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Enemy Grump Next Door

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A Contract for One Hot Night as Frenemy with Benefits turned into many.

It’s no secret. We wanted each other for years.

He’s a hot ex-Navy SEAL.
A Grumpy Billionaire.
But he’s also my Best Friend’s Older Brother and my worst enemy.

There are rules between us and he loves to break them to infuriate me.
Like casually moving next-door without telling me,
And the constant pranking!

Then he throws some papers at
A contract for one intense sizzling hot night.
It’s just one time…right?

It’s not.

One toe curling, mind-blowing night turned into many, many more.

But now, I’m falling for him. Hard.
We have to keep it a secret from his sister or everything will be ruined.
Is there a future for us or is it just another one of his pranks?

184 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 8, 2022

58 people are currently reading
33 people want to read

About the author

Madison Rice

11 books30 followers

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for animasoul.
288 reviews5 followers
September 17, 2022
Es gibt sehr schöne und unglaublich unterhaltsame Geschichten, in denen sich die Protagonisten mit Streichen gegenseitig das Leben schwer machen. Manchmal wirkt das kindisch, manchmal unheimlich sympathisch und lustig, wenn es wirklich gut umgesetzt ist. Bei Darcy und Thane fiel es mir schwer, in deren Situation wirklich Humor zu finden. Es gab schon elektrisierende Momente zwischen den beiden, aber so wirklich einen Moment, wo ich sagen würde, die beiden sind perfekt füreinander, fehlte mir komplett. Gerade Thane überschreitet gerne mal die Grenzen des guten Geschmacks – insbesondere dann, wenn es darum geht Darcy eins auszuwischen. Da hörte für mich persönlich der Spaß auf.

Das liegt an verschiedenen Aspekten. Einer davon ist Thane direkt.

Thane ist kalt, gefühllos und tut alles, um möglichst viel Geld zu scheffeln. Aber überschreitet dafür viele Grenzen. Nicht nur die der Legalität. Mit Darcy verbindet ihn eher so eine Hass-Lust-Liebe-Zuneigung. Das ist irgendwie schwer in Worte zu fassen. Trotz dessen beide sich gegenseitig als attraktiv empfinden, hassen sie sich und spielen sich gegenseitig Streiche. Während Darcy dabei noch Grenzen und Privatsphäre kennt, überschreitet Thane diese Grenze absichtlich und auf eine Art und Weise, die ich persönlich nicht mehr gut finden kann. Jeder Mensch hat Privatsphäre verdient.

Darcy wirkt nach außen hin kalt, ist aber in Wirklichkeit ein sehr warmer Mensch, der sehr loyal seinen Freunden gegenüber ist und diesen stets zur Seite steht. Deswegen empfindet sie auch eine derart starke Ablehnung gegenüber Thane. Denn Lila, Thanes Schwester, ist ihre beste Freundin und fast hätte Thane mit seinem Verhalten wohl deren Beziehung zu Evan zerstört. Das wird alles nur angedeutet und als Leser fühle ich mich diesbezüglich etwas im Stich gelassen. Wäre toll gewesen, hier den Hinweis zu bekommen, dass Lilas und Evans Geschichte in „Daddy Bosshole“ erzählt wird. Wie gut, dass ich das Buch eigentlich auch noch lesen wollte, bisher nur nicht die Zeit hatte… *hust* Denn die Geschichte interessiert mich jetzt wirklich.

Die Beziehungen der Charaktere untereinander wirkt – bis auf die der Frauen zueinander – sehr unterkühlt. Lila ist sehr kalt Thane gegenüber, was dieser aber wirklich verdient hat. So wie er Lila wohl und nun auch Darcy behandelt, verdient er es sogar gegen eine Wand geklatscht zu werden. Was erwartet der Typ? Dass man ihm den roten Teppich ausrollt? Garantiert nicht. Er ist ein kalter Geschäftsmann, der zwar ein Herz für Tiere hat, aber macht ihn das zu einem besseren Menschen? Ganz besonders dann, wenn man bedenkt, was er vor Darcy verheimlicht und welche Geschäftspartner er um sich scharren tut? Nope.

Ich habe mit der Story wirklich so einige Probleme. Darunter auch die mangelnde Beziehungsentwicklung zwischen Darcy und Thane. Für mich ist das nur die Befriedigung von Lust und weniger das Finden der großen Liebe. Thanes 180-Grad-Drehung ist ebenfalls sehr unglaubwürdig. Gefühlte zwei Seiten zuvor ist er noch bereit, seine ruchlosen Geschäftspraktiken durchsetzen und auf der nächsten Seite gibt er das alles auf wegen Darcy? Weil er erkannt hat, dass er sie liebt? Nicht sehr glaubwürdig. Auch nicht sein Umgang in Bezug auf einen gewissen Julien Fletcher. Damit hätte er sich definitiv sein eigenes Grab geschaufelt.

Was ich aber gut finde, ist, dass Darcy hier mal eine Protagonistin ist, die wirklich stark ist. Sie hat viel getan, um ihre Familie zu unterstützen und sich und ihrer Schwester eine Zukunft zu bieten. Es ist verständlich, warum Darcy so schwer Vertrauen fasst. Würde man an ihrer Stelle wahrscheinlich auch, wenn man ihre Kindheit und ihre Eltern gehabt hätte. Daher finde ich es traurig, dass Thane ihr da so wenig entgegenkommt. Eigentlich traurig. Aber für mich ist es einfach toll, dass sie mal nicht diese typische unschuldige Protagonistin ist, sondern eine vom Leben gezeichnete Frau, die stolz auf das sein kann, was sie erreicