Our parents are best friends and neighbors. We were raised together. But one look at her body in the window and I'm hard. How did I never see her this way before? Too bad she's forbidden fruit. She doesn't deserve to be in my trail of one and done women. Plus it would ruin 25 years of friendship between our parents. But my body craves her. The longer she stands in the window, the less I'm able to resist. Screw it. Before I leave, I'll give her a few good nights she'll never forget.
***A steamy STANDALONE contemporary romance with no cliffhanger, no cheating, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after.***
With such a hot man cover, one would think this book would blow your mind. However, it was just okay and I just kept going back to the cover to make me happy again.
Overlooked is about Harper and Zane's relationship and how they haven't seen each other since High School. They went their separate ways, her to NY and him to the Army. However, they eventually see each other again and the sparks are in play now.
Now when a book hints at a potential relationship, there's going to be some kind of weird ass drama. For example, in this book these two had a week to decide if this was going to be a thing or not because they didn't want to ruin their parents friendship? Again, their parents friendship?
I just didn't get it and I don't want to talk about how many times I rolled my eyes at their situations. If I was one of their parents, I wouldn't give two shits if they were dating or not. It shouldn't matter to theirs either.
Other than that, it was really meh and kind of boring to read. The cover was the best part in my opinion.
I was sitting at work going through my emails and I see one from Simone. I laughed because I just thought the other day man, she should be coming out with a new book any time now. Usually we get a heads up but the release is in four days. So, I do what any great employee does: stop all immediate work and make reading this book a priority.
Everyone knows that Carny is my fave book by her and it is one of the only books that I pick up every few months to reread. And in all honesty, I don't ever seeing something of hers topping Carny and not because I have lowered the bar for her but because Carny was seriously that good.
Anyway, back to Overlooked. It is sitting between a 3 and 4 star rating. This book felt lighter than Simone's other books. There wasn't as much conflict and it sky rocketed on the slow burn scale.
We have Harper and Zane. They grew up together, friends and neighbors. Of course they went their separate ways the older they got. Then he enlisted and she moved to NYC to pursue a career in publishing. They return home every once in a while from their different lives but always at different times, never running into each other. For years.
Zane's parents are throwing a party for their 25th wedding anniversary. Both Zane and Harper return home for a week for the occasion and vacation. And a lot can happen when two ridiculously good looking people who just so happen to share a lifetime of history come together. And even though they have both confessed their attraction for each other, they have never crossed that line.
You know ... the line. In this case it was probably a penis. Yep, it is definitely a penis that would move your relationship from friends to more than friends.
Those scenes did not disappoint as per usual. I don't think they were as graphic per say especially if you wanna compare them to previous novels of Simone's. But we aren't dealing with the most lively of characters. Just an ordinary story with characters who are everyday people and who have normal sex.
If you love enduring the navigation of the friendzone to the endzone then for sure read this book!
P.S. Don't mind my overuse of ZD gifs. I love her and I always find them appropriate for every review I do.
I so enjoyed this story. There will be sneaky sex in the bathroom and a surprise will happen at the same time... Harper is taking a weeks vacation to come home for her parents best friends and neighbor's anniversary. She is also looking forward to seeing their son, Zane, who was also her friend most of their lives. Zane has taken leave from the army and is coming home for his parents 25th anniversary. He has to decide if he is going to reenlist or become a civilian again after 6 yrs of duty. His parents are going to expect him to give them an answer also. Then the nagging begins by the parents. They expect both Zane and Harper to find dates and expect them to bring them to the anniversary party. Neither one wants to find a date for the party. Especially since they are going back to their perspective cities and lives where they are to busy with their jobs. But what happens when an attractions starts between the two of them that was never there before now.....
