The Ex Next Door

by Heatherly Bell

A charming distraction—or a sweet reunion?

Recently divorced, Amy Holloway is starting fresh. After moving into a cozy new home with her energetic nine-year-old twins, she’s focused on rebuilding her life. But when she discovers her new neighbor is her former high school sweetheart, Declan Sheridan, the past comes rushing back.

Charming, handsome Declan knows he’s been given a second chance, but winning Amy’s heart won’t be easy. He devises a plan to help Amy and her kids, one good deed at a time. Just when their bond deepens, Amy’s ex-husband complicates her new beginning. Caught between familiar safety and the excitement of new love, Amy must choose what truly matters. Can she find the strength to embrace what she deserves?

Genres: Romance

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published July 29, 2025

Reviews

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chances
Such a sweet read that I enjoyed very much in the Charming series.
Amy reeling after her divorce finds herself living next door to her teenage ex boyfriend Declan.
This story takes us through the struggles of a single mother with 9 year old twins, trying to navigate split parenting and new relationships being introduced.
Plus along the way her friendship with Declan becomes more serious.
As their feelings change there are obstacles that need to be overcome if they want their second chance and a happy ending.
Lovely story with wonderful characters.

[Audiophile Archives · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sweet fiction. Was 3 stars up until the penultimate chapter and our second-chance/reunion characters shared a home cooked quick ground beef and vegetable stir-fry, which the MMC made delicious with tater tots. Ack! And the disappointment of the epilogue…the where…well, it comforted me that this read was a special edition win and I’m grateful for the personalized by the author sentiment and treats.

Seriously, it’s a quick Harlequin read with a perfect physically sculpted former athlete and a recently divorced single mom of 9-year-old twins, and they share the small yard of a duplex in a quiet cul-de-sac in Charming, TX. This is a standalone but lotsssss of references to the characters from the previous 7 books in this series.

I read Harlequin Books in my high school days…so cool that the formula still works but once you’ve read a Sarah J. Maas or Rebecca Yarros, you want a bit more from the plot and characters.

[Sandy Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the eighth book in the Charming, Texas series by Heatherly Bell. I enjoyed returning to the small town of Charming!
Amy Holloway is a divorced single mom because her husband decided he was tired of being married. She has twins that are in third grade. There has never been a time in which Amy put her needs before others. Now that she is single, she wants to become a teacher.
Declan Sheridan is Amy’s high school ex-boyfriend. He is tall, tan, well built, and blond. He is a former pro baseball player and was raised on having goals. He also happens to live next door to Amy. Declan decides his goal is to make life a little easier for Amy because there has always been something special about her.
Their friendship grows and moves towards a new beginning. Just as they are moving forward in their relationship, the unthinkable happens. Amy’s ex-husband decides he made a mistake and wants to reunite with Amy. Will Amy return to her former marriage for the sake of her children, or will she forge ahead with Declan, someone who has always made her feel beautiful, wanted, and desired? Read this heartwarming story to find out if they get their happily-ever-after!
Thank you to Heatherly Bell for the ARC. This review is my opinion of the book.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Ex Next Door" by Heatherly Bell is a heartwarming second-chance romance that completely stole my heart. The chemistry between the sweet, endearing characters is palpable, making it impossible not to root for them from the very first page. Heatherly Bell masterfully crafts an excellent plot that is both engaging and easy to follow, perfect for readers looking for a feel-good story.

What truly sets this book apart is its heartwarming narrative and the seamless way it weaves past emotions with present-day connections. The storyline flows effortlessly, with just the right mix of tension and tenderness, leading to a satisfying and happy ending that leaves you smiling long after the last page.

If you're a fan of well-written, easy-to-read romances with characters you’ll fall in love with, "The Ex Next Door" is a must-read. Highly recommend!

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy has just moved into her new home post-divorce, and she is trying to be cheerful for her kids. Who comes out of the house next door but her high school ex, Declan? She is shocked to see him again but grateful for his help with the heavy stuff. They slowly begin spending more time together, and she remembers why she had liked him so much. He is also really great with her kids. Suddenly the future is looking much brighter. Still, both Amy and Declan have some issues to put to rest before they can get their HEA.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming second chance romance. I loved the characters, banter and the underlying sparks. I enjoyed Amy and Declan’s journey as they take a risk and fight for their second chance. It’s an entertaining and feel good story.

[Angela Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

just what I needed to read, one of my favorite second chances and this made my heart happy. sometimes choosing yourself is ok. very relatable storyline and characters.

