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Orchard Heights #2
The Man Next Door
I was just a girl, a young neglected girl with issues. I was a mess. A mess he wanted nothing to do with. He knew better. But I certainly didn’t. All I knew was that I liked what I saw.
I grew up in small town Michigan, raised by a single alcoholic father and two older brothers who never gave me the time of day. All I had were my best friends, Izzie and Gavin, a reclusive broken man, ten years my senior. My father forbade me to see him, but I didn’t listen. I was crazy about him and he adored me. Even when our small community was rocked by a heinous crime and Gavin was the main suspect, I still loved him.
When tragedy struck, I finally escaped. As far away as I could.
I’ve been in Chicago ever since, trying to forget all about my past. Yet, I find myself still thinking about my past, about Gavin and Izzie, about my other life. I’m not truly living anymore, just going through the motions. Until…
Noah Parker. My new neighbor. Beautiful, sweet and intoxicating. There’s something about him I just can’t put my finger on. He’s the first man since Gavin I truly let myself fall for. I think he might be the one. Until…
… the day I discover his secret.
Author’s note: THE MAN NEXT DOOR is the second novel in the Orchard Heights series, but can be read as a STANDALONE. If planning to read the whole series, it is best to do so in chronological order to avoid spoilers. This novel contains some sexual content and coarse language. Audiences of 18+ only.
>b>Orchard Heights Series
Book One - The Girl He Loves
Book Two - The Man Next Door
I grew up in small town Michigan, raised by a single alcoholic father and two older brothers who never gave me the time of day. All I had were my best friends, Izzie and Gavin, a reclusive broken man, ten years my senior. My father forbade me to see him, but I didn’t listen. I was crazy about him and he adored me. Even when our small community was rocked by a heinous crime and Gavin was the main suspect, I still loved him.
When tragedy struck, I finally escaped. As far away as I could.
I’ve been in Chicago ever since, trying to forget all about my past. Yet, I find myself still thinking about my past, about Gavin and Izzie, about my other life. I’m not truly living anymore, just going through the motions. Until…
Noah Parker. My new neighbor. Beautiful, sweet and intoxicating. There’s something about him I just can’t put my finger on. He’s the first man since Gavin I truly let myself fall for. I think he might be the one. Until…
… the day I discover his secret.
Author’s note: THE MAN NEXT DOOR is the second novel in the Orchard Heights series, but can be read as a STANDALONE. If planning to read the whole series, it is best to do so in chronological order to avoid spoilers. This novel contains some sexual content and coarse language. Audiences of 18+ only.
>b>Orchard Heights Series
Book One - The Girl He Loves
Book Two - The Man Next Door
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2020
20 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Roya Carmen
37 books502 followersBusy mom, romance writer, artist & designer, book-aholic, nature lover, and hopeless romantic.
Author of The Ground Rules trilogy, and the Riverstone series.
For all the latest updates, friend me on Facebook or Twitter or Instagram!
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Wattpad: @royastories
Author of The Ground Rules trilogy, and the Riverstone series.
For all the latest updates, friend me on Facebook or Twitter or Instagram!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Twitter: @royacarmen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/royacarmen/
Wattpad: @royastories
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 28, 2020
3.5 stars
May 25, 2020
Main characters: Abigail Cooper, social worker, who has managed to rise above her childhood circumstances. Noah Reed, new neighbour, who's keen to know about Abigail, but reluctant to share his own past...
Why you should read it:
Well, if you thought book one (The Girl He Loves) was a wild ride, you're going to lose your mind at The Man Next Door! It was a well-told story based in the present, with frequent flashbacks to Abby's youth. I found her childhood story captivating. You really get a strong sense of the trailer park she grew up in, and the lingering sadness that seems to follow all of the characters around is tangible. It's not an idyllic adolescence by any means and there were scenes that some may find disturbing, so proceed with caution. The balance between Abby's first love story and the potential for her present one was quite a contrasting one.