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Easy, sexy and sweet read about two people in their early twenties who grew up together. They are both home for Zane's parents silver wedding anniversary and all of a sudden they are seeing each other in a whole new light. It's a sweet story, lots of hot stuff and shows how sometimes you just need to meet someone at the right time. HEA ? Yes Cheating? No
I have read most of Simone Sowood's books, and I usually enjoy them a lot. So, this one was a bit of a surprise to me, that it really didn't work all that well.
Strangely, it wasn't the main characters that I was not able to connect with, rather the secondary ones. I found the parents, and some of the things they said to Zane and Harper about the budding relationship to not only be a little off, but something you would not actually see happening. Do I see the concern? Maybe. Is it the reason for the entire conflict of the book? No. No it was not.
Yes, there were other plot lines, and other things that possibly could be considered to be the conflict, but the main one really seemed to be that if Harper and Zane date, it might upset their parents and make it difficult for their parents to stay friends. They are life long, 25 year friends...if that does it, there is more wrong with the relationship than their kids hooking up.
The writing was not as strong in this one as well, and it is the first that the author has co-written, so I am not sure if that was part of the issue, or if I really was so annoyed by the behavior of the "adults" in the story that I was annoyed by all of the little things too.
While I am able to recommend the author's other books, this is not one I am able to say that about.
Harper and Zane haven't seen each other since just after high school - she moved to NYC and he joined the army. But when they both end up back in town for Zane's parent's 25th anniversary party, they discover they've both grown up and become hot. Neither of them really thought much about the other, but now they are attracted to one another. They only have a week to determine if it is something they want to pursue and any potential relationship puts their parent's friendship at risk (for some reason I don't fully understand).
Meh. I thought this started out pretty good - you've got these two characters that haven't seen each other in a while, their parents are best friends so they've never really thought about each other "that way", but they end up attracted to one another...yay. I think what changed my mind about this book is the characterization of Zane. He is the army and up for reenlistment and is having a hard time deciding whether or not to do it. I mistakenly thought this meant that he was weighing the options in a serious, contemplative way. When Harper's mom made a speech basically saying Zane wasn't good enough for Harper and was just a womanizing, dumb, jock, I felt she was being unfair. However, it turned out that he wasn't as smart as I projected him to be. His later actions showed that he was just waiting for Harper (or anyone really) to tell him what to do. It made him less attractive to me as a love interest and thus the HEA less satisfying.
I enjoyed this book; the story was fascinating and very realistic. Many times we do not look at those we are closest too. We get used to having people in our lives that are there, but we don't see them. Harper and Zane have been neighbors that have looked past each other for years as well as missing each other during vacations and trips. During Zane's parents anniversary, they have reunited again and finally the sparks fly. It is fascinating how both parents react to the situation of the two of them dating. Of course, what is a good romance novel without a little tension and issues but as with this HEA, they all work out.
A great steamy read that I enjoyed. I received this story as an ARC.
I love a good friends-to-lovers story and that’s what this one is. Harper and Zane have grown up together; their parents are best friends and they’ve lived next door to each other for forever. Once they graduate Harper goes to NY and Zane enlists in the Army. They both come home to see the families but always just miss the other. Throughout their lives they both had an attraction to the other but they never wanted to cross that line. With their history & their parents’ friendship, would it even be worth it to try a relationship? You’ll have to read it to find out!
I always like to read books that are collaborations between authors just to see if I can see each author’s style in the book. In this case I had not previously read anything by Lulu Pratt but I was more than excited about this collab because I absolutely love Simone Sowood’s writing. These two authors together write amazingly - the characters are relatable, the chemistry is super hot (hello? bathroom sex with a party going on?!), and the story had so many emotional notes going on. If you haven't had a chance to read this book yet then I think you're missing out & should change that immediately!
**4.5 Stars - I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
One of my go to authors that I know will never ever disappoint.
What can I say about Zane and Harper. The boy next door and the girl next door that grew up together and even their parents are best friends.
