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The Couple Next Door
Jeremy Booth leads a simple life, scraping by in the gay neighborhood of Seattle, never letting his lack of material things get him down. But the one thing he really wants—someone to love—seems elusive. Until the couple next door moves in and Jeremy sees the man of his dreams, Shane McCallister, pushed down the stairs by a brute named Cole.
Jeremy would never go after another man’s boyfriend, so he reaches out to Shane in friendship while suppressing his feelings of attraction. But the feeling of something being off only begins with Cole being a hard-fisted bully—it ends with him seeming to be different people at different times. Some days, Cole is the mild-mannered John and then, one night in a bar, he’s the sassy and vivacious drag queen Vera.
So how can Jeremy rescue the man of his dreams from a situation that seems to get crazier and more dangerous by the day? By getting close to the couple next door, Jeremy not only puts a potential love in jeopardy, but eventually his very life.
Warning: graphic violence, mentions of past sexual abuse
Jeremy would never go after another man’s boyfriend, so he reaches out to Shane in friendship while suppressing his feelings of attraction. But the feeling of something being off only begins with Cole being a hard-fisted bully—it ends with him seeming to be different people at different times. Some days, Cole is the mild-mannered John and then, one night in a bar, he’s the sassy and vivacious drag queen Vera.
So how can Jeremy rescue the man of his dreams from a situation that seems to get crazier and more dangerous by the day? By getting close to the couple next door, Jeremy not only puts a potential love in jeopardy, but eventually his very life.
Warning: graphic violence, mentions of past sexual abuse
ebook
First published December 7, 2015
24 people are currently reading
594 people want to read
About the author
Rick R. Reed
118 books1,048 followersReal Men. True Love.
Rick R. Reed is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than sixty works of published fiction, spanning genres such as horror, psychological suspense and love stories. He is a Lambda Literary Award finalist and a multiple Rainbow Award winner.
Entertainment Weekly has described his work as “heartrending and sensitive.” Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…”
Find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his two rescue dogs, Kodi and Joaquin.
Rick R. Reed is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than sixty works of published fiction, spanning genres such as horror, psychological suspense and love stories. He is a Lambda Literary Award finalist and a multiple Rainbow Award winner.
Entertainment Weekly has described his work as “heartrending and sensitive.” Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…”
Find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his two rescue dogs, Kodi and Joaquin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
May 4, 2016
I wouldn't even know how to review this one,so let's look at something pretty...
Did I enjoy it...yes.
It's definitely not my normal M/M choice but it had me totally intrigued.
It's quite dark and disturbing and that's all I can say.....
Did I enjoy it...yes.
It's definitely not my normal M/M choice but it had me totally intrigued.
It's quite dark and disturbing and that's all I can say.....
January 5, 2016
Review originally posted at Sinfully.
4.5 stars
Be assured this is a spoiler-free review since it would be a disservice to give anything away about this book that kept me on edge until the final pages. With every secret and every twist I still had to wonder whether the truth was being revealed or whether there was still more to come. Sinister, creepy and intense, with a love story that only ratchets up the tension, The Couple Next Door is a wild and strange ride.
Returning from yet another disappointing date on his quest for Mr. Right, Jeremy gets a startling introduction to the new couple next door as he walks into the building lobby and into the middle of a fight. Before he knows it Jeremy is watching the larger man push the smaller man down the stairs before retreating into their apartment. Having grown up in a house where his father abused his mother, Jeremy knows what is going on, knows better than to get involved, but cannot fight his need to nurture and is soon ushering Shane McCallister to the ER and allowing him to spend the night in his apartment. Things get much stranger when the next afternoon Jeremy runs into the larger man, John aka Cole, in the lobby and John acts as if nothing happened, they never crossed paths and as if he is a kinder, gentler, completely different person than the one Jeremy saw the night before.
Despite Jeremy’s attempts to avoid the couple, and his better judgment, he finds himself incredibly attracted to Shane and unable to resist Shane’s further requests for help after the next beating. Drawn into his neighbors’ increasingly bizarre and violent relationship, and becoming friendlier and closer with Shane, Jeremy is soon beginning to wonder whether he is part of an elaborate prank, or things are actually as strange as they appear. He knows the closer he gets to Shane, the harder it will be to leave, but as Shane begins to tell Jeremy his secrets Jeremy wonders if he will be left with any choice but to run far and fast. While he can acknowledge his “too stupid to live moments” and see the parallels to the abusive relationship his parents had, he knows he’s a goner for Shane and rational decisions are no match for his inability to leave the man he has come to love.
I really had trouble putting this book down. Every time I thought I had things figured out or could guess what was going to happen, something else unexpected and often horrifying was added into the mix. There is more than meets the eye going on and up to the final moments I was left wondering if even all the players knew what the truth was anymore. Rick R. Reed did a great job of moving the story forward and dropping hints, clues and bits of information without stringing the reader along unnecessarily. Instead you are living out the story as Jeremy is, not knowing what’s coming, but knowing it probably won’t be good. Although there were a couple of very minor things I was left wondering about, I can absolutely recommend this story to those looking for a romance with lots of suspense, twists and thrills.
4.5 stars
Be assured this is a spoiler-free review since it would be a disservice to give anything away about this book that kept me on edge until the final pages. With every secret and every twist I still had to wonder whether the truth was being revealed or whether there was still more to come. Sinister, creepy and intense, with a love story that only ratchets up the tension, The Couple Next Door is a wild and strange ride.
Returning from yet another disappointing date on his quest for Mr. Right, Jeremy gets a startling introduction to the new couple next door as he walks into the building lobby and into the middle of a fight. Before he knows it Jeremy is watching the larger man push the smaller man down the stairs before retreating into their apartment. Having grown up in a house where his father abused his mother, Jeremy knows what is going on, knows better than to get involved, but cannot fight his need to nurture and is soon ushering Shane McCallister to the ER and allowing him to spend the night in his apartment. Things get much stranger when the next afternoon Jeremy runs into the larger man, John aka Cole, in the lobby and John acts as if nothing happened, they never crossed paths and as if he is a kinder, gentler, completely different person than the one Jeremy saw the night before.