[Fedora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four and a half stars

THE EX NEXT DOOR is the eighth in Heatherly Bell's Charming, Texas, series. Newly divorced Amy Holloway moves into a compact and more important, affordable rental only to discover that her new neighbor is none other than Declan Sheridan, her high school boyfriend, and he's naturally only gotten even more handsome in the intervening years. But Amy's got too much on her plate between finding work, making time to get her teaching credential, caring for her beloved nine-year-old twins, and coordinating all that with her ex-husband, Rob, to consider adding anything to the mix. Especially when part of her responsibility is also helping her children navigate their new lives with a balanced view of both their parents, even if Amy had never wanted to be divorced in the first place.

Heatherly Bell writes Amy and Declan and their families and friends very well. Neither is the person they were when they had been together originally, and Ms Bell lets us see some of the work and thought they've gone through as they've grown. Amy and Rob's struggles feel genuine as well, as the reality of Amy's life as a single parent is a clear and vital part of her. I really appreciated both their perspectives, and especially how supportive Declan is of Amy and her kids. Loved this return visit to Charming, and look forward to the next!

[Harlequin Books]

Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction
Miniseries
Charming, Texas (Book #8)

[Rach3l · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am never disappointing when reading a book written by this author. She always does a good job with her small town romances. I do wish I had a little more insight into their high school relationship. She gave a little bit of their background but I still wanted more. But even without it, I enjoyed the story.

Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Declan and Amy were high school sweethearts who were madly in love with each other. Amy looked forward to go to college and then get married to Declan. However, at that time, Declan’s only goal was to go to college and become a professional baseball player. He has no plans to get married yet because he wants to devote his life to working on his goal before he settles down.

Since they can’t agree, Declan and Amy break up. Amy is devastated! After she finishes college and gets her teaching degree, she marries Rob, and they have twins. Amy chooses to become a stay-at-home mother and is very happy taking care of her husband and their children. Then, unexpectedly, Rob decides that he does not want to be married anymore, and he wants a divorce.

Amy is crushed and overwhelmed with her new circumstances. She and her children move and she attempt to find a job so she can become independent. She decides to update her college degree and become a teacher. But, meanwhile, she needs to get a quick job so she can take care of her family.

While moving into her new home, Amy is shocked when she discovers that her new neighbor is Declan, her long lost love. He helps her move in and offers to help her with whatever she needs. It is obvious from the beginning that the two of them still have unbelievable, off-the-chart chemistry. Declan offers her a job as a bartender where he works.

Heatherly Bell creates a heartwarming, realistic story about the difficulties of divorce and how it affects all family members, especially the children. She hits upon the parental guilt about breaking up the family, and the problems with dating again. The author also uncovers the stress and the complexity involved in moving away from your home, breaking up the family and starting a new and very different life.

Meanwhile, the author charms her readers with Amy’s and Declan’s beautiful and heartwarming second-chance at love when they are grown up and comfortable with their lives. Readers will fall in love Declan who is every woman’s dream lover!

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy and Declan were high school sweethearts until he broke her heart. He always wanted to be a professional baseball player. He was good at it. He went to college, then onto being a professional baseball player. She went to another college and meet the man, Rob who would be her husband and father of her twins. Years later her husband said he didn’t want to be married anymore. She devastated. She moved back to her hometown. She finds out that her neighbor is her ex, Declan. Oh no, he still looks great. She doesn’t want anything to do with him. She’s trying to start a new life for herself and her children. Declan isn’t playing baseball anymore, due to an injury. He was a teacher and coach until an angry parent tried to harm him. He moved back home because of it. Now he’s in limbo. Bartending and trying to figure out his next career will be. As a neighbor, he helps Amy with different stuff. He also helps her son play baseball. The more time they’re together, the more they realize that their chemistry hasn’t burned out from years ago. It’s hotter than ever. Their feelings start to bubble up. Maybe it never went away. First love and all. How will the two handle it? She’s a mom after all. Her children come first. Nothing sexier than a man who loves someone else’s children. Will the kids accept Declan? What about her ex husband? These two were meant to be. Things get in the way. Can they overcome them and be together forever? Is this their second chance? I was rooting for them. Heatherly made you feel everything that they went through. Just like real life. Well written. Worth the read. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back in Charming, TX where individuals are finding love when they least expect it. This time, the story belongs to single mom Amy Holloway and Declan Sheridan.
This past year, Amy’s life has been turned upside down. After 10 years of marriage, and a set of twins, her husband asks for a divorce. Totally unexpected.
Wanting a new start, she moves back to her hometown. Whom she didn’t expect to be her new neighbor is her HS sweetheart. The boy she was madly in love with and who broke her heart when she was 17.
Declan, a talented baseball player, has had a few ups and downs in the last 10 years and now spends his days bartending at a local pub.
The moment these two see each other, it’s evident that the attraction is still there. But one, Amy is recovering from her divorce, and two, now there are children and their feelings to consider.
Will they find their way back together or will Amy’s ex win her back?
This was a touching story about not only finding love a second time around, but of also taking a chance at it.
It’s also a story about family, experience and discovering oneself.
For those new to the series, or like me, who have only read a couple of the stories in this series, rest assure, this is a stand alone.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m excited to be back in Charming. Who knew that when Amy and her twins moved back to Charming after her divorce, that her next-door neighbor would be her ex and high school sweetheart, Declan. It was nice that Declan took the high road and no matter what had happened between them in the past, he stepped up and helped her get moved into her house as well as helped out with moving the lawn as well. I have to say that her ex-Rob, is nothing but an idiot man child and she deserves better than that. Of course, with proximity comes spending time together and working together and getting to know each other again. I could definitely see these two falling for each other as I read this book. Just when I thought we were at a good place with Amy and Declan, Rob decided to lay claim again and has put Amy in a difficult position with a hard decision to make. I loved that she talked to her mom and her mom helped her make the decision and, in the end, it was the best for everyone and the ending with the surprise at the location, perfect. I’m definitely excited for the next book from this author. Great story!!!

