on starting a relationship. There is a judgmental small-town sheriff who is dealing with prejudices that he carries and family issues of his own. There is no bad guy to speak of in this story. There is no big emotional punch either. I had one issue with this story. In some ways this book feels like the outline of a bigger story even though the author managed to include all of the relevant elements into the story.

This is a contemporary small-town romance. I like this author so I will read more from her in the future.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely delightful and hot romance! Lucie Miller has seen her new neighbor, Kyran, working out in his backyard. She’s not stalking him, but she’s definitely enjoying the view. Kyran has left the military and returned to his home town to open his auto body shop. His business is doing well, but the local law still remembers issues from when he was a troubled teen. His father had been abusive and as soon as he was able, he joined the military. When the sheriff questions him about a crime in the area, he is shocked when his neighbor, Lucie, provides him with an alibi. There is a strong attraction between them, but from his time in the military he is used to action while quietly minding his own business. She thought his quiet manner, around her, meant that he wasn’t interested, but she soon finds out how wrong she was. Kyran believes that he is not good enough for her, so it’s up to her to prove him wrong! A shorter story, but with everything you want in this fast-paced romance! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kyran has moved back into town after eight years in the Marines, he has a home and a business. He also still has the same sheriff who looks at him as the bad guy because of his father and for a few run-ins when he was a teen. His neighbor Lucie Miler is from the opposite side of the town and came from a home and not a trailer. The two of them go back and forth thinking that maybe there is something because each is attracted to the other because of physical appearance. It is not until she brings her car into his shop to be looked at and then provides him an alibi to the sheriff that the connection between them starts, especially when he brings her flowers and treats her differently than other men she has been with. This was a quick read but, a very good book with interesting characters, the author pulls you in from the first few pages and you don’t want to put the book down—an excellent book.

[Woodatsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up with an abusive and alcoholic father made Kyran 0'Callaghan decide at his 18th to join the military. After serving his country, he moved back to his hometown and opened his own auto repair shop. He's doing very well but unfortunately there's some people that hold a grudge against him.

Lucie Miller lives in the same little town, owns a yoga studion and has had a crush on Kyran for ages but has never done anything with it. When he is accused however of a crime he didn't do, she jumps in to help him with an alibi.

This is the start to a tentative relationship with each thinking they're not good enough for the other. Bit by bit though they grow closer and things change. Meanwhile they try to uncover who is trying to set Kyran up.

This was a quick, short story with super character and I wouldn't mind seeing some side character getting their own story.

*ARC kindly received by the author via Bookfunnel. This is my honest opinion.*

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

This is a short cute, sexy little read. Kyran is from the wrong side of town. He had a rough start to life and knew he was heading nowhere. So as soon as he turned eighteen he joined the marines. Served eight years and now he’s back. He’s opened an auto shop and is doing well, really well. But he still feels like the poor boy from the wrong side of town. He’s fighting his attraction to Lucie and finds himself almost unable to speak around her.

Lucie comes from a rich loving family. She’s attracted to Kyran but can’t believe how quiet he is. All she gets is one word or a grunt. Normally she goes for a take charge man but she definitely wants Kyran.

This is a cute little read, there’s a lot of sex (probably about half the book) but the two main characters are hot and fabulous.

I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the publisher and NetGalley

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read, very different from the other books that I have read by Katie Rees- not bad, just different. No one's life is in danger. Amicable, well developed characters. Kyron O'Callaghan joined the Marines as soon as he was of age to get away from his abusive father. After two enlistments, he retired, came back to his small home town and opened up a car repair garage. Eventually he bought a home near the lake, his next door neighbor, the beautiful, very sexy and wealthy Lucie Miller. For several months they secretly eyed each other, until the sheriff falsely accuses Kyron of breaking and entering into his nephew's rival garage and Lucie lies and provides him with an alibi. Ice broken.

I was gifted with an Advanced Reader's Copy from NetGally.com. This is my honest, unbiased and voluntary review.

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kyran is less bad boy/good man and more reformed teenage rebel into hard-working business owner. But his small town sheriff just can't rid himself of the image of Kyran as that rebellious teen and is out to drop anything he can on his head.

Thankfully his remote home does have a neighbour in the shape of Lucie. She is the local yoga instructor and can thankfully confirm his whereabouts when the Sheriff wants to hang a theft on him. Isn't it lucky that the victim is his nephew?!?!!?

This opposites attract, small town neighbours to lovers romance is yummy. There is plenty of smexy times and the mystery of who is causing the problems for Kyran is resolved in satisfactory fashion. It's a shorter romance but still a great read.

I was really happy that Lucie saw past Kyran's teenage misdemeanours to the fabulously hard working and loving man he is.

[Elizabeth H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novellas are great ways to learn about a new author. And if you’re in a time crunch but need a romance fix, a novella’s got you covered! I have been reading Katie Reus for years so I know she’s already a brilliant writer. I’m always excited to pick up one of her stories.

