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The Neighborly Thing
Recently single, Tyler is done moping around his apartment. He’s taking life—and himself—in hand, starting this weekend. All he needs is for one very special delivery to arrive, and his party for one can begin. But things get awkward when he comes home to find his box of fun in the hands of his very confused—and very hot—neighbour.
Gray’s not used to being the centre of attention. He works at home and doesn’t mind being single. People are messy. It’s easier if he looks after himself. But when a misdirected package opens up a world of possibilities, Gray knows this isn’t something he can do on his own.
Tyler is a teacher—by profession and by calling—and Gray soon becomes his very willing student. But if the lessons learned are only physical, what will Gray and Tyler’s hearts do when the weekend is over?
The Neighborly Thing was formerly titled Toy Story and offered as a newsletter exclusive.
Gray’s not used to being the centre of attention. He works at home and doesn’t mind being single. People are messy. It’s easier if he looks after himself. But when a misdirected package opens up a world of possibilities, Gray knows this isn’t something he can do on his own.
Tyler is a teacher—by profession and by calling—and Gray soon becomes his very willing student. But if the lessons learned are only physical, what will Gray and Tyler’s hearts do when the weekend is over?
The Neighborly Thing was formerly titled Toy Story and offered as a newsletter exclusive.
67 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2022
9 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
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April 18, 2021Look what I found: An author who can write alternating first-person with distinctive voices!
I picked this up because it was a freebie and I desperately needed something to read that wasn't about people killing each other or the approaching end of the world. (Ugh, I've gotten to the point where I'm like, "Just let the world end already, people. Who even cares.") I needed something bright and happy and non-murdery, and this playful bit of erotica delivered.
It's a take on the old misdelivered-package meet-cute, and proves that voice and characterization matter more than originality or content. At least that's how it is for me. I mean, sex toys and masturbation are not what I'd consider enticing content, but Tyler and Gray were so appealing and distinctive that I was happy to spend time with them regardless. The story was just the right length, not overstaying its welcome, and the ending was just right for the length of time the guys had known each other.
In summary: Cute, charming, occasionally laugh-out-loud funny, not too short and not too long. There were a few typos, which always annoys me, but nothing significant. I'll be looking for more by Allison Temple.
I picked this up because it was a freebie and I desperately needed something to read that wasn't about people killing each other or the approaching end of the world. (Ugh, I've gotten to the point where I'm like, "Just let the world end already, people. Who even cares.") I needed something bright and happy and non-murdery, and this playful bit of erotica delivered.
It's a take on the old misdelivered-package meet-cute, and proves that voice and characterization matter more than originality or content. At least that's how it is for me. I mean, sex toys and masturbation are not what I'd consider enticing content, but Tyler and Gray were so appealing and distinctive that I was happy to spend time with them regardless. The story was just the right length, not overstaying its welcome, and the ending was just right for the length of time the guys had known each other.
In summary: Cute, charming, occasionally laugh-out-loud funny, not too short and not too long. There were a few typos, which always annoys me, but nothing significant. I'll be looking for more by Allison Temple.
December 4, 2019
2.5 stars
This was cute and I was enjoying it at the beginning, but by the time I reached 65%, I was bored and ended up heavily skimming (or skipping, depending on your definition of “skim”) the following 20%-long sex scene.
Don’t let my rating deter you, though, stories with so much focus on sex rarely work for me. The writing was good and I’m definitely interested in trying another one of this author’s books in the future.
This was cute and I was enjoying it at the beginning, but by the time I reached 65%, I was bored and ended up heavily skimming (or skipping, depending on your definition of “skim”) the following 20%-long sex scene.
Don’t let my rating deter you, though, stories with so much focus on sex rarely work for me. The writing was good and I’m definitely interested in trying another one of this author’s books in the future.
November 26, 2019
Really cute and sexy! I will definitely check out more from this author.
Free here: https://claims.prolificworks.com/free...
Free here: https://claims.prolificworks.com/free...
August 29, 2025
Just cute and silly
August 5, 2020
3.5 stars
Very sexy but a tad sweet too :)
Very sexy but a tad sweet too :)
January 10, 2022
Tyler is a teacher- finally getting over the breakup of his long-term relationship by reclaiming one thing he loves. Sex - specifically sex with himself via hundreds of dollars of toys. Gray is Tyler's neighbor who accidentally gets - and opens- Tyler's delivery forcing the two to finally, formally meet. Sparks fly and outgoing Tyler makes teaching shy Gray all about this body his mission.