What you may struggle with: Abby's relationship with Noah was based on comparatively few interactions, so at times I was sceptical as to how they could be so in love so quickly. I guess this may be because her relationship with Gavin grew over years, and Noah and she was a matter of weeks. At times it felt a little Tell me rather than Show me. The small minded attitude of the place Abby grows up in is claustrophobic and very true to life. The era of slut shaming and misogyny is alive and well in the story and it rankles, but it's very realistic.
Rating: 3.5/5. All in all, it was an engaging story - not perfect in terms of the pacing in the present narrative perhaps, but an engaging story, if I did guess the twist early on, it wasn't a problem. Can I also say that I was very excited by the appearance of a familiar, much-loved character from another book who will be featuring in book 3 at the end of the year!
Why you should read it:
Well, if you thought book one (The Girl He Loves) was a wild ride, you're going to lose your mind at The Man Next Door! It was a well-told story based in the present, with frequent flashbacks to Abby's youth. I found her childhood story captivating. You really get a strong sense of the trailer park she grew up in, and the lingering sadness that seems to follow all of the characters around is tangible. It's not an idyllic adolescence by any means and there were scenes that some may find disturbing, so proceed with caution. The balance between Abby's first love story and the potential for her present one was quite a contrasting one.
What you may struggle with: Abby's relationship with Noah was based on comparatively few interactions, so at times I was sceptical as to how they could be so in love so quickly. I guess this may be because her relationship with Gavin grew over years, and Noah and she was a matter of weeks. At times it felt a little Tell me rather than Show me. The small minded attitude of the place Abby grows up in is claustrophobic and very true to life. The era of slut shaming and misogyny is alive and well in the story and it rankles, but it's very realistic.
Rating: 3.5/5. All in all, it was an engaging story - not perfect in terms of the pacing in the present narrative perhaps, but an engaging story, if I did guess the twist early on, it wasn't a problem. Can I also say that I was very excited by the appearance of a familiar, much-loved character from another book who will be featuring in book 3 at the end of the year!
May 21, 2020
The Man Next Door was suspenseful, angsty, and filled with emotion...with just a touch of taboo. It handled difficult subjects like alcoholism, divorce, and death both realistically and tactfully.
Abby is caring, compassionate, and haunted by the past. The writing was so vivid that I could feel Abby’s pain and hurt. I liked Abby almost immediately; she seemed like someone I could be friends with.
Noah was very self-assured and mysterious. He was clearly keeping secrets, and the more I read the more nervous I became about what he might be hiding. I wanted to like him but was worried he might not be the nice guy he seemed to be. His secrets made me wary.
The plot was interesting and somewhat unique. It bounced between the present and flashbacks to the past. I struggled to get into the story at first; I felt it was a little slow moving and confusing in the beginning. In the end, I was hooked and thoroughly enjoyed it.
The Man Next Door is book two of the Orchard Heights series. I read it as a standalone and thoroughly enjoyed it. However, I plan to go back to read book one to fill in some questions I have.
Abby is caring, compassionate, and haunted by the past. The writing was so vivid that I could feel Abby’s pain and hurt. I liked Abby almost immediately; she seemed like someone I could be friends with.
Noah was very self-assured and mysterious. He was clearly keeping secrets, and the more I read the more nervous I became about what he might be hiding. I wanted to like him but was worried he might not be the nice guy he seemed to be. His secrets made me wary.
The plot was interesting and somewhat unique. It bounced between the present and flashbacks to the past. I struggled to get into the story at first; I felt it was a little slow moving and confusing in the beginning. In the end, I was hooked and thoroughly enjoyed it.
The Man Next Door is book two of the Orchard Heights series. I read it as a standalone and thoroughly enjoyed it. However, I plan to go back to read book one to fill in some questions I have.
