How can anyone resist temptation when it’s right next door?
Riley County North Carolina has a lot to offer: coastal views as far as the eye can see, and men in uniform who are even more gorgeous. Home to the most notorious prison in the state, Alicia’s new hometown is crawling with men who carry their own handcuffs and know how to use them – like Officer Liam Alexander, her one and only neighbor. After catching him out of uniform, she can’t resist pausing to enjoy the show. When Liam’s Southern charm drives him across the property line, life gets hotter than the Carolina summer could possibly account for. Unfortunately, there’s a dark side to life in the coastal haven, even with an officer next door.
Coordinating special events at a historic – and supposedly haunted – plantation is enough to have Alicia questioning her senses and her sanity, but the spirits of the past take a backseat to a pair of escaped convicts who blaze a trail of mayhem across Riley County. Not even the most intense chemistry can survive the perils that make a sunny seaside town a dangerous place to be after dark … can it?
I write what I know and love: adult romance with blue-collar heroes and real-life flavor. Tattoos, handcuffs and men in uniform are a few of my favorite things, and it shows in my thirty+ published books.
I live in the South with my man in uniform, who I married for the entertainment value. Just kidding - it was the handcuffs, err, true love. ;)
So far, our happily ever after includes a couple kids, German Shepherd dogs and a mutual appreciation of timely 'that's what she said' jokes.
When I'm not writing, I love reading, good coffee, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and whatever outdoor adventures I can find.
I also love hearing from readers, so don't be shy! If you've enjoyed something I've written, hearing from you would make my day.
3.5 - "You're in cucumber country before you know it." Stars!
Alicia Dalton has moved from Washington to Riley County for a fresh start, including new job and new home. Moving into a secluded cottage, her only neighbour is sexy Riley County Prison Officer Liam Alexander.
The attraction is mutual, but what neither of them initially realise, is that they both have intimate knowledge of the other due to the lack of sufficient window dressings in their respective homes!
You get the feeling pretty early on that this book is definitely the start of a series, not a bad thing as long as the main characters still get their story told. Ranae is extremely accomplished when it comes to putting together and then delivering a series where each book offers us a different characters story. Officer Next Door is no exception, however a step away from what I am used to from Ranae in the fact that Alicia & Liam get a little ghostly help from time to time as their story progresses, and the escaped convict’s drama unfolds
Liam is a little shy initially, but Wowza the man soon comes out of his shell once he realises their attraction is mutual. A little dominant, a lot sweet and not afraid to use the tools he has at his disposal to spice things up a little in the bedroom!
”I’ll make a deal with you... stay with me again tonight and I’ll let you try on my cuffs.”
Feeling her tremble against him, hearing her breathe his name – was like living every fantasy he’d entertained and then some.
I am never disappointed with the sexy-times in a Ranae Rose book; she always manages to keep the interactions between her couples fresh, imaginative and extremely hot. Liam and Alicia definitely push each other’s buttons in that department and it was great reading of their experimentation together and how it strengthened their connection.
He held her like he’d never let go, and kissed her like he’d been waiting for this moment for an eternity.
A great start to a series, looking forward to see how the rest of the officers stories come together, hopefully Ranae won’t keep us waiting too long for Sasha and Henry’s book.
ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for the above honest review.
Love, love, loved it! What a most excellent start to what will hopefully be an amazing series. Every morning with a cup of coffee in her hand, Alicia watches her neighbour, Liam, strip down to take his morning shower. Liam has no idea that she can see him and his huge package as he gets ready for work each day. "Officer Next Door" was a fun and sexy read. I loved both Alicia and Liam, so much so that I didn't want their story to end. The chemistry they share is off-the-charts hot in and out of the bedroom. Mmmmmmm.....Liam, one hot and very sexy hard-bodied male in uniform that is forever hard for his new neighbour. It was so great to read a novel where there was no angst; no relationship problems to deal with; no exes; no stupid misunderstandings, and no deep dark secrets. Even better, neither were "broken" or "damaged". Even though I thought the story was a little short, it's still an engaging read as it's definitely full of suspense, romance, and plenty of hot, juicy sexcapades that leave you wanting your own man in uniform. Not being a fan of instalove, somehow the author makes it work here. I'm already antsy to get my hands on book 2.