Despite Jeremy’s attempts to avoid the couple, and his better judgment, he finds himself incredibly attracted to Shane and unable to resist Shane’s further requests for help after the next beating. Drawn into his neighbors’ increasingly bizarre and violent relationship, and becoming friendlier and closer with Shane, Jeremy is soon beginning to wonder whether he is part of an elaborate prank, or things are actually as strange as they appear. He knows the closer he gets to Shane, the harder it will be to leave, but as Shane begins to tell Jeremy his secrets Jeremy wonders if he will be left with any choice but to run far and fast. While he can acknowledge his “too stupid to live moments” and see the parallels to the abusive relationship his parents had, he knows he’s a goner for Shane and rational decisions are no match for his inability to leave the man he has come to love.
I really had trouble putting this book down. Every time I thought I had things figured out or could guess what was going to happen, something else unexpected and often horrifying was added into the mix. There is more than meets the eye going on and up to the final moments I was left wondering if even all the players knew what the truth was anymore. Rick R. Reed did a great job of moving the story forward and dropping hints, clues and bits of information without stringing the reader along unnecessarily. Instead you are living out the story as Jeremy is, not knowing what’s coming, but knowing it probably won’t be good. Although there were a couple of very minor things I was left wondering about, I can absolutely recommend this story to those looking for a romance with lots of suspense, twists and thrills.
February 1, 2016
BR, January 30st with Susan.
This would be me during this book. It's also my review.
Good lord... It's impossible to say anything about the story without giving anything away. So i'll refrain.
Just
May 5, 2016
4 Stars
This book is what I would classify as mind-fuckery. Some of the main themes I was able to guess quite quickly...while others where way out in the solar system, and I'm still not quite sure what was real and what was not. Definitely a different kind of book, I've not read anything like this before and it definitely had my mind working overtime to try and make sense of what was happening.
This book is what I would classify as mind-fuckery. Some of the main themes I was able to guess quite quickly...while others where way out in the solar system, and I'm still not quite sure what was real and what was not. Definitely a different kind of book, I've not read anything like this before and it definitely had my mind working overtime to try and make sense of what was happening.
January 22, 2021
So it's not the darkest, or the most scary, thriller I've read recently (thankfully), but Rick R. Reed's The Couple Next Door is definitely the most fun!
The whole way through I'm thinking, "there's no way this guy could be so stupid", and "there's got to be so much more going on behind the scenes"... well, of course there is!
Rick R. Reed does a marvelous job building the layers here. Literally, to say anything more would give too much away so I'm not going to do it. But if you're reading the opening scene and thinking you know what's coming, well you're probably wrong.
Great story, wonderful characters, and written in Rick R. Reed's lovely style, The Couple Next Door is a thoroughly enjoyable thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley and NineStar Press for this advanced readers copy
The whole way through I'm thinking, "there's no way this guy could be so stupid", and "there's got to be so much more going on behind the scenes"... well, of course there is!
Rick R. Reed does a marvelous job building the layers here. Literally, to say anything more would give too much away so I'm not going to do it. But if you're reading the opening scene and thinking you know what's coming, well you're probably wrong.
Great story, wonderful characters, and written in Rick R. Reed's lovely style, The Couple Next Door is a thoroughly enjoyable thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley and NineStar Press for this advanced readers copy
December 13, 2015
Full review - WITH NO SPOILERS - can be found at -
This is another great read by Rick R. Reed. Go into it expecting the unexpected and you should love this. Nothing is at all as it appears early on. Keep that in mind before reading. Also, if you've not read this yet and you plan to, don't read any reviews with spoilers. It will ruin the experience for you completely.
Highly recommended.
This book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This is another great read by Rick R. Reed. Go into it expecting the unexpected and you should love this. Nothing is at all as it appears early on. Keep that in mind before reading. Also, if you've not read this yet and you plan to, don't read any reviews with spoilers. It will ruin the experience for you completely.
Highly recommended.
This book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 17, 2020
Wow, I’m still shaking, what a thrilling narrative! I didn’t expect this at all, awesome!
Jeremy has new neighbors, two guys John and Shane. When Jeremy talks with Shane his own past rings in his ears. Denial, denial of the situation.
The only thing he can do is just be there for Shane after his partner is abusive, again.
Saying It’s all very complicated is an understatement.
“once a thing is known, it can’t be unknown.”
Jeremy asks himself more than once what he’s gotten himself into. Even more, how to get out.
Being attractive to Shane doesn’t help either. John and Shane their relationship has secrets, dark ones.
When the three meet up at a bar Jeremy understands another side of John.
After that it’s all gets more disturbing and chilling.
And suddenly Jeremy is over his head into an intoxicating situation.
“You love so much, Jeremy, you lose yourself.”
I must say at times I got really irritated by both Shane and Jeremy, the further in the story I could put it aside. I did understand, once you commit there is no way back.
What a story! I sat on the edge of my chair and couldn’t read fast enough. I inhaled this story.
Amazingly entertainingly written, unpredictable thrilling suspense. An absolute winner!
Jeremy has new neighbors, two guys John and Shane. When Jeremy talks with Shane his own past rings in his ears. Denial, denial of the situation.
The only thing he can do is just be there for Shane after his partner is abusive, again.
Saying It’s all very complicated is an understatement.
“once a thing is known, it can’t be unknown.”
Jeremy asks himself more than once what he’s gotten himself into. Even more, how to get out.
Being attractive to Shane doesn’t help either. John and Shane their relationship has secrets, dark ones.
When the three meet up at a bar Jeremy understands another side of John.
After that it’s all gets more disturbing and chilling.
And suddenly Jeremy is over his head into an intoxicating situation.
“You love so much, Jeremy, you lose yourself.”
I must say at times I got really irritated by both Shane and Jeremy, the further in the story I could put it aside. I did understand, once you commit there is no way back.
What a story! I sat on the edge of my chair and couldn’t read fast enough. I inhaled this story.
Amazingly entertainingly written, unpredictable thrilling suspense. An absolute winner!