After Zane left for the army and Harper when to pursue her career in the big city, they have missed each other when visiting the parents. Zane’s parents are celebrating the big 25 and after 6 years they see each other. Of course sparks fly and words are exchanged, heated moments turn into something more than they both thought would happen. Just ate up the words and lived in the moments of the friends/neighbors turned love of the life, ahhh
Zane Lewis has been in the Army a long time and now it's time to reenlist or get out into civilian life. So he comes back to his mom and Dads home for their anniversary party. He staying a week. Also coming home for a week is Harper Polsen. She works for a publishing house in New York City. She staying also with her mom and dad. The thing is these two family's have been best friends since Harper and Zane were children. Now as adults they discover there's more there than friendship. They end up having sex then arguing. Then can't decide to keep this new relationship going or call it just a fling. Then when the parents get involved in the discussion it's not any easier for them. There is a happy ending.
Plus all these additional books included with this main story of Overlook. Revenge F* ck -- Never Before Published (Lulu Pratt), His Prize (Lulu Pratt), Double Fake (Lulu Pratt), Lip Service (Simone Sowood), Hung (Simone Sowood), Carny (Simone Sowood), Swallow Hard -- Never Before Published (Simone Sowood), Pierce Me -- Preview (Simone Sowood), In Deep -- Preview (Simone Sowood)
Harper Polsen and Zane Lewis grew up living next to each other. Since their parents were best friends it was only natural that Zane and Harper would also become the best of friends. Once they reached high school they began to drift apart as Zane became more popular and Harper could often be found with her nose in a book.
After graduation Zane joined the military and Harper pursued a career as a book editor. The last time they saw each other was five years ago. When they both come home to celebrate Zane's parent's anniversary they are surprised to see how time has changed the other.
Though they have never viewed each other as more than friends a glimpse through their window has them seeing each other in a new light. Both Zane and Harper are phsically attracted to each other but reluctant to act on it. Should they just enjoy the short time they have together? When their feelings begin to get involved will they be brave enough to take a leap into the unknown? Overlooked is a fantastic, sweet yet steamy friends to lovers romance.
Overlooked. This was a sweet romance story. I enjoyed this book! It was different from the usual books I have read from Simone. Harper and Zane tried their best to keep away from each other but found it hard because of the attraction and the fact that they were friends and lived next door. It didn't help that their parents were best friends. Once they connected, they had to decide was it worth pursuing. Of course! Now what do they tell their parents? *** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
Hot specialist Zane Lewis is lifelong neighbor of nerdy and brainy Harper Polsen. They've been friends since they were babies and their parents are best friends. Five years of missing each other on trips home to see their families, ends when Zane's parents have their 25th anniversary party. One week together changes everything. AWESOME READ
I'm not sure why I took me so long to read this book. But I regret not reading it right away. Amazing love story. To live next door to the love of your life almost your entire life and not see it. Wow. Zane and Harper know as soon as they see each other for the first time in years that things have changed. When a kiss turns into more you will see the fireworks fly. This book is a fight till the end, but you will love the end! So amazing
Harper and Zane. Long time friends never saw each other as more then friends and neighbors. Time passed, she moved away and he went into military service an anniversary party brings them together again and sparks fly everywhere. Bunch of great stories after the main story.
The story of Harper and Zane will take you from young love angst to adult deep love and lust. This book has Zane and Harper growing up next door to each other and being in love from a very young age, but not admitting it to themselves. They don't see each other for five years and the attraction finally needs to be admitted. Their families are against it but love conquers all. This a five star must read.
Better than I expected. I started just reading a couple chapters and ended up finishing it in two nights. Very good!
update: I have to up my rating to 5 stars. this book had stuck with me. both Overlooked and Overprotected have stuck around. I'll be of doing something and find myself thinking about Harper and Zane. I'm loving this author's work more every day.
I received this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Overlooked by Lulu Pratt and Simone Sowood is the story of Harper Polsen and Zane Lewis. These characters were neighbors and friend until high school when they each gravitated to people similar to them. Popular and anything in the case of Zane and studious and an introvert like Harper.