There is something exciting about the start of a new series with new possibilities and twists and turns that you never see happening. And when you mix that with an author’s voice that just feels right and real then you have a hit on your hands. That is where this book starts and by the end of the book you will be begging for the next installment.
Our main characters are so well fleshed out that you really get a sense of their motives, hidden fears and go on the journey with them. Alicia Dalton is a woman that has moved to Riley County North Carolina for a new start and moves in next to an officer that would make any woman not only drool but have a secret crush on. Liam Alexander is everything that we all imagine about brave men in uniform including Southern charm and irresistible.
Admittedly I was unsure about the escapee convicts but these guys are drawn so brilliantly that as a reader you just want them to either get caught or end up back in prison. The back story for these two brothers is very well depicted and gave them a true menace as they attempted to allude capture once they had gone on the lamb.
The secondary characters of Sasha, Kerry, Henry and Grey are great counter points to our main characters and I can’t wait to see what Ms. Rose has in store for each of these characters in future books. The interactions especially between Sasha, Kerry and Alicia had me in stitches a number of times because I can so imagine being in a room with people I know exactly like these two woman. I’d love to know if they were modeled after anyone in particular and if so they would definitely be woman that I would enjoy having with me when I go out for a drink or two.
The supernatural element was a nice little twist in this book and kept me on the edge of my seat wondering if Alicia was “seeing” something or if it was a trick her girlfriends were pranking her with. The surprise was fully played out in the final 1/4 of the book and not going to spoil it here but loved the way Ms. Rose tied it all together at the end.
The fact that this is a new series makes this a prime time to pick up Ms. Rose’s work and see if you find her as amazing and wonderful of a voice as I do. I have a feeling that you will enjoy this book as much as I have.
Final Thoughts, this book is a brilliant start to a new series and I can’t wait to hear that book 2 is not only in the works but will be available for review and purchase. In other words, Ms. Rose has a hit on her hands with this outstanding book and it will be going into the Best of 2014 list for this blog. Kudos to Ms. Rose for a marvelous book and let me know as soon as book 2 is available, PLEASE!
A copy of Officer Next Door was provided to me by the author and nothing else was exchanged for my honest review.
Best part about this book it that it is the start of a new series!
Liam and Alicia are perfect for each other. They do burn up the pages with a few steamy scenes, however the plot was interesting and I enjoyed the mild suspense.
Not a heavy read - but one I had a hard time putting down - I finished it about 12 hours after the ARC arrived in my inbox. (yes I ate dinner, slept, and did chores around the house too!)
Liam has two best friends that work at the prison with him, and a cousin on the police force so I see a few more books on the horizon - and I am very happy with that as with other Ranae Rose series I am sure we will see more of Liam and Alicia.
I received this book from the author for my honest review
2.5☆ An ok read. Storyline a bit predictable & I was looking for more in the paranormal side of this read. Could not connect with the characters.... so a few missed marks on my personal preference in a read again just my opinion
I kept feeling like something was lacking. Sometimes it felt like there was too much going on...ghosts..prison breaks...neighbors...wacky scary place of business...bridzillas.... Some of these took up too much of the book than they should have and others didn't get the attention that would have made this book better.
Basically it's a sort of paranormal romance that's super sexy, sort of suspenseful and has a great Alpha H. There are no OW/OM and the H and h fall pretty hard for each other pretty quick.
I didn't get the need for the ghosts in the story. It was like they were just something to distract you from the main going-ons...they could have been an added element of excitement to use them in more ways than were used (as basically story fill-ins IMO). They had nothing to do other than keep appearing to the heroine or making her nervous. Then, as though the author finally found use for them The sort of suspense comes from there being a prison break (that's exciting) and the H being all over the idea of protecting the h. But instead of it being fun and interesting, I felt like the story lacked excitement from such an excitable plot. The smex scenes were hot and fun...the side characters were just mildly interesting....so overall it was just okay. A little OTT in the what felt like misplaced paranormal department...but okay. I'm not sure if I'll read more. Again, the other characters didn't really do much for me. It was a good way to pass the time, so I'd recommend it. It's better than doing the dishes!