This was a quick, steamy short story. Well written with two great characters, it ends on a HFN that left me wanting more!
This was a quick, steamy short story. Well written with two great characters, it ends on a HFN that left me wanting more!
June 27, 2023
This is a short but very sweet story of how a misdelivered package leads to so much more. The thin walls of the apartment building also seem to be a contributing factor. This happy for now seems to be the start of a new relationship.
January 10, 2022
Steamy, sweet and short
Funny, sweet sexy story about an intimate package delivery mixup. Tyler is down in the dumps after a breakup so he decides to reward himself with some "toys". When sweet, oblivious Grey receives the package and unknowingly opens it, hilarity and steamy times ensue. Both have had crushes on each other for a while and when Tyler realizes just how oblivious and uneducated Grey is in the sexual arena, he of course takes it upon himself to teach him just how amazingly fun it can be. Poor Grey was so sweet and awkward, he didn't see himself as a sexual creature because no one had taken the time to explore and educate him. Tyler definitely sets the record straight on that and it was so rewarding to see Grey blossom and grow. My only complaint is that it was too short, I would definitely love more from this couple.
Funny, sweet sexy story about an intimate package delivery mixup. Tyler is down in the dumps after a breakup so he decides to reward himself with some "toys". When sweet, oblivious Grey receives the package and unknowingly opens it, hilarity and steamy times ensue. Both have had crushes on each other for a while and when Tyler realizes just how oblivious and uneducated Grey is in the sexual arena, he of course takes it upon himself to teach him just how amazingly fun it can be. Poor Grey was so sweet and awkward, he didn't see himself as a sexual creature because no one had taken the time to explore and educate him. Tyler definitely sets the record straight on that and it was so rewarding to see Grey blossom and grow. My only complaint is that it was too short, I would definitely love more from this couple.
February 1, 2025
Tyler & Grayson
Rating: 3.4⭐
- Neighbors
- Teacher/Videographer
- Sex Lessons
- Sex Toys
- Delivery Mix-up
This was short and cute read about how a mail mix-up turned into something more for the neighbors.
Content Warnings (may contain spoilers):
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Explicit language
Verse: No, but it's discussed
HEA: HFN
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheat: No
OM/OW Drama: No
Ages: Not given
Rating: 3.4⭐
- Neighbors
- Teacher/Videographer
- Sex Lessons
- Sex Toys
- Delivery Mix-up
This was short and cute read about how a mail mix-up turned into something more for the neighbors.
Content Warnings (may contain spoilers):
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Explicit language
Verse: No, but it's discussed
HEA: HFN
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheat: No
OM/OW Drama: No
Ages: Not given
May 7, 2020
Story was good but the author really bombed on the ending ... even novellas needs an HFN (at least), and it felt incredibly up in the air and unfinished! The ending was a huge disservice to the rest of the story and if an author won't invest in the ending like she invests in the rest of the story, the rating WILL mirror that!!
October 29, 2019
Cute and smokin' hot short story. Too short, but I really enjoy the writing and sense of humor.
November 7, 2019
Cute and hot. Good short story.
November 23, 2019
4.5/5
I've read this "mixed up sex toy delivery" plot device before and this is one of the better ones. And hotter. From the slight voyeurism of listening through the walls to Gray discovering how to have the best orgasm of his life (and immediately after doing so he runs downstairs to tell Tyler). Would love to read more.
Also I apparently noted "So this is Canadian sex?" on this quote "I want you to suck me off. You've got these perfect lips. But I don't want you to think I'm making you. If you said no, that would be okay."
I've read this "mixed up sex toy delivery" plot device before and this is one of the better ones. And hotter. From the slight voyeurism of listening through the walls to Gray discovering how to have the best orgasm of his life (and immediately after doing so he runs downstairs to tell Tyler). Would love to read more.
Also I apparently noted "So this is Canadian sex?" on this quote "I want you to suck me off. You've got these perfect lips. But I don't want you to think I'm making you. If you said no, that would be okay."
January 4, 2024
"The Neighborly Thing" by Allison Temple was a great read. The way that Tyler and Gray finally got to speak to each other was absolutely hilarious. There were a lot of funny parts, and the way that Allison wrote the scenes between the two was amazing. My favorite part was when Tyler gave Gray a "present," and after Gray tried it, he came down to tell Tyler about it. I would definitely read other books by this author.
January 17, 2022
Neighborly Thing is the first book I have read from Allison Temple. I love MM books of all genres, and I was pleasantly surprised with this light-hearted and sexy book.