February 2, 2016
This pains me. Truly pains me. I saw this book come across my feed and knew I had to read it. It sounded perfect for me.
It wasn’t.
Sometimes a book, a character, a storyline or whatever just doesn’t work for one reason or the other. This just didn’t work for me for many reasons. It’s hard for me to read a book and enjoy the story, to care what happens next, if I don’t like the characters. In this case, I didn’t like either and I never understood, aside from liking how each other looked, what they liked about each other. So, in the beginning I just figured I’d focus on the “mystery” and not worry so much about the romance. That only worked for me for so long. I struggled and had a really hard time keeping my attention focused. Again, I just didn’t seem to care.
Maybe I have just read way too many Romantic Suspense novels in my life and I expect something from them that was just missing from this one. It may not be missing for you.
Give it a shot. It is an interesting premise and has the potential of keeping you on the edge of your seat.
It just wasn’t for me.
It wasn’t.
Sometimes a book, a character, a storyline or whatever just doesn’t work for one reason or the other. This just didn’t work for me for many reasons. It’s hard for me to read a book and enjoy the story, to care what happens next, if I don’t like the characters. In this case, I didn’t like either and I never understood, aside from liking how each other looked, what they liked about each other. So, in the beginning I just figured I’d focus on the “mystery” and not worry so much about the romance. That only worked for me for so long. I struggled and had a really hard time keeping my attention focused. Again, I just didn’t seem to care.
Maybe I have just read way too many Romantic Suspense novels in my life and I expect something from them that was just missing from this one. It may not be missing for you.
Give it a shot. It is an interesting premise and has the potential of keeping you on the edge of your seat.
It just wasn’t for me.
January 3, 2016
Reading The Couple Next Door is like carefully prying open a set of Russian matryoshka nestling dolls, wondering if you've reached the final kernel of truth, and yet fearful there's another layer, another "truth" to uncover.
Jeremy Booth leads a comfortable, lonely life in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, until the day Shane McAllister literally falls at his feet, thrown down the apartment building stairs by a leather-clad Tom of Finland look-alike, Cole. Jeremy learns the couple, newly arrived from Chicago, live next door and almost immediately, senses something is not right. Why does Shane call his partner John AND Cole? When John invites Jeremy to their apartment for a drink, why does Shane act like he's never met Jeremy before? Who is Vera? What exactly is the nature of Shane and John/Cole's relationship?
Without revealing much more of the plot, the story unfolds as each "doll" opens to reveal a story that may or may not be the truth. Rick Reed keeps the suspense going throughout, and you wonder if anything is real or true. Even to the last page, I felt there could yet be another twist.
The Seattle setting is a perfect background for the story. The cold waters of Chicago's Lake Michigan that Reed has depicted in many of his novels features prominently as well. An excellent book!
Jeremy Booth leads a comfortable, lonely life in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, until the day Shane McAllister literally falls at his feet, thrown down the apartment building stairs by a leather-clad Tom of Finland look-alike, Cole. Jeremy learns the couple, newly arrived from Chicago, live next door and almost immediately, senses something is not right. Why does Shane call his partner John AND Cole? When John invites Jeremy to their apartment for a drink, why does Shane act like he's never met Jeremy before? Who is Vera? What exactly is the nature of Shane and John/Cole's relationship?
Without revealing much more of the plot, the story unfolds as each "doll" opens to reveal a story that may or may not be the truth. Rick Reed keeps the suspense going throughout, and you wonder if anything is real or true. Even to the last page, I felt there could yet be another twist.
The Seattle setting is a perfect background for the story. The cold waters of Chicago's Lake Michigan that Reed has depicted in many of his novels features prominently as well. An excellent book!
December 7, 2015
This book is scary. Genuinely creepy. I think the cover art conveys it quite well. Jeremy Booth is an ordinary guy who falls for a neighbor. That neighbor though, has secrets. False identities, plot twists, close calls. They all add up to a book I couldn’t put down once I started.
On the other hand, Seattle is a character in its own right here. Charming with its rainy vistas and gay bars. Jeremy is buoyed and supported by his city. It’s almost warm, and infuses the plot with substance and weight and location.
Of the several Rick R. Reed books I’ve had the pleasure to review, this one is the best. As always, fans of his are in for a delightful journey.
Four stars.
~ C. E. Case
I was provided this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated, coerced, or flattered into an opinion.
On the other hand, Seattle is a character in its own right here. Charming with its rainy vistas and gay bars. Jeremy is buoyed and supported by his city. It’s almost warm, and infuses the plot with substance and weight and location.
Of the several Rick R. Reed books I’ve had the pleasure to review, this one is the best. As always, fans of his are in for a delightful journey.
Four stars.
~ C. E. Case
I was provided this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated, coerced, or flattered into an opinion.
December 30, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
First, I should admit that I stayed up into the wee hours of the morn reading this book. I couldn’t help myself, I was utterly hooked and simply unable to put it down without knowing how it would end. Much like the rich and amazingly well written main character, Jeremy, I found myself horrified at the final twist in this story and, hence, never approached an epilogue with more relief in my life. Shane captivated me from the start, as did Jeremy. In many ways both were lost souls who needed saving, but what they endured to get to that place was chilling to read about to say the least. Written with such attention to detail and fully fleshed out so as to give them both such realistic personas, not once did I think these two were merely characters in a book—no these were flesh and blood men whom I feared would come to harm before the novel ended.
This was a story that gripped the senses and kept the mind whirling with each new revelation. In turns creepy and dangerous, the way in which Reed laid out the plot reminded me of an old Hitchcock story where nothing was as it seemed and you were pretty sure you should not be reading it in the dark. Still you could not turn away from these characters who tore at your heart and in whom you became totally invested, worried for their lives, wondering if they were going to survive, and hoping like hell that your heart could take one more surprise twist in the story you were hungrily devouring.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
First, I should admit that I stayed up into the wee hours of the morn reading this book. I couldn’t help myself, I was utterly hooked and simply unable to put it down without knowing how it would end. Much like the rich and amazingly well written main character, Jeremy, I found myself horrified at the final twist in this story and, hence, never approached an epilogue with more relief in my life. Shane captivated me from the start, as did Jeremy. In many ways both were lost souls who needed saving, but what they endured to get to that place was chilling to read about to say the least. Written with such attention to detail and fully fleshed out so as to give them both such realistic personas, not once did I think these two were merely characters in a book—no these were flesh and blood men whom I feared would come to harm before the novel ended.