I am definitely going to like this new series from Ranae. I loved the boys, Liam, Henry and Grey and I can't wait for Henry and Grey and even Jeremy to get their story. Liam I loved that boy, "having a conversation with her that morning had just about killed him, and his balls still ached as he neared his house, pulling into the parking area in front of the porch." Alicia that girl had some great friends, I mean if you can't ogle a hot guy together then your just not really friends, "she, Sasha and Kerry had just watched Liam get into the shower with a hard-on to shame all hard-ons. It hadn't completely gone by the time he'd stepped out, either. Sasha was beside herself and even quiet Kerry seemed stunned." Liam he's a sneaky one gives the girl a whole bag of sugar for an excuse to see her again, "take the whole bag, and bring it back when you're done." A deliberate excuse to have her return to his place? Or was he just being neighborly?" He's also one to offer help, "anything you need help with?" Visions of bending her over one of her kitchen counters flooded his mind, but she needed assistance with something decidedly less satisfying, he'd help with that too." I think Henry and Sasha should be up next.
I was pleasantly surprised by the story that from Liam and Alicia. I guess I thought that this book would have more of a ghostly element to it than what was presented. I mean, it did have some hauntly measures added for some fun of it but this book was mostly about Liam and Alicia’s attraction to each other and two escaped prisoners from the state prison that Liam works for.
This brought more of a dangerous plot than I expected and turned the tables pretty quickly in my eyes. Once these two prisoners escape from the transfer bus, Liam invites Alicia to stay with him so that she will be protected and then that is when the story takes off.
I am excited to see what else this series holds. Alicia’s two friends met Liam’s two friends in this book and it looks like more love and possible dangerous situation are in store for this group. ~BookWhisperer Reviewer MC~
This is the first in a new series by Ranae Rose. This is a total change of pace from her Inked In The Steel City series. Where that series took place in the city with tattooed hunks this series takes place down south in a rural town and the hotties where uniforms and carry a badge. This is a longer book and it immerses you in a tale of murder, intrigue, ghosts and gators. I was immediately sucked in and couldn’t put it down. The characters are likeable (lickable too) and I am really looking forward to the next installment.
yummmm this was a perfect palate cleanser from the last book. Heroine: she was sweet as pie but had quite the little naughty streak to keep her from being boring. She wasn't quite as tough as i prefer my heroines but when the going got tough she stepped up to bat and didn't run away from things. I also appreciated that she never even came close to the TSTL line. Hero: i just wanted to lick him head to toe. He was very protective without being overly alpha. He's respectful of the heroine even when he doesn't believe the things she's saying. And she always always comes first...in every way ;) Romance: it wasn't terribly developed but somehow that wasn't a detriment to the romance. this couple was so great together. They were so easy together and all the book's angst was outside of the couple rather than their own insecurities or anything which i really enjoyed. I could see some people saying it was rushed but i personally didn't feel that way Sex scenes: totally hot. Slight kink (cuffs) and varied positions and oral. definitely NSFW material. Plot: Very interesting. I flat out could not put this book down. It drew me in immediately and i loved pretty much every piece. The one thing i could've done without was the paranormal aspect. I didn't feel like it served much purpose and i think the book stood on it's own without it so having paranormal just muddied the waters. It didn't detract really I just personally would've preferred it to either be more prominent or not there at all. Writing: Wonderful! It flowed so easily and i found no errors. Despite the tone of the book the writing was so light and it made this a true joy to read Bottom line: this book was amazing and i cant wait to read the rest
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Alicia has just moved to a new place... And has discovered that her neighbor is very used to not having someone living next door to him. She watches him get in and out of the shower ever morning over her morning coffee since he doesn't close his bathroom blinds.
Liam is the extremely hot officer who lives next door... And watches his neighbor's shadow undress every night without her knowledge.. When Alicia brings over a few ladies she works with and it happens to be on a night that a few guys that Liam works with show up as well, they end up all spending time together.