May 22, 2020
Another page-turner from Roya Carmen although I will admit the flashbacks to the past needed a little more definition as I did get a little confused at times, however, that didn't detract from my enjoyment of this story. I absolutely loved our heroine, she had been put through the mill as a child and had used her experiences to make a difference. I absolutely adored Gavin and I must admit, quite a few tears were shed when it came to this man.
The stalker aspect is in this book again, but nowhere near as prevalent as the first book in this series. More of a side plot. I don't think I can ever get over Gavin though, for me, he was absolute perfection. Noah was very secretive and it was this that kept you intrigued with "The Man Next Door." The undeniable connection between him and Izzie was palpable and the chemistry was off the charts, however, I felt that Roya Carmen had made gain too perfect and although Izzie had moved on from her past, I didn't feel her heart had.
The stalker aspect is in this book again, but nowhere near as prevalent as the first book in this series. More of a side plot. I don't think I can ever get over Gavin though, for me, he was absolute perfection. Noah was very secretive and it was this that kept you intrigued with "The Man Next Door." The undeniable connection between him and Izzie was palpable and the chemistry was off the charts, however, I felt that Roya Carmen had made gain too perfect and although Izzie had moved on from her past, I didn't feel her heart had.
May 24, 2020
This is the 2nd book in this series and is Abby’s story. This is a unique story which flits between the present and the past which Abby is haunted by and which has also defined her to become the person she is today by, and her connections to her friends Gavin and Izzie. Noah is Abby’s neighbour and has his own secrets to contend with. No spoilers: this is a definite must read you will not be disappointed. This is a well written story which is filled with angst, secrets, suspense, emotion, friendships, 1st love, and mystery which had me totally intrigued and on tenterhooks throughout. I highly recommend this talented authors’ work for all readers.
May 22, 2020
The Man Next Door by Roya Carmen is book 2 in the Orchard Heights series. This can be read as a standalone.
This is a suspenseful, mysterious, complex, come of age read that goes backwards in time to teenage years then forward to present time while telling quite a mesmerizing story. I was on the edge of my seat, trying to figure out Abby and her life. It's heartbreaking, touching, angsty, hot, sweet, compassionate, fresh and more. Abby is a character that you will root for. Her past is full of pain and suffering. In present time, she's recently divorced and trying to more forward with life. It's with her present that we meet Noah. In her past, there's Gavin. What do the two have in common?
This intense, mysterious, and suspenseful read will take you on quite the emotional rollercoaster journey. The ending was great, though felt a little rushed.
My Rating: 4.4 stars ********
This is a suspenseful, mysterious, complex, come of age read that goes backwards in time to teenage years then forward to present time while telling quite a mesmerizing story. I was on the edge of my seat, trying to figure out Abby and her life. It's heartbreaking, touching, angsty, hot, sweet, compassionate, fresh and more. Abby is a character that you will root for. Her past is full of pain and suffering. In present time, she's recently divorced and trying to more forward with life. It's with her present that we meet Noah. In her past, there's Gavin. What do the two have in common?
This intense, mysterious, and suspenseful read will take you on quite the emotional rollercoaster journey. The ending was great, though felt a little rushed.
My Rating: 4.4 stars ********
May 25, 2020
Feels 3
Steam 5
Storyline 4.5
Overall Rating 4.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Robin
Omg...this story had my feelings tugged in so many different directions. I love this group of four friends and Abby’s story was so heartbreaking. I loved the parallel in the neighbors...the story from her past and her current life. The childhood memories were so vivid and pulled me into her life in the trailer park. This book is about coming to age, first loves, friendships that break and surviving soul crushing tragedy. So many secrets and twists with her new neighbor who runs hot and cold with her. I felt her confusion and hesitation. This book captivated me and I didn’t ever want to put it down. Such a fantastic series!