This was a story that gripped the senses and kept the mind whirling with each new revelation. In turns creepy and dangerous, the way in which Reed laid out the plot reminded me of an old Hitchcock story where nothing was as it seemed and you were pretty sure you should not be reading it in the dark. Still you could not turn away from these characters who tore at your heart and in whom you became totally invested, worried for their lives, wondering if they were going to survive, and hoping like hell that your heart could take one more surprise twist in the story you were hungrily devouring.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
December 5, 2015
4.5 Stars
This was an absolutely great book. Rick Reed is not a new author for me and it was amazing what he did with these two characters. He was able to bring these two characters to life. I loved both Jeremy and Shane and I hated John/Cole/Vera. I loved the hot sex between Jeremy and Shane.
The author was able make me believe everything he was writing. I was completely engrossed in this book and I didn't want to put it down. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves reading an excellent m/m romance with mystery/suspense.
I was given this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
This was an absolutely great book. Rick Reed is not a new author for me and it was amazing what he did with these two characters. He was able to bring these two characters to life. I loved both Jeremy and Shane and I hated John/Cole/Vera. I loved the hot sex between Jeremy and Shane.
The author was able make me believe everything he was writing. I was completely engrossed in this book and I didn't want to put it down. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves reading an excellent m/m romance with mystery/suspense.
I was given this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2015
Okay, this will be a weird review. This book was CREEPY GREAT!! This is now my second favorite book of Mr. Rick R. Reed (behind Raining Men). Damn my work for making me stop and put it down when all I wanted to do was keep reading.
I do not want to tell you anything about this book because anything I might say (even with spoilers removed) could possibly say too much. This was not a horror book, just a romance with body chilling inducing spots that will make you think twice about your neighbors.
You'll want to know what happens - you must read this book. You will not be disappointed!
I do not want to tell you anything about this book because anything I might say (even with spoilers removed) could possibly say too much. This was not a horror book, just a romance with body chilling inducing spots that will make you think twice about your neighbors.
You'll want to know what happens - you must read this book. You will not be disappointed!
December 15, 2015
Very good and had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going on but also left me with lots of unanswered questions ....
December 22, 2015
It kept me on the edge of my seat and i couldn't put it down because i wanted to know what would happen next. Not telling more because this kind of story should be read without knowing any spoilers :)
September 1, 2020
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
I really enjoy a good dark romance. I love they can pull from you and the havoc they can cause on your emotions. The Couple Next Door by Rick. R. Reed is definitely dark and has a layer of suspense to it. It includes graphic violence , physical and emotional abuse, and includes a character with past sexual abuse an adolescent. This book is intense, confusing, and had me saying "WTF" out loud between the characters actions ( I was completely uncomfortable with the couples first sexual encounter - the timing and how its initiated was just a No in my opinion ) and the plot twists! Sadly this book just didn't work for me.
I really enjoy a good dark romance. I love they can pull from you and the havoc they can cause on your emotions. The Couple Next Door by Rick. R. Reed is definitely dark and has a layer of suspense to it. It includes graphic violence , physical and emotional abuse, and includes a character with past sexual abuse an adolescent. This book is intense, confusing, and had me saying "WTF" out loud between the characters actions ( I was completely uncomfortable with the couples first sexual encounter - the timing and how its initiated was just a No in my opinion ) and the plot twists! Sadly this book just didn't work for me.
January 6, 2016
First impression: What the fuck did I just read?
Hmph.
I'm going to say, begrudgingly, that I liked this mind-fuck of a book.
I was hooked from the start and all the way through I was wide-eyed and agog, dismayed and afraid.
I'll note that I read the book, Sybil, as a teenager, also--before that--Helter Skelter, The Shining, and One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest. My mother didn't monitor the books I pilfered off her shelves. I was way too young, and it's probably one of the many reasons I don't often treat myself to the suspense genre--and one reason I've been an insomniac since, oh yeah...about fourteen. Huh. I finally learned there are more pleasurable ways to get my heart racing that aren't nightmare inducing.
I caught on fast to the diagnosis of neighbor John--but there were still a lot more surprises along the way.
This was scary. I need hugs and self-care like you wouldn't believe--or a sappy sweet low-angst fluff romance would do just fine 'bout now.
But, putting my own little neuroses aside, this story was pretty fantastic and well structured.
Also, hmmm, I've gotta point this out. The book is written in first person present tense. This is my least favorite. Except, I also think it's a bold choice and kinda fearless--so respect to the author for doing it. And, it worked very well for the story and pacing--I wasn't bothered by it at all.
The romance aspect was relatively mild in comparison to the mind-fuck drama the new neighbors bring to the 'hood. It was there and mostly enjoyable--except I was greedy for more sweet-n-sexy times to solidify more my belief that these guys belong together because I was nodding my head in emphatic agreement that Jeremy needed to stay the hell away...far, far away. As in...RUN like the wind, don't look back--never look back. There are other fish in the sea and all that. But he stuck it out so we could get the story. So, good for him I s'pose...taking one for the team. The epilogue was good to make me believe it was all worth it.
If edge-of-the-seat suspense is your bag, then go for it. I recommend it.
Also posted on BackPorchReader.com.
Hmph.
I'm going to say, begrudgingly, that I liked this mind-fuck of a book.
I was hooked from the start and all the way through I was wide-eyed and agog, dismayed and afraid.
I'll note that I read the book, Sybil, as a teenager, also--before that--Helter Skelter, The Shining, and One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest. My mother didn't monitor the books I pilfered off her shelves. I was way too young, and it's probably one of the many reasons I don't often treat myself to the suspense genre--and one reason I've been an insomniac since, oh yeah...about fourteen. Huh. I finally learned there are more pleasurable ways to get my heart racing that aren't nightmare inducing.