A set of brothers escaping from a prison bus (where Liam works) changes the whole dynamic of the group, putting fear into play. Not to mention Alicia has been seeing what very likely could be spirits, which could be hinting to something not so good in her future.
The sexy cover and good synopsis were instant appeals to me, but I felt like the book needed a bit more work. More often than not we were told things instead of shown them making the story a bit dull at times :( I also found seeing the side of one of the escapees to be unnecessary as I felt the connection to Alicia and Liam much more interesting.
Officer Next Door by Ranae Rose is a very cute romance, interesting, a little suspense, some action, and great sex. The new girl in town has discovered her neighbor’s bathroom window has no curtain, so she gets to watch him wander around naked as he gets in and out of the shower! It is listed as book one, after reading it, I am pretty sure what books two and three are about.
I really liked most of the characters, but the chef at the resort is by far the best of the bunch. Its light reading, fun and entertaining from beginning to end. The people are all very easy to connect with, empathize and identify with as well. The story moves along well, it never lags, kept me reading all the way till the end. Even the bad guys were realistically portrayed. You wanted them caught, and fast.
There were explicit sex scenes, so not for the younger group, but any romance lover should like this one. Reminded me of the Harlequin Suspense series in a lot of ways, but the sex was definitely better than anything I ever read in Harlequin! Friendships, new relationships, suspense and thrills, its got everything for a great beach book! Definitely a four fang book!!
I am so excited about this book not only because it is a fantastic book, but the start of what I know is going to be a fantastic series!! I love the dynamics of Alicia and Liam, but their friends are a real treat. The characters are all very relatable and the flow of this book is fantastic. I sat down to start reading and it immediately drew me in. Liam and Alicia really make a fun and HOT couple. I mean come on who wouldn't want to sneak a peek at the very hot and sexy officer in clothes and without? This book had all the makings of a great read. Laughter, suspense, sexiness, and even a little supernatural. I had not read the blurb or anything about this book before I started it and was very pleasantly surprised with the whole plot and how the author wrote it so effortless to believe. I think the ghost parts were one of my favorites. I can't wait to read the rest of this series and find out what happens with each secondary character from this one. Great job Ms. Rose!! I will be anxiously awaiting the next book! An easy 5 AMAZEBALLS stars for me!!
A copy was gifted in exchange for an honest review. Review by Tabitha
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Alicia just moved to small town North Carolina to take a job as an even planner for the Wisteria Plantation House. However, its her next door neighbor who keeps her life interesting. Liam Alexander is a correctional officer for the nearby prison, who apparently has forgotten to put up blinds in his bathroom. Alicia has made it a daily part of her routine to take her coffee into her bathroom to watch Officer Alexander as he gets ready every morning.
Sparks fly between the two and lust blooms. A pair of escapees along with some paranormal activity throw the couple together even more. Over pizza, the two succumb the lustful tension that surround them.
Nice, breezy romance with a touch of the paranormal and crazed jailed escapees.
“All she knew was that she’d won the neighbor lottery – having a sexy officer next door was the jackpot, and having Liam in particular was even better.”
My Review:
This sensual love story was quite refreshing. There were no arguments or struggles between the two main characters, no misunderstandings, tantrums, overhearing nasty comments in the bathroom, crazy exes, angst, etc. Yet it was still interesting and I didn’t want to put it down… it was also smokin’ hot, well written, and just an all-around good book – how cool is that? What it does have are unusual circumstances, probable hauntings/ghosts, a historic plantation home, cop killers, prison escapees, a posse, stray dogs, an alligator, klutziness, hot prison guards, bridezilla, a fire, steamy sex scenes, brownies, sweet tea, hot neighbors… wow. Sure makes me wish my neighbor wasn’t an ignorant pig…
I managed to squeeze out enough time to read this in between work! :3 Damn glad I managed to dig out time to read it. Of course I would make time for a hottie who knows how to use their cuffs ;) Which girl doesn't like a man in uniform?
”I’ll make a deal with you... stay with me again tonight and I’ll let you try on my cuffs.”