Tempted By Her Neighbor is a condensed spicy romance with lots of hot-and-heavy action. It’s a fast read with interesting characters and a solid storyline. I wish it were a full-length novel because there were so many situations mentioned that I would have loved to read about. I hope there will be more stories from this fascinating book world.

**NetGalley generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kyran O’Callaghan was a wild one growing up he had no adult supervision and knew he was heading into trouble so he joined the military now after eight years he has returned to Hudson Creek and boy has he noticed his new neighbour Lucie Miller But while he may be in control of his business and totally in control of his life he is shy where Lucie is concerned and he has problems his garage is in competition with the sheriffs sons and he is by far the better mechanic and they are determined to make life hard for him But when he is accused Lucie steps in and gives him an alibi can he get over his shyness and try to build something with her You will have to read to see. This is a fast fun read that kept me engaged till the last page

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kyran has moved to a new house a few months ago and has been tormented since then by his amazingly beautiful neighbor. Lucie doesn’t even notice him, or so he thinks, but he sure does admire her in her tight yoga outfits and her swimming suits. He grew up in a bad part of town and had a terrible childhood. He has been trying to overcome all of that trauma and build a great auto shop. He business is doing really well but the sheriff is always tormenting him until one person speak as up on his behalf. Once they start to talk to each other, they can’t get enough f one another. Things develop very quickly but there is no going back to how things used to be. This is it for him and she is onboard with that. I was given an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Whispers From · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kyran was a hellion in his youth. Then after high school he spent eight years in the military. Now he is back in his hometown owning and running his own garage. His neighbor is Lucie who he thinks is out of his league. Lucie came from a wealthy family and has a yoga studio. She has been watching her new neighbor but he is a quiet man. When she takes her car in for a tune up, the sheriff comes in and accuses Kyran of breaking into his nephew’s garage. Lucie alibis him and as a thank you he takes her flowers and wine. Will Kyran get over thinking he isn’t good enough for her?
A shy, quiet guy. A beautiful woman. Sex. Short but oh so hot.

* Voluntarily read and reviewed for Netgalley *

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tempted by Her Neighbor is a short one hour or so novella read by Katie Reus. It doesn’t have the character or plot development that a longer book by this author usually has. Still, it is an entertaining steamy, low angst romance. It is not exactly an instant love story since the “neighbors” had been watching each other for months but did not act on their attraction. When an incident cause them to do so they were all into the relationship.

A problem to be worked out but no real danger for the characters. Simply a romance developing between two from opposites sides of the tracks. A nice short read.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is everything you'd expect from a Katie Reus book. There's a hot guy who is confident in everything about his life, but becomes tongue tied when he's near his neighbor. Lucie is the sexy neighbor who has been ogling Kyran as he does his daily workouts. Suspense enters the picture when Kyran is accused of a crime he didn't commit. And Lucie jumps in with an alibi.

Despite it's length, the story offers a well crafted plot and interesting characters complete with a bit of history and conflict. This quick reading, low angst novella is perfect reading for a quiet weekend afternoon. Grab a glass of wine, a comfy seat and enjoy.

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast read for me by one of my favorite authors. I really enjoyed it and loved Kyran and Lucie. Lucie has been crushing on her sexy, broody neighbor for a while now. What she didn’t know is that it was mutual, but Kyran didn’t think she’d be into him.
She steps in to help when he is being harassed by the sheriff, and the rest as they say is history. They get along so well and are good for each other. These awesome characters and story made me wish it was longer. Lucie and Kyran’s chemistry was positively sizzling.
I hope this author decides to write more in this world.

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kyran is back home running his own auto shop. He has the hots for his cute next-door neighbor but each time he sees her he gets tongue tied. Lucie keeps hoping her hot next-door neighbor will talk to her but no luck so far until she ends up having to have her car worked on. Before she is helping him and of a tough situation and he gets his chance to finally open up to her.

Very fun story, cute characters that deserve a very happy ending. Love the addition characters in the story and hope we get to hear more about them in the future.

[NICUnurse Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a long-time fan of this author. She’s at the top of my go-to authors list, and I’ve read most of her books except for her earliest releases. So, I was happy to jump into this little novella to see how it all started. Kyran was more of a dynamic character than Lucie, but both were likable. The story is higher on the spicy meter than most of her romantic suspense books, but there was still a good storyline underneath it all. This is a good place to start if you’re looking for a short preview of this author’s talent.

NICUnurse’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Tracey Sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad boy turned business owner Kyran moved outside of town near the lake. The best and worst part of that move was his sexy neighbor. Little did he know that as much as he was watching and being distracted by his neighbor, Lucie was watching him, too. Kyran's other problem was the sheriff who believed that Kyran was still the young boy that was trouble and the sheriff's nephew who accused Kyran of breaking into his auto shop. Will Kyran and Lucie be able to convince the sheriff of Kyran's innocence and find a way to stay in each other's life?