[Jane Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a few books by Heatherly Bell and have enjoyed them very much. Reading "The Ex Next Door" was no exception. Recently divorced Amy and her twins, David and Naomi, move into a rental her mom found for them to start a new chapter in their lives. What none of them knows is that Declan Sheridan, Amy's ex high school sweetheart, lives next door. Let the adventures begin. Declan, the helpful, caring baseball player/bartender/coach, ex high school sweetheart, pops over to help Amy who is struggling to move a greatly overpacked box. One step at a time Declan becomes more and more part of their lives as the story unfolds. Will they rekindle what they once had? Rob, the ex husband, throws a curveball at Amy further into the story that pushes her to make a very important decision that would affect everyone involved. Pick up a copy and find out what she decides. You'll have an enjoyable read. I know I did. Thanks for the copy.

[Perrin Larton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ex Next Door is the 8th book in the Charming Texas series by Heatherly Bell. What a great read.

After a divorce, Amy has now had to downsize her home and her expectations. Her husband was tired of being married and even with 9 year old twins, he seems to want to be his own person. After selling the family home, Amy rents a home in a different part of town and wouldn't you know it, her ex high school boyfriend is her next door neighbor. Great.

Declan, the ex next door, owns his issues that broke he and Amy up in high school. He also owns the fact he still thinks she is a great person but figures he's given up any chance he has with her.

With two cutie pie kids who are drawn to their next door neighbor, can Amy and Declan get over their past and come back together to see what the future has in store for them.

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in the Charming, Texas series, in which newly divorced mothers of two, Amy Holloway, finds herself moving into a house that is next door to the man who captured her heart in high school--before he went off to college and became a big sports star before injuries sidelined him.

Now he's back home bartending after a near-tragedy when he was teaching high school and coaching. And she needs a job (he finds her one at the bar where he works) and a way to keep her kids happy after the divorce forced so many changes on all three of them.

As it happens, Declan's coaching her son begins to show her that maybe what she's harbored for years but chose to ignore might actually still have a chance: a second chance at happiness with the first boy she loved now that he's a man.

So, who will she choose where her ex- gives her an ultimatum? What she thinks her children want, or what she wants?

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Second chances is one of my least favorite tropes, but I liked Winning Mister Charming and other second chance books by Heatherly Bell and have enjoyed this series as a whole, so I figured it’d be pretty good. Gosh, this was a big miss for me. I skimmed through the first half of the book and still struggled to get through that much of it. Declan’s dad was annoying. I wasn’t a fan of Amy’s best friend at any point in the book. Amy’s mom was a bit much. The story picked up once Amy and Declan got together, but the inevitable third act breakup was dumb and unnecessary. I’m so tired of books where the FMC very clearly states who and/or what she wants and yet everyone who loves her insists on second guessing her decisions and tells her that she’s wrong or doesn’t know what she wants. That’s exactly what happens here. I could’ve skipped this one.

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ex Nextdoor by Heatherly Bell

A brilliant, well-written story from Heatherly Bell! I always look forward to her books because I know they’ll feature strong characters, heartfelt emotions, and an easy-to-read, engaging storyline.

The Ex Nextdoor is a clean, second-chance romance that hits all the right notes. After her divorce from Rob, Amy returns to her hometown of Charming with her twins, David and Naomie—only to discover that her high school sweetheart, Declan, now lives right next door.