I caught on fast to the diagnosis of neighbor John--but there were still a lot more surprises along the way.
This was scary. I need hugs and self-care like you wouldn't believe--or a sappy sweet low-angst fluff romance would do just fine 'bout now.
But, putting my own little neuroses aside, this story was pretty fantastic and well structured.
Also, hmmm, I've gotta point this out. The book is written in first person present tense. This is my least favorite. Except, I also think it's a bold choice and kinda fearless--so respect to the author for doing it. And, it worked very well for the story and pacing--I wasn't bothered by it at all.
The romance aspect was relatively mild in comparison to the mind-fuck drama the new neighbors bring to the 'hood. It was there and mostly enjoyable--except I was greedy for more sweet-n-sexy times to solidify more my belief that these guys belong together because I was nodding my head in emphatic agreement that Jeremy needed to stay the hell away...far, far away. As in...RUN like the wind, don't look back--never look back. There are other fish in the sea and all that. But he stuck it out so we could get the story. So, good for him I s'pose...taking one for the team. The epilogue was good to make me believe it was all worth it.
If edge-of-the-seat suspense is your bag, then go for it. I recommend it.
Also posted on BackPorchReader.com.
February 2, 2016
BR with Els
3.5 stars
I had no idea what to expect when I started this, and I think that's a good thing. I like being surprised.
I’m not going to spoil anything about this book, so I won’t go into detail.
This is a book with a lot of twists and turns. It had a couple of great WTF moments.
There’s also a romance going on and even though it was a nice one, I did have some trouble with it. There was so much going on that I felt there wasn’t a lot of build-up. The relationship just happens. I didn’t buy the chemistry between Jeremy and Shane. I wanted to be shown, not told. It wasn’t bad, I just wanted the guys to get a little more page time together, without them being in mortal danger.
The non-detailed sex scenes didn’t help.
(And when do authors learn that hot monkey sex after a concussion is not the way to go!)
I also had some trouble with Shane and his motivation for the things he did or didn’t do. I was sure there would be consequences to what he did, but nope…. nothing..
So yes, a few things bothered me, but I read this book in one sitting and couldn’t put it down. I liked the writing, and I think the author did a really good job getting me confused and creeped out throughout this story.
3.5 stars
I had no idea what to expect when I started this, and I think that's a good thing. I like being surprised.
I’m not going to spoil anything about this book, so I won’t go into detail.
This is a book with a lot of twists and turns. It had a couple of great WTF moments.
There’s also a romance going on and even though it was a nice one, I did have some trouble with it. There was so much going on that I felt there wasn’t a lot of build-up. The relationship just happens. I didn’t buy the chemistry between Jeremy and Shane. I wanted to be shown, not told. It wasn’t bad, I just wanted the guys to get a little more page time together, without them being in mortal danger.
The non-detailed sex scenes didn’t help.
(And when do authors learn that hot monkey sex after a concussion is not the way to go!)
I also had some trouble with Shane and his motivation for the things he did or didn’t do. I was sure there would be consequences to what he did, but nope…. nothing..
So yes, a few things bothered me, but I read this book in one sitting and couldn’t put it down. I liked the writing, and I think the author did a really good job getting me confused and creeped out throughout this story.
February 2, 2021
Intensa y atrapante, es una historia que te inyecta adrenalina en las venas. Con un inicio que no me convenció mucho, pero con un desarrollo trepidante que aturde todos los sentidos y te estremece, es imposible dejar de leer la historia de Shane y Jeremy hasta que la terminas. Algunas escenas y descripciones me parecieron que estaban de más, además de que los personajes no son tan complejos como esperaba viniendo de Rick R. Reed, pero la trama en sí es asombrosa y me llevó al borde del colapso más de una vez, especialmente con ese final.
Intense and compelling, it's a story that injects adrenaline into your veins. With a beginning that didn't convince me much, but with a fast-paced development that stuns all the senses and makes you shudder, it's impossible to stop reading Shane and Jeremy's story until you finish it. Some scenes and descriptions seemed to me to be too much, plus the characters are not as complex as I expected coming from Rick R. Reed, but the plot itself is amazing and brought me to the brink of collapse more than once, especially with that ending.
Intense and compelling, it's a story that injects adrenaline into your veins. With a beginning that didn't convince me much, but with a fast-paced development that stuns all the senses and makes you shudder, it's impossible to stop reading Shane and Jeremy's story until you finish it. Some scenes and descriptions seemed to me to be too much, plus the characters are not as complex as I expected coming from Rick R. Reed, but the plot itself is amazing and brought me to the brink of collapse more than once, especially with that ending.
September 5, 2020
3 Stars
This book while very well written had the elements of a horror/suspense story and I was not quite prepared for it. I have read several of Mr. Reed's books and this had a much heavier and darker element. It was not my usual type of book and the twisted character of Shane's older brother was more than I could stand at times. If you like an intense and frightening story this should be a great experience. The story line has numerous wild turns and this book can be disturbing due to the violent content. This is book is not for the faint at heart and again if you like a scarier type of plot this should be up your alley.
This book while very well written had the elements of a horror/suspense story and I was not quite prepared for it. I have read several of Mr. Reed's books and this had a much heavier and darker element. It was not my usual type of book and the twisted character of Shane's older brother was more than I could stand at times. If you like an intense and frightening story this should be a great experience. The story line has numerous wild turns and this book can be disturbing due to the violent content. This is book is not for the faint at heart and again if you like a scarier type of plot this should be up your alley.
August 6, 2018
This was a great, psychological thriller. Mental health issues were easy to identify, character were well developed and entertaining although at times you wanted to say wake up before he kills you! I was concerned that it was going to end on a negative note, but it all wirked out.
September 17, 2020
Whoa. This book....The thing I love about Rick’s books is that I never really know how they will end up. I was pulled in right from reading the blurb. This book was one heck of a rollercoaster ride. The characters were enthralling. I enjoyed the developing relationship between Jeremy and Shane. Don’t want to say much more. Definitely recommend this one!!!
January 4, 2016
Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Same Sex Book Reviews with a copy provided by the author / publisher for an honest review.