Years later, they are brought back together to celebrate Zane's parents anniversary.
This is the story most of us want to imagine... the story of falling in love with your first friend and boy you have probably always wondered about but never wanted to ruin a friendship. My problem with this story was that it just seemed a bit trivial. The problem posed was a real one that could make or break a relationship but doesn't quite peak high levels of excitement while reading. The ending felt rushed considering how slowly the book progressed but definitely made the ending. better.
If you want a quick breezy read, this is for you. It is light and fluffy with butterflies and rainbows.
I really liked this story. Harper and Zane have lived next to each other and their parents are best friends. While the two hung out when they were little as they progressed into middle school and high school they had two different friend groups Zane was popular athletic. Harper was book worm nerdy. They are both returning for Zane's parent's 25th wedding anniversary. They haven't seen each other in over 5 years. Zane is in the Army, Harper is in publishing. When they first see each other they can't believe the change in each other. Zane has developed an awesome bod and his face will have you doing a double take. Harper has curves in all the right places. As each of them try to figure out their attraction to the other they act on it and they need to step back and see if its lust or something else. When Harper's mom finds out about them she is furious -she believes Zane will hurt her daughter. Zane's father also knows and he gives some sound advice. Will these two be able to take their relationship to the next level? What will their parents think about them being together? I was surprised at Harper's mom's response to their hook up. I enjoyed this book. I received this book an am giving an honest and voluntary review.
4.5 stars This is an excellent contemporary friends to lovers romance. Harper and Zane grew up living side by side. Their parents have been best friends for almost 25 years. They always looked at one another as best friends to siblings. He is home from the Army trying to decide what to do with his life, to re-up or leave military life. Harper works in New York City as an editor for a publishing company. They suddenly see one another not as friends or siblings but something possibly more. Unfortunately, problems arise when her mother believes something is going on between them during their one week vacation. I enjoyed this story and look forward to future books by these authors. I received a complementary copy of this book and chose to write a review. PS I also enjoyed the One Year Later segment that was released. Thanks
Lovely story about two friends. Wonderfully written. I can't wait to read more of her books. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Having lived next door all their lives they drifted apart when school finished, Zane to the defence force and Harper to New York and the publishing industry after college. When they finally meet after 10 years apart they fall in lust with one another which in turn grows to something more. An easy read and one that has a lot of different threads going through it. Will they part or will they end up with a happy ever after? You will need to pick up this romance and find out yourself. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book
I enjoyed the story. This is a sweeter romance story with two friends who decide to take a chance on more. They are both trying to decide on their future and the connection between them strengthens. I thought they made a good couple and had good chemistry.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and voluntarily decided to review it
This is a lovely romance story about two neighbours who have not seen each other for ten years.
Harper was always straightlaced, she now lives and works in Brooklyn, Zane was a party boy and a bit of a ladies man, he has been in the military for the last ten years
Reunited for Zanes parents wedding anniversary festivities it's the first time they have seen each other in ten years and the chemistry between them is off the charts but the path to romance never runs smooth
Told in dual POV, this story flows smoothly and I enjoyed how their relationship develops from friends to romance. There are a couple of steamy scenes but the focus is on the chemistry and feelings rather than sex.
I found the end to be a little abrupt but the epilogue helped. Overall a pleasant and enjoyable read, I thoroughly enjoyed this book
Pretty good story. I think the story either needed to take place over months, for a gradual change or it needed to be an instant, "omg, how did I not know" kind of change. The several days of semi gradual change just didn't work as well in my opinion. Both main characters were likable and the parents being a huge part of the story was nice too. ***I decided to review an ARC of this book.***
5 Star Kindle Unlimited Read Yep, I loved it. Who hasn't ever felt overlooked at some point in their lives. But these two neighbors dealing with there connection in the mist of overreacting mother was crazy. I loved it. Bonus- the bonus reads are hot as hades as well!