Steam 5
Storyline 4.5
Overall Rating 4.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Robin
Omg...this story had my feelings tugged in so many different directions. I love this group of four friends and Abby’s story was so heartbreaking. I loved the parallel in the neighbors...the story from her past and her current life. The childhood memories were so vivid and pulled me into her life in the trailer park. This book is about coming to age, first loves, friendships that break and surviving soul crushing tragedy. So many secrets and twists with her new neighbor who runs hot and cold with her. I felt her confusion and hesitation. This book captivated me and I didn’t ever want to put it down. Such a fantastic series!
May 21, 2020
Pretty Amazing story. The story of Abby who lives with her father and brothers in a trailer home. She meets her best friend at a very young age, but life happens as they continuously grow up. I fell so hard for the characters in this book!!! This book allowed you to connect with the characters and grow to love them. Totally a must read story with a twist of bliss, death, overcoming obstacles and love.
May 21, 2020
This is my second story by this author, and I enjoyed it as much as the first.
The characters are relatable. They could be your neighbors.
I thoroughly enjoy romantic suspense, and this served the category very well. I cannot wait to see what's next in Ms. Carmen's repertoire!
I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
The characters are relatable. They could be your neighbors.
I thoroughly enjoy romantic suspense, and this served the category very well. I cannot wait to see what's next in Ms. Carmen's repertoire!
I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
May 22, 2020
At first this book was a little to get into to. I would find myself a little distracted and not focused on the task at hand. But as the book went on, I found myself enthralled. The author paints such a vivid picture. It’s hard not to picture yourself in the scenarios with the characters. Sometimes even so much as taking a small breather from the book. Since the chemistry of the characters gets to you. I cannot wait to see what this author writes next.
May 19, 2020
Omg...this story had my feelings tugged in so many different directions. I love this group of four friends and Abby’s story was so heartbreaking. I loved the parallel in the neighbors...the story from her past and her current life. The childhood memories were so vivid and pulled me into her life in the trailer park. This book is about coming to age, first loves, friendships that break and surviving soul crushing tragedy. So many secrets and twists with her new neighbor who runs hot and cold with her. I felt her confusion and hesitation. This book captivated me and I didn’t ever want to put it down. Such a fantastic series!
May 21, 2020
Amazing Read!
I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
This story was suspenseful and very well written. I loved the flashbacks into Izzie’s childhood throughout the book. This was a page turner that keep me intrigued.
Without giving away any spoilers I loved this book and Roya Carmen just keeps getting better! I gave this book 5 stars!
I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
This story was suspenseful and very well written. I loved the flashbacks into Izzie’s childhood throughout the book. This was a page turner that keep me intrigued.
Without giving away any spoilers I loved this book and Roya Carmen just keeps getting better! I gave this book 5 stars!
May 6, 2020
The Man Next Door by Roya Carmen had me biting my nails (and since I cannot get a manicure right now that is the last thing I need to do). This book was suspenseful but not necessarily in a who-done-it mystery kind of way but more in the way you just did not know which way the story was going. I have to say that when it ended, I was completely surprised. The story is told in the present time but Abby, the main character, takes you back to her teenage years and explains her past that shaped her into the person she is now. This was an incredible book about teenage best friends, first loves, personal growth and of course the past coming back to haunt you. I really could not put this book down and read it in one day, much to the dismay of my family who wanted dinner. 5-stars for The Man Next Door by Roya Carmen.
Abby Cooper is recently divorced and trying to get on with her life. Applying for a new job and meeting her new neighbor seem to be a turn in the right direction. Abby thinks about Izzie and Gavin every single day. Izzie and Gavin had been her world when she was growing up in the trailer park and her alcoholic dad and two older brothers could not be bothered with her. Now after meeting Noah and settling in with her job Abby feels like she is happy again. Noah is gorgeous, talented, and secretive and it is these secrets that might come between them. If Noah cannot share his secrets is there really a chance for Abby to have a relationship with The Man Next Door?