This book was totally unexpected. I’m not sure what I expected, but this wasn’t it. When one of our other reviewers at Love Bytes asked if I could take over this book for her because she was having a hard time with the story, I was a little skeptical because I’ve read and loved other books by Mr. Reed.
Well now I kind of get what she was saying. This book is pretty bizarre. It really kind of kept me on edge with the storyline premise and execution. Little snippets of information are released throughout which build to the big finish, and honestly I couldn’t put the book down.
We meet Jeremy Booth just as he is getting home from yet another failed date with a guy he met on the internet. All his dates seem to fail. Everything about Jeremy’s life seems to be a fail. He moved to Seattle chasing a guy, who it turned out was married…awkward…and then stayed to write his Great American Novel. Well, that is done, and he has the pile of rejection slips to show for it. Meanwhile…he is cleaning houses to support himself.
This night though, things are about to change. As Jeremy walks in the front door of the apartment building he witnesses a man being hurled down the stairs by another man. The hurled man, who it turns out is named Shane, has just moved into the apartment next door to Jeremy with the other man, who is named John…or it might be Cole…
There starts the mystery of The Couple Next Door. There is much more than meets the eye when it comes to Shane. Shane’s stories don’t add up. Something is up that Jeremy needs to know about. Then Jeremy finds out that John and Cole are two personalities within the same person and that they are shared by a third personality Vera. It turns out that John has multiple personalities, all very different from the others. But why is Shane staying with John/Cole/Vera after the awful things they do to him in their multiple personalities?
I spent the entire book guessing what was going on, and it turned out I was pretty close with my final thoughts, once I got to the big reveal scene. There were a few times during the book, particularly near the end, when I was swearing at Jeremy and questioning his intellect, but I’m not doing any spoilers and telling you why.
I’m just going to say that I liked this book a lot, and I’m going to recommend it to a certain audience. If you’re looking for a book that has a twisting plot, and an underlying mystery, then this book would be a good fit for you. If you’re looking for a big romance novel with lots of rainbows and lots of sex, then this one isn’t for you.
This book was totally unexpected. I’m not sure what I expected, but this wasn’t it. When one of our other reviewers at Love Bytes asked if I could take over this book for her because she was having a hard time with the story, I was a little skeptical because I’ve read and loved other books by Mr. Reed.
Well now I kind of get what she was saying. This book is pretty bizarre. It really kind of kept me on edge with the storyline premise and execution. Little snippets of information are released throughout which build to the big finish, and honestly I couldn’t put the book down.
We meet Jeremy Booth just as he is getting home from yet another failed date with a guy he met on the internet. All his dates seem to fail. Everything about Jeremy’s life seems to be a fail. He moved to Seattle chasing a guy, who it turned out was married…awkward…and then stayed to write his Great American Novel. Well, that is done, and he has the pile of rejection slips to show for it. Meanwhile…he is cleaning houses to support himself.
This night though, things are about to change. As Jeremy walks in the front door of the apartment building he witnesses a man being hurled down the stairs by another man. The hurled man, who it turns out is named Shane, has just moved into the apartment next door to Jeremy with the other man, who is named John…or it might be Cole…
There starts the mystery of The Couple Next Door. There is much more than meets the eye when it comes to Shane. Shane’s stories don’t add up. Something is up that Jeremy needs to know about. Then Jeremy finds out that John and Cole are two personalities within the same person and that they are shared by a third personality Vera. It turns out that John has multiple personalities, all very different from the others. But why is Shane staying with John/Cole/Vera after the awful things they do to him in their multiple personalities?
I spent the entire book guessing what was going on, and it turned out I was pretty close with my final thoughts, once I got to the big reveal scene. There were a few times during the book, particularly near the end, when I was swearing at Jeremy and questioning his intellect, but I’m not doing any spoilers and telling you why.
I’m just going to say that I liked this book a lot, and I’m going to recommend it to a certain audience. If you’re looking for a book that has a twisting plot, and an underlying mystery, then this book would be a good fit for you. If you’re looking for a big romance novel with lots of rainbows and lots of sex, then this one isn’t for you.
August 30, 2020
This book was a big nope for me. First, I was actually intrigued and even glad to see a book in which dating violence/domestic violence are highlighted as a serious issue within the gay community, just as it is in the cis hetero community.
However, this book is problematic on sooooo many levels. Our hero falls in love with his neighbor, the victim of a physically, emotionally, and financially abusive relationship. By trying to bring Shane out of this dangerous, destructive nightmare, Jeremy is simply taking what he wants rather than helping someone in need. You just don't do that, and victims of years' long violence are NOT ready to become your love interest just because you helped them escape.
Moreover, I was not fond of the "ho-hum" depiction of multiple personality disorder. A) It's really rare, and B) it just isn't a plot point here. To claim that the abuser is an entirely different persona (complete with different style of dress and a different name) really minimizes the harm of both domestic violence and mental illness.
Finally, one of John/Coles/Vera's personality is a drag queen. Again, it really felt like that was minimizing a really interesting facet of the drag culture to have John slip into this persona and not even remember it later.
I might be reading way too much into this, and maybe it was supposed to be just a quick romance read. But it was too cringeworthy for me, and the writing was really flat. Not a fan.
However, this book is problematic on sooooo many levels. Our hero falls in love with his neighbor, the victim of a physically, emotionally, and financially abusive relationship. By trying to bring Shane out of this dangerous, destructive nightmare, Jeremy is simply taking what he wants rather than helping someone in need. You just don't do that, and victims of years' long violence are NOT ready to become your love interest just because you helped them escape.
Moreover, I was not fond of the "ho-hum" depiction of multiple personality disorder. A) It's really rare, and B) it just isn't a plot point here. To claim that the abuser is an entirely different persona (complete with different style of dress and a different name) really minimizes the harm of both domestic violence and mental illness.
Finally, one of John/Coles/Vera's personality is a drag queen. Again, it really felt like that was minimizing a really interesting facet of the drag culture to have John slip into this persona and not even remember it later.