From the very beginning, I was completely hooked. The chemistry, the emotional depth, and the small-town charm kept me turning the pages. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys feel-good romance with a touch of nostalgia and heart.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy is still adapting to life after her divorce as she tries to help her children transition with all the changes in her life while working towards what she wants professionally. She has enough to handle so the last complication she needs is to be living next to her first love who is just as appealing as he was when they were together.

When they were together Declan’s dreams for the future were leading him in a different direction than Amy’s which led to the end of their relationship. Years later fate brings them together once again but this time around he isn’t about to walk away.

This is a touching story about second chances and new beginnings. There is a little turmoil that will need to be overcome but it only reinforces how right Amy and Declan are together.

[Ann C. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the 4th book I have read in the Charming series. I liked the other two, this one not so much.

Bianca was very unlikable. With friends like her, who needs friends. David was an obnoxious 9 year old. Boys at that age can be difficult. But he was allowed to do what he wanted. He hid from his father, at a park, when he got mad. When found, he was given a hug and told not to do it again. There should have been some form of punishment, but he was led to believe if he did it again it was no big deal. Just like the Boy Who Cried Wolf, he will continue to act out until it is too late. Dylan started out unlikable to me. But as the book went on, he got much better.

I just could not get into the book.

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A second chance romance between a couple who were teenage sweethearts. Amy dreaming of marriage and Declan dreaming of professional baseball. Going their separate ways brings them together many years later. Newly divorced and with children, Amy returns to her hometown and discovers Declan lives next door. Feelings never actually fully left for them both. Present lives are different to what they each envisaged. Time moves on and they need to move with it, but the question is in which direction they choose. Interference has a defined effect on everyone as problems and events keep coming up, both the unexpected and unexpected. Decisions, decisions.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re in the mood for a second chance romance, I highly recommend Amy and Declan’s story. When Amy’s husband, Rob, decides he doesn’t want to be married anymore, Amy finds herself moving with her nine-year-old twins, David and Naomi. What she doesn’t know is that her mom picked a house next door to her ex-high school sweetheart, Declan. I won’t leave any spoilers, but this isn’t smooth sailing for them, but we learn so much about their backstories and it just makes you love these characters more. Do yourself a favor and grab your copy to see what happens.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet story of second chances. They were high school sweethearts but separated when they were going to college. She moved on, got married and had her kids. But now she was moving in next door after her divorce and put back in his orbit.
Things slowly develop between the pair while they try to figure out if their previous love is still there under the surface and can become something more.
I really enjoyed this. There was just enough drama to keep you guessing.

I received a copy of this book in e change for my review.

[Patti Rapozo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her ex is her new next door neighbor? Just one more “wrinkle” for Amy to navigate post-divorce. Declan decides he’s going to be a good neighbor and mow her lawn, play catch with her son, etc., all just to be neighborly. When things heat up, her ex-husband decides that he wants another chance. Will Amy give him that chance for the sake of her kids? You’ll have to read this engaging story to find out. I love Charming Texas and hope the stories continue.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the next installment of the Charming, Texas, Amy Holloway and Declan Sheridan reconnect when Amy moves in next door to Declan. As high school sweethearts who went their separate ways in college, are they ready to try again? Or will Amy’s ex cause more problems and try to win her back? The Ex Next Door is a quick read, because I didn’t want to put it down! Another great story in the Charming, Texas series and I can’t wait to read more!

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again the author takes us to Charming, Texas. Amy, Declan's old gf from high school move next door to him after her marriage end in divorce. She has 9 year old twins and is determined to ignore Declan, but soon realizes the old chemistry is still there. Many of the typical divorce issues arise between Amy, Declan and her ex. Another good addition to the Charming series!

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great second chance romance. Relearning who you are besides wife and mother after divorce is a painful process. Amy is shocked to discover that her high school love Declan lives next door. I love that Amy finally realizes that it is ok for her to sometimes choose herself and what she wants.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently divorced, Amy is trying to rebulid her life again. When she discover that her neighbour is not other than her HiGh School sweetheart, Declan she can't fight their growing attraction. Can she put herself first and choose to be happy and love again or will she do what she thinks is best for her children? A sweet second chance at love and happinness.

[Doris Lankford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed going to Charming, Texas and meeting Amy, Declan and Amy's kids David and Naomi. The story was about Amy getting over her divorce and falling back into love with her ex-boyfriend Declan, who just happens to live next door to her. It was not all sunshine and roses but everything worked out in the end and Amy and Declan had their happily ever after.