Abby Cooper is recently divorced and trying to get on with her life. Applying for a new job and meeting her new neighbor seem to be a turn in the right direction. Abby thinks about Izzie and Gavin every single day. Izzie and Gavin had been her world when she was growing up in the trailer park and her alcoholic dad and two older brothers could not be bothered with her. Now after meeting Noah and settling in with her job Abby feels like she is happy again. Noah is gorgeous, talented, and secretive and it is these secrets that might come between them. If Noah cannot share his secrets is there really a chance for Abby to have a relationship with The Man Next Door?
May 10, 2020
This is book two in the Orchard Heights series but can be read as a standalone. I have read books before about coming of age and neglect, but this book I was biting my nails, on the edge of my seat waiting and anticipating the next thing. It is well written and the author grabbed me from the first word. You truly have to read all the way until the end to see what becomes of Abigal (Abby), Gavin, and Noah. This story is told in the here and now and also the past through Abby’s dreams and her flashing back. This is more than just the story of a woman finding love. It is also the bonds of friendship as a teen, first love, and of her growing up to be who she is now. There is a bit of taboo in this story but it is tasteful.
Abby did not have the best of upbringings. Her mom died, her dad is a drunk and her older brothers give her no support. Her only true friend is Izzie and her family treats her like of them. Adele, Izzie’s mom is the mother that Abby is missing. Now, that she is grown and reflecting on her life she has come a long way. She decided to get out of her town and go to school. Now divorced and looking for a new job she gets a new neighbor, Noah
I don’t know where to begin with Gavin. He was one of the only people that really got Abby and he is her reclusive next-door neighbor. Everyone warns her about him. Stay away they say. Abby just knows there's something about him and they form a bond.
Noah is the new guy across the hall. He is an outgoing musician and he and Abby have a spark right away. He is a sexy younger man and Abby’s interest is peaked. Noah was great but a bit mysterious. He doesn’t talk a whole lot about his life but that is what it pulls you in. Wanting and waiting to see what happens next.
I loved this book. It was everything. I felt so many emotions. There were moments where I wanted to scream and say wake up. I wanted to cry along with Abby. I read this from cover to cover and missed some sleep but it was so worth it. I truly felt the happiness, loneliness, anger, and love in this book. Read and find out what happens to them all. It was great and do I want to read more.
Abby did not have the best of upbringings. Her mom died, her dad is a drunk and her older brothers give her no support. Her only true friend is Izzie and her family treats her like of them. Adele, Izzie’s mom is the mother that Abby is missing. Now, that she is grown and reflecting on her life she has come a long way. She decided to get out of her town and go to school. Now divorced and looking for a new job she gets a new neighbor, Noah
I don’t know where to begin with Gavin. He was one of the only people that really got Abby and he is her reclusive next-door neighbor. Everyone warns her about him. Stay away they say. Abby just knows there's something about him and they form a bond.
Noah is the new guy across the hall. He is an outgoing musician and he and Abby have a spark right away. He is a sexy younger man and Abby’s interest is peaked. Noah was great but a bit mysterious. He doesn’t talk a whole lot about his life but that is what it pulls you in. Wanting and waiting to see what happens next.
I loved this book. It was everything. I felt so many emotions. There were moments where I wanted to scream and say wake up. I wanted to cry along with Abby. I read this from cover to cover and missed some sleep but it was so worth it. I truly felt the happiness, loneliness, anger, and love in this book. Read and find out what happens to them all. It was great and do I want to read more.
May 30, 2020
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab...
The Man Next Door was a great 5 star read and book two in the Orchard Heights series. IT took me just a bit to get pulled in but once I was I couldn’t stop.
We have Abigail who didn’t have a great upbringing but is now a social worker.
The story jumps from past to present so we can see Abigail's childhood and her experiences. She is now divorced trying to move forward. When she meets her neighbor Noah there is an instant connection. Noah is a charming and handsome man. The more I read about Noah you could tell he had some secrets, but what are they? He was definitely not a people person.
Will we see Abby finally get her HEA?