I might be reading way too much into this, and maybe it was supposed to be just a quick romance read. But it was too cringeworthy for me, and the writing was really flat. Not a fan.
September 14, 2020
The Couple Next Door is a conflicting book for me to review. On the one hand Rick R Reed is a very good writer, the story was gripping, the action scenes felt paced and it had lots of twists and turns!
I was genuinely shocked by some of the later developments and couldn’t stop reading as I needed to know what happened 🤓
However, this is a dark book with themes of child abuse, assault, domestic violence and murder being scattered throughout. The narration also feels unreliable, everything is shifting and it is hard to trust anything. It made for a gripping read but a vibe that is not typical for a romance novel 🤷🏻♀️ Or perhaps it’s just that I don’t really read romantic suspense romances!
For me the romance suffered because of the criminal elements and focus on the ‘mystery’. The connection between Shane and Jeremy felt very insta-love... and borderline unhealthy with how obsessed Shane became. They barely spent anytime together and yet suddenly Jeremy could only think of Shane. Personally I didn’t buy it.
I’m giving it three stars as it was a very intriguing, well written psychological thriller... Just not a typical gay romance!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam: 🔥
TW: Child Abuse, Mental Issue, Domestic Violence, Emotional Manipulation, Assault
Thank you #NetGalley and NineStar press for sending me an ARC in return for an honest review 🥰
I was genuinely shocked by some of the later developments and couldn’t stop reading as I needed to know what happened 🤓
However, this is a dark book with themes of child abuse, assault, domestic violence and murder being scattered throughout. The narration also feels unreliable, everything is shifting and it is hard to trust anything. It made for a gripping read but a vibe that is not typical for a romance novel 🤷🏻♀️ Or perhaps it’s just that I don’t really read romantic suspense romances!
For me the romance suffered because of the criminal elements and focus on the ‘mystery’. The connection between Shane and Jeremy felt very insta-love... and borderline unhealthy with how obsessed Shane became. They barely spent anytime together and yet suddenly Jeremy could only think of Shane. Personally I didn’t buy it.
I’m giving it three stars as it was a very intriguing, well written psychological thriller... Just not a typical gay romance!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam: 🔥
TW: Child Abuse, Mental Issue, Domestic Violence, Emotional Manipulation, Assault
Thank you #NetGalley and NineStar press for sending me an ARC in return for an honest review 🥰
January 3, 2019
“It wasn’t the end. It was the beginning.”
This was quite a disconcerting novel, where nothing seems to be what it is.
Figuring out John's condition was easy, but again, it was not what it seemed to be. I did had some slap-Jeremy-up-the-head moments. But when he did what he did you could only agree with in the end, finding love is worth everything, no matter what the circumstances, no matter the obstacles necessary to overcome simply to be together.
I think this was a superb psychological thriller and I'm not going in too much. Not even in spoilers. This is one of those rare must read novel, I promise you will not be disappointed.
December 30, 2015
Hit Me With Your Best Shot Over and Over Again
This is one mesmerizing, somewhat cruel, and eventually redemptive story of three losers--headed by the narrator, Jeremy, who cannot seem to make up his mind about anything other than possibly protecting his next door neighbor Shane while at the same time enabling Shane's sicko brother, John.
It is a tale in which author Reed tosses shot after shot of shock and pity and cruelty and indecision and submission and stupidity--right until the end. That I could not for a moment have much sympathy for Jeremy's indecisiveness worked against me anticipating anything like the ending Reed gives us. It is a testimony to his ability to spin a tale that tastes sour every step of the way until, eventually, you have to swallow and hope that the taste left in your throat is not bile, but sugar.
Worth the journey.
This is one mesmerizing, somewhat cruel, and eventually redemptive story of three losers--headed by the narrator, Jeremy, who cannot seem to make up his mind about anything other than possibly protecting his next door neighbor Shane while at the same time enabling Shane's sicko brother, John.
It is a tale in which author Reed tosses shot after shot of shock and pity and cruelty and indecision and submission and stupidity--right until the end. That I could not for a moment have much sympathy for Jeremy's indecisiveness worked against me anticipating anything like the ending Reed gives us. It is a testimony to his ability to spin a tale that tastes sour every step of the way until, eventually, you have to swallow and hope that the taste left in your throat is not bile, but sugar.
Worth the journey.
August 23, 2020
I do think that this was a really good intrigue with many twists and turns. It was high intensity.
But I cannot ignore the harm this story could cause to people with Dissociative Identity Disorder. I do not understand what the author was trying to do but I know i did not like it.
Halfway through I skipped to the ending and was glad I did not continue.
If good representation of mental health and mental illnesses matters to you, Do not pick this book up.
But I cannot ignore the harm this story could cause to people with Dissociative Identity Disorder. I do not understand what the author was trying to do but I know i did not like it.
Halfway through I skipped to the ending and was glad I did not continue.
If good representation of mental health and mental illnesses matters to you, Do not pick this book up.
September 18, 2020
Jeremy is An out-gay man living in Seattle in his mid-20s. His squalid apartment is all he can afford as he works days cleaning other people’s homes and imagining he will finally write the next great American novel. His love life is lackluster and he’s normally not even willing to settle fo Mr. Right Now...unless he’s super hard up.
Jeremy comes home from yet another spectacular failure of a date and find his newest next-door neighbors fighting in the gangway. He witnesses one of the men being brutally knocked down the staircase and is really upset by the situation. This poor man is 100% gorgeous and Jeremy is afraid to get himself involved in what seems to be a domestic drama. However he cannot forget the young man who has caught his eye.
Jeremy, as a child, helped his mother a victim of domestic violence cope with the batterings that his father doled out. This situation is a huge trigger for him. The man who is tossed on the stairs, Shane McAlester, is his next-door neighbor. And Jeremy will not abandon him. He helps Shane escape from his attacker a person who seems to be called “Cole.” Yeah Shane says he lives with a man named John. And chain seems to be reciprocating Jeremy’s attraction. This is all very confusing for Jeremy who does not like cheaters or people who are dishonest.