It starts off with Tyler, a high school teacher of indeterminate age, who orders a delivery of sex toys and plans to have a weekend of “Tyler Time”, to jump back into the saddle, so to speak, after his breakup with his long-time boyfriend and get a handle of his libido. His plans to rock his socks off are stalled a bit when he gets home to find his package of sex toys being dropped off in front of his apartment door by his oh-so-sexy upstairs neighbor. After stumbling through an explanation of the package being delivered to him by mistake, the sexy neighbor rushes back upstairs and we get to know that he has a hum drum set of sexual urges and experiences. Later that night, the neighbor listens and is turned on as Tyler gets himself off with his “party box.”
The next morning, Tyler apologizes to Gray and offers him a sexy gift, of which Grays avails himself later that day. Gray is so excited to have experienced the best orgasm of his life, that he rushes upstairs to thank Tyler and surprises himself when he asks what he should try next. Tyler offers a live demonstration and what follows is probably the sexiest encounter about which I have ever read.
This book was so sexy and although the ending was abrupt, it had me wishing for a continuation or at least a sequel and see where this would take the two MC’s. I would love to read about the two of them developing a full-blown relationship. As the book stands, it is definitely worth the read. It was a short, sexy, and steamy book with the potential of a HEA.
This book was well-written and well-edited, which I really appreciate. I look forward to reading more from this author.
It starts off with Tyler, a high school teacher of indeterminate age, who orders a delivery of sex toys and plans to have a weekend of “Tyler Time”, to jump back into the saddle, so to speak, after his breakup with his long-time boyfriend and get a handle of his libido. His plans to rock his socks off are stalled a bit when he gets home to find his package of sex toys being dropped off in front of his apartment door by his oh-so-sexy upstairs neighbor. After stumbling through an explanation of the package being delivered to him by mistake, the sexy neighbor rushes back upstairs and we get to know that he has a hum drum set of sexual urges and experiences. Later that night, the neighbor listens and is turned on as Tyler gets himself off with his “party box.”
The next morning, Tyler apologizes to Gray and offers him a sexy gift, of which Grays avails himself later that day. Gray is so excited to have experienced the best orgasm of his life, that he rushes upstairs to thank Tyler and surprises himself when he asks what he should try next. Tyler offers a live demonstration and what follows is probably the sexiest encounter about which I have ever read.
This book was so sexy and although the ending was abrupt, it had me wishing for a continuation or at least a sequel and see where this would take the two MC’s. I would love to read about the two of them developing a full-blown relationship. As the book stands, it is definitely worth the read. It was a short, sexy, and steamy book with the potential of a HEA.
This book was well-written and well-edited, which I really appreciate. I look forward to reading more from this author.
November 20, 2019
Toy Story (2019) by Allison Temple is a great romance read.
The book presents the romance between Tyler and Gray who are neighbors in an apartment building. Both have secret crushes on each other but begin getting to know each other under unique circumstances after Gray accidentally opens Tyler’s box of sex toys following a mailing mistake.
The plot is original and the humour in the book is superb. The author writes awkwardness mixed with humour amazingly well. We get to know each of the main characters very well and while they are very different, they definitely compliment each other very well. Tyler is more adventurous and yet a bit more staid-laced too while Gray is less adventurous and not very straid-laced at all. So they have things in common too and their chemistry and dialogue with each other is excellent.
The story is a great mix of cute and hot and seeing Tyler helping Gray to know about how many of the sex toys work is both sweet and hot at the one time. There is a lot of backstory about both characters packed in here despite the shortness of the book so it’s a well-rounded story which doesn’t leave the reader feeling like they didn’t really get to know the characters involved.
An amazing read!
The book presents the romance between Tyler and Gray who are neighbors in an apartment building. Both have secret crushes on each other but begin getting to know each other under unique circumstances after Gray accidentally opens Tyler’s box of sex toys following a mailing mistake.
The plot is original and the humour in the book is superb. The author writes awkwardness mixed with humour amazingly well. We get to know each of the main characters very well and while they are very different, they definitely compliment each other very well. Tyler is more adventurous and yet a bit more staid-laced too while Gray is less adventurous and not very straid-laced at all. So they have things in common too and their chemistry and dialogue with each other is excellent.
The story is a great mix of cute and hot and seeing Tyler helping Gray to know about how many of the sex toys work is both sweet and hot at the one time. There is a lot of backstory about both characters packed in here despite the shortness of the book so it’s a well-rounded story which doesn’t leave the reader feeling like they didn’t really get to know the characters involved.
An amazing read!