Overall I really enjoyed this read. I will warn that there are some scenes that could cause triggers for some. All of the characters were great and my emotions were all over the place. If you're looking for a great read that pulls you in, this is the series for you. 1-click and get started today.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
May 27, 2020
The Man Next Door is a story which shows our heroine's past, and present, which kept me on the edge of my seat with my heart lodged in my throat from all the emotions. Abby's childhood was terrible, with things happening which really tore me up completely, but she got out of that town, so her present is with Noah, the man next door. He's really not a people person, but she feels attraction, not to mention he's sexy & charming. However, there seem to be secrets, and we all know secrets don't make friends, so will Abby get her happily ever after this time around?! There's no one who deserves it more that's for sure, and again, I was on the edge of my seat cover to cover, as I couldn't look away for anything. To experience this story for yourselves, hit those one click buttons, and I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
May 29, 2020
Intriguing! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. This is my first time reading one of Roya Carmen books. The Man Next Door is the second book in Orchard Heights series. This is Abigail and Noah's story. Abigail is caring, compassionate, and haunted by the past. Noah is sexy, hot, and very mysterious. This story is intriguing, suspenseful, and mysterious. It goes back and forth to the past and present. I like it cause it gave me a background of them. This is one that you NEED to read. You won't be disappointed. I couldn't stop reading once i got started. Can't wait to see what else you will bring to us. Keep up the good job!
REVIEW BY CHANTELLE
REVIEW BY CHANTELLE
June 12, 2020
Intriguing! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. This is my first time reading one of Roya Carmen books. The Man Next Door is the second book in Orchard Heights series. This is Abigail and Noah's story. Abigail is caring, compassionate, and haunted by the past. Noah is sexy, hot, and very mysterious. This story is intriguing, suspenseful, and mysterious. It goes back and forth to the past and present. I like it cause it gave me a background of them. This is one that you NEED to read. You won't be disappointed. I couldn't stop reading once i got started. Can't wait to see what else you will bring to us. Keep up the good job!
July 19, 2020
Decent story but...it's so annoying to sometimes have to read 3 or 4 sentences of a paragraph to know which decade we're in. A simple "Now" and "Then" delineation would have made reading this much more comfortable. There are a few inconsistencies in the story that should have been cleaned up (I spotted a few in book 1, too). When it came to Noah, Abigail was a neurotic, immature mess which made it difficult to really like her. And why was there soooo much focus on her job when other than her actual choice of career, it had zero relevance to the story but took up a lot of story. In fairness, some of these things may not impact other readers enjoyment of the story but they did mine.
June 1, 2020
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Great Book
This book was definitely worth the wait. I was hooked from the beginning and I couldn’t put it down. I really hope there is another book coming.
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Great Book
This book was definitely worth the wait. I was hooked from the beginning and I couldn’t put it down. I really hope there is another book coming.
June 27, 2020
I’d like to say I enjoyed this book but I didn’t. I loved her others books but this one lacked a descriptive plot. It was incredibly predictable and had characters that I couldn’t relate to. This book was disappointing. I wanted to like it, but it wasn’t a great book.
May 29, 2020
The Man Next Door by Roya Carmen was another great read by her with all the feels. I was hooked within the first few pages and was completely invested til the end. Loved this heartwarming read.
July 1, 2020
I loved this book!!
A really good one, its been so long since I enjoyed a book. Roya is one of my favorite ones now!!!
A really good one, its been so long since I enjoyed a book. Roya is one of my favorite ones now!!!
September 5, 2020
Good, save for the superfluous use of “save for”.
Want to read
March 24, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/24/2021)! 🎁
March 28, 2021
An emotional novel, the plot was exceptional. Loved how each of the characters came to life. Gavin a man with a large heart i can not help but feel the loss as well.
July 4, 2023
Ugh I just wanted Gavin to have a a happy ending :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2020
for full review go to Beyond the Covers Blog here on Goodreads
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