Shane stories for his past and also his experience with John and perhaps Cole seem very flimsy and also a partially dishonest. This is upsetting for Jeremy whose attraction seems to grow the more he assists Shane. He tries to step away from the situation, but he keeps getting embroiled deeper and deeper despite his best efforts to stay away.
This is a interesting romantic thriller as we learn the depths of John/Cole’s situation and how Shane is involved. Jeremy cannot truly stay away, due to his caretaking history with his mother’s battery. He wishes that he could’ve helped her more even though he was just a child. Now that he is a grown man he feels a need to protect Shane from his affection is continually growing. Shane reciprocates these feelings. And it’s a big huge conundrum about how to escape what seems to be a very violent streak in John/Cole.
There is a lot of danger here, but there is also happiness satisfaction and a happy ending. Jeremy and Shane do match up quite well and they overcome the handicaps of Shane’s acquaintance with John. It seems as though the worst is going to happen however, John Jeremy will not allow his happiness to be ruined by another brutal man in the his life. Expect drama, and Shane to hide John’s nature, and John to pull unexpected shenanigans to keep Shane from finding happiness with anyone besides himself. I won’t say more because I might give away the most important parts, and I don’t want to spoil the story. I really enjoyed this book, and recommend it for readers of romantic suspense and contemporary suspense thrillers with a dash of romance.
Jeremy comes home from yet another spectacular failure of a date and find his newest next-door neighbors fighting in the gangway. He witnesses one of the men being brutally knocked down the staircase and is really upset by the situation. This poor man is 100% gorgeous and Jeremy is afraid to get himself involved in what seems to be a domestic drama. However he cannot forget the young man who has caught his eye.
Jeremy, as a child, helped his mother a victim of domestic violence cope with the batterings that his father doled out. This situation is a huge trigger for him. The man who is tossed on the stairs, Shane McAlester, is his next-door neighbor. And Jeremy will not abandon him. He helps Shane escape from his attacker a person who seems to be called “Cole.” Yeah Shane says he lives with a man named John. And chain seems to be reciprocating Jeremy’s attraction. This is all very confusing for Jeremy who does not like cheaters or people who are dishonest.
Shane stories for his past and also his experience with John and perhaps Cole seem very flimsy and also a partially dishonest. This is upsetting for Jeremy whose attraction seems to grow the more he assists Shane. He tries to step away from the situation, but he keeps getting embroiled deeper and deeper despite his best efforts to stay away.
This is a interesting romantic thriller as we learn the depths of John/Cole’s situation and how Shane is involved. Jeremy cannot truly stay away, due to his caretaking history with his mother’s battery. He wishes that he could’ve helped her more even though he was just a child. Now that he is a grown man he feels a need to protect Shane from his affection is continually growing. Shane reciprocates these feelings. And it’s a big huge conundrum about how to escape what seems to be a very violent streak in John/Cole.
There is a lot of danger here, but there is also happiness satisfaction and a happy ending. Jeremy and Shane do match up quite well and they overcome the handicaps of Shane’s acquaintance with John. It seems as though the worst is going to happen however, John Jeremy will not allow his happiness to be ruined by another brutal man in the his life. Expect drama, and Shane to hide John’s nature, and John to pull unexpected shenanigans to keep Shane from finding happiness with anyone besides himself. I won’t say more because I might give away the most important parts, and I don’t want to spoil the story. I really enjoyed this book, and recommend it for readers of romantic suspense and contemporary suspense thrillers with a dash of romance.
September 27, 2020
Okay, look. Writing is hard. Writing well is even harder. I get that. This book was so, so very hard to read because it’s so badly written. You could just feel the author trying so hard, and it’s just not good. The dialogue is fucking awful. One line is normal, like ““It’s fuckin’ cold, man” and then the next is ““What I’m about to tell you will seem like the stuff of questionable best sellers or opportunities for actresses to display their range, but...” Dude, no. Just no. People don’t talk like that. It was seriously painful to read. I didn’t bother to google it but I’m pretty sure this publisher, Dreamwish press or some shit, is like one of those independent publishers that you probably have to pay to get your crappy book bound and printed. But at the same time, it made me feel bad for the author, because I could just picture him straining to write this; having a vision in his head of how it was supposed to come out; and just trying, trying so hard. That’s my main issue with this. You can just feel how hard the poor man tried. And it’s just not good.
The plot is okay. I liked how the main character was gay but not, like...super over the top, flamboyant, fucking everyone all the time kind of caricature type gay. Just a gay guy living in Seattle dreaming of love. That’s cool. Oh, he’s also an aspiring author who can’t get his book published. (Write what you know, amirite?) So he meets this couple that turns out theyre brothers, and one has DID, but not really; he’s faking it so he can kill people. Then there’s this little PG-13 incident in a shady motel where the mean brother ends up dead and the two gays live happily ever after and the main character finally gets his book published. They even have a dog.
Eye roll emoji.
It just wasn’t well written. I wanted to like it. It had a good premise and in the hands of a skilled writer could have been good. And I wish I could give this a higher rating because seriously, the author really did try. He just failed.
I found this book in one of those little free library kiosks that are all over my part of the city and I’ll be returning it from whence it came. Maybe someone who doesn’t read as much as I do will come across it and actually enjoy it because they don’t know any better.
The plot is okay. I liked how the main character was gay but not, like...super over the top, flamboyant, fucking everyone all the time kind of caricature type gay. Just a gay guy living in Seattle dreaming of love. That’s cool. Oh, he’s also an aspiring author who can’t get his book published. (Write what you know, amirite?) So he meets this couple that turns out theyre brothers, and one has DID, but not really; he’s faking it so he can kill people. Then there’s this little PG-13 incident in a shady motel where the mean brother ends up dead and the two gays live happily ever after and the main character finally gets his book published. They even have a dog.
Eye roll emoji.
It just wasn’t well written. I wanted to like it. It had a good premise and in the hands of a skilled writer could have been good. And I wish I could give this a higher rating because seriously, the author really did try. He just failed.
I found this book in one of those little free library kiosks that are all over my part of the city and I’ll be returning it from whence it came. Maybe someone who doesn’t read as much as I do will come across it and actually enjoy it because they don’t know any better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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