November 12, 2023
Hot as Fire! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I don't rate short stories the same way that I do longer books; there just isn't enough time to do any real character development. But a great short story isn't easy to write IMHO and I think Allison Temple did a fantastic job with this little gem.
Take one neighbor who recently broke up with his boyfriend and another who's a bit uptight but has been watching the first neighbor…add in a misdelivered box of sex toys that the uptight neighbor opened by mistake and you have the recipe for a short and hot little story.
I can't remember where I picked up this free short story but I'm glad I did and did I mention that it's HOT!? 😘😇🌈🔥
Allison Temple will be a featured author at the 2024 Coastal Magic Convention next February in Daytona Beach; I can't wait to meet her! You should come join in the fun. It's an intimate convention where authors and readers really get to interact with each other not just attend a book signing (which is free – the signing that is).
Note: I read the version of this story with its original title of Toy Story,
I don't rate short stories the same way that I do longer books; there just isn't enough time to do any real character development. But a great short story isn't easy to write IMHO and I think Allison Temple did a fantastic job with this little gem.
Take one neighbor who recently broke up with his boyfriend and another who's a bit uptight but has been watching the first neighbor…add in a misdelivered box of sex toys that the uptight neighbor opened by mistake and you have the recipe for a short and hot little story.
I can't remember where I picked up this free short story but I'm glad I did and did I mention that it's HOT!? 😘😇🌈🔥
Allison Temple will be a featured author at the 2024 Coastal Magic Convention next February in Daytona Beach; I can't wait to meet her! You should come join in the fun. It's an intimate convention where authors and readers really get to interact with each other not just attend a book signing (which is free – the signing that is).
Note: I read the version of this story with its original title of Toy Story,
January 16, 2022
This shory story gives you Tyler, a sexually experienced teacher, and Gray, who'd always thought he didn't have a sexuality to speak of. Unbeknown to both, each have been crushing on the other for years, with no prospect of ever talking...until the most embarrassing meet cute over an opened box delivered to the wrong person. The action takes place over a weekend and these men get the chance to learn more about each other and get acquainted rather intimately in the bedroom.
The Neighborly Thing had me laughing out loud and aweing at how cute Tyler and Gray were, to then make my blood boil when they started experimenting. These two men clicked together and had an intense chemistry, and I just wish the book was a bit longer, possibly with them happily together as a couple.
The Neighborly Thing had me laughing out loud and aweing at how cute Tyler and Gray were, to then make my blood boil when they started experimenting. These two men clicked together and had an intense chemistry, and I just wish the book was a bit longer, possibly with them happily together as a couple.
January 11, 2022
The Neighbourly Thing is a wonderfully short, but sweet novel about two neighbors, Tyler and Gray, meeting in an extremely unconventional, yet exciting way…
I especially liked the character development in the book…. Tyler and Gray are about as opposite in personality as possible - with tall, shy and somewhat introverted Gray crossing the cute extroverted and uninhibited Tyler. After the first awkward meeting between the two, both men find something intriguing and endearing in the other. The plot is fun and entertaining, and I couldn't help but to fall in love with Gray and Tyler!!
A really fun, sweet and entertaining read!! 5 stars!!
I especially liked the character development in the book…. Tyler and Gray are about as opposite in personality as possible - with tall, shy and somewhat introverted Gray crossing the cute extroverted and uninhibited Tyler. After the first awkward meeting between the two, both men find something intriguing and endearing in the other. The plot is fun and entertaining, and I couldn't help but to fall in love with Gray and Tyler!!
A really fun, sweet and entertaining read!! 5 stars!!
May 18, 2025
This is a neighbours to more romance, featuring Gray and Tyler, and is a standalone short story.
Tyler, newly single and ready to enjoy some solo fun, is surprised when his sexy neighbor Gray accidentally receives his intimate package. What starts as an awkward mix-up turns into a steamy weekend of exploration that leaves both men wondering if it could lead to something more.
This is low angst, funny and sweet, it’s a great short story, wish it was longer.
Things to expect in this book are:
Standalone
Short story
MM romance
Neighbours
Teacher x Videographer
Size difference
Package mishap
Bit of voyeurism
S*x toys
Exploration
S*x lessons
HFN
Tyler, newly single and ready to enjoy some solo fun, is surprised when his sexy neighbor Gray accidentally receives his intimate package. What starts as an awkward mix-up turns into a steamy weekend of exploration that leaves both men wondering if it could lead to something more.
This is low angst, funny and sweet, it’s a great short story, wish it was longer.