My first book by Ranae Rose and I enjoyed it quite a lot! The chemistry between Alicia and Liam were off the charts! Steamy steamy steamy! No excessive drama or problems. A great mix of suspense, romance, sexy steam and good story telling! Ranae managed to make the instalove factor here work.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Officer Next Door story contains supernatural elements (ghost) but not to the extent that it was off putting for someone like me who usually doesn't read paranormal fiction.
This was an unexpectedly steamy read, this author writes sex very well. I enjoyed spending time with Liam and Alicia, their relationship is hot. I did feel the relationship was more about lust than love and when it switched from one to the other, I didn't really feel the emotions and went along with the words on the page.
I enjoyed Officer Next Door and I look forward to reading book 2 which will be Sasha and Henry's story.
Two of my favorite authors had books come out while I was reading this and I was so anxious and excited to get them I couldn't wait to read them so I put this story down for a few days. I then pick this one back up and I have to say I got pulled right back into their story. Officer Next Door was my first book by Ranae Rose and I enjoyed it quite a lot! The chemistry between Alicia and Liam were spot on good! There is a great mix of suspense, romance, sexy steam and a good story! Even a little paranormal thrown in. I have to say also that it was so nice to read a story where there was no angst; no relationship problems to deal with; no exes; no stupid misunderstandings, and no deep dark secrets. Even better, neither one of the main characters were "broken" or "damaged" or display excessive drama.
I am looking forward to reading the next one "Officer out of Uniform".
This was the first book that I have read by Ranae Rose... It was outstanding. I was so excited to find a new author that delivered. Alicia and Liam were simply magnetic to say the least. The whole spying on one another through the window was purely electrifying. The love scene between the two was orgasmic. I cannot wait to see how each of their friends fall in love as well. Although I am not into ghostly type books this was perfectly written. At times as I was reading the book I was so in depth with it I felt as though I could feel a sudden brisk of air shift past me. That's when I knew this book was a keeper. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. Honored to be a new Fangirl of Ranae Rose.
Thanks to Wicked Reads for a free book to read and review. Let's be honest, the cover grabbed my attention, and the title as well. The synopsis clinched it, and overall it was a really great read. The story started out with Alicia getting an eyeful of her hot neighbor getting out of the shower as she stands drinking her morning coffee. After the description I can't imagine any woman not wanting an eyeful. The book brings together a ghostly sense, men in uniform, and a prison break which doesn't seem easy to do but the author manages to pull it off. I was thoroughly entertained and read it straight through. I would definitely read from this author again and I look forward to many more books from her! Overall entertainment was four stars.
There just seemed like too much was going on at once. Too many POV's.
I liked that they were both unaware they were watching each other and that their relationship progressed quickly without any drama outside of the killers.
Wasn't really enough story to get to know the characters well. But it felt like a lot of the story was unnecessary. Even the set ups for the next books weren't really that interesting.
I'm not even sure why I'm giving it a 2 star rating. The sex wasn't even anything great.
I've read a lot of sexy book before but this one... Oh man this one was making me blush and giddy. I really enjoyed the story line. Much different from what Im used to reading. And I also enjoyed the alternate POV's, thats always a thumbs up! I can't wait for the other books to be released! The characters are sexy/funny and the chemistry between their little group is wicked hot! Loved this read! Will definitely recommend to my book friends :)!
I fell in love with Ranae's stories during her Ink series, I love the way she describes the characters and the plots lines. This book is now my most favorite because of all the twist and turns, I can't wait to know what will happen next!!!!!
Liam is one hot cop. I wouldn't mind moving into a home next to him either. This story had everything. You have a ghost, a fugitive and what woman wouldn't mind some handcuffs coming out to play :-) Liam and Alicia's story was definitely on the steamy side. The storyline flowed and it ended with a Happy ending.
This was a nice romance between two normal people. Nobody is a billionaire or famous. Just simple people. Liam is a really nice guy and Alicia is a nice woman. The conflict is from a crazed escape convict.
Just a great read. You have a prison guard who lives next door to an event planner. They both are spying on each other through their windows but don't realize it. An escaped prisoner brings suspense to the book.
It was fun watching them get together. And there is a handcuffs scene. I liked it.