Things to expect in this book are:
Standalone
Short story
MM romance
Neighbours
Teacher x Videographer
Size difference
Package mishap
Bit of voyeurism
S*x toys
Exploration
S*x lessons
HFN
January 8, 2022
This is a meet cute of epic and embarrassing proportions. Tyler’s package of sex toys gets dropped off at the wrong apartment and the resulting confrontation has the potential to lead to a HEA. Poor Gray doesn’t have even one third of the game Tyler thinks he does. (I can relate. Introverts unite! And hide!). He gets kinda of swept away and caught up in Tyler’s hot mess. But he needs all of the confidence Tyler can show him. These characters are cute as all heck. I do wish we had a bit of an epilogue showing us the HEA after the weekend but it really is a cute little novella.
January 14, 2022
OMG I loved this
Nothing like I expected. Tyler and Gray are so so cute, Tyler with shit loads of confidents and Gray model material but super shy and not a people person. I love the book is based around two days and the ending was perfect for the book though an Epilogue would of been great to see if they ended up being perfect for one another.
I laughed so much and the way things were described you really would of thought a guy was writing this.
Its a quick read but brilliant.
Nothing like I expected. Tyler and Gray are so so cute, Tyler with shit loads of confidents and Gray model material but super shy and not a people person. I love the book is based around two days and the ending was perfect for the book though an Epilogue would of been great to see if they ended up being perfect for one another.
I laughed so much and the way things were described you really would of thought a guy was writing this.
Its a quick read but brilliant.
January 23, 2022
Charmingly sweet and adorable
This was one of those books that I keep in my back pocket for when I want to read something light and funny that will cheer me up. I really liked the interplay between Gray and Tyler. There was no silly drama or needless angst; instead this focussed on being happy and sweet. It’s short but still manages to keep a good pace without feeling rushed; the characters are well-formed and you get a real feeling for who they are. Great novella for a gloomy evening - it’ll bring a little sunshine your way!
This was one of those books that I keep in my back pocket for when I want to read something light and funny that will cheer me up. I really liked the interplay between Gray and Tyler. There was no silly drama or needless angst; instead this focussed on being happy and sweet. It’s short but still manages to keep a good pace without feeling rushed; the characters are well-formed and you get a real feeling for who they are. Great novella for a gloomy evening - it’ll bring a little sunshine your way!
January 9, 2022
This was just what I needed at the moment. It was a fun, sexy and short story. I liked that both characters were awkward and quirky and their chemistry was hot. Even though they have lived in the same building for a while, they haven't interacted much but when a parcel got delivered to the wrong Tyler and that's the start of a fun weekend. The only minus is that I wish it was longer and it had an epilogue.
April 7, 2022
This story was all about the sex. Some parts of the story were funny, but a lot of it just felt downright awkward, and it wasn’t the cute and quirky MC kind of awkward. I actually felt secondhand embarrassment for one of the MCs. I hated how he forced intimacy between them to the extent that the other MC was uncomfortable quite often. Toward the end it felt less forced, but even then, there wasn’t any substance. I like my smut with at least a little emotional depth.
September 29, 2023
The story is short and takes place over the course of two days. Despite its length both characters were pretty well fleshed out. There was a great switch on typical rom com roles. The hot guy with the great body was the shy insecure character. I really enjoyed Gray and Tyler's story and would love to read more about the couple. The story ends with a hint of a possible HEA. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a fun, short gay romance.
January 17, 2022
Cute short story
This is an insta-lust, right to bed with you kind of book that is full of passion but not so much of a love story or storyline. Don’t get me wrong it was an enjoyable book. I just wish Allison had taken some time and drawn out the relationship between the two men instead of making it so short.
This is an insta-lust, right to bed with you kind of book that is full of passion but not so much of a love story or storyline. Don’t get me wrong it was an enjoyable book. I just wish Allison had taken some time and drawn out the relationship between the two men instead of making it so short.
November 1, 2019
I was quick to claim this from a Prolific Works giveaway. The blurb read as being right up my alley & the story was very hot. A quickie read with great characters & setup. It's not perfect; I'd love a bit more to round it out as a full story, but it's a 4.5 star read that I gladly round up to 5.
May 21, 2020
This M+M story is not for children. The toys in question are sex toys. Once more a woman writing about gay sex. After the meet and greet this gets rather specific. Unless you’re into phone sex look elsewhere.
August 20, 2020
This was a cute short story. I enjoyed Tyler and Gray. It definitely was an interesting way to get things started between them. The only drawback was I wanted more. Do they go past the weekend? Does Gray learn what he likes and doesn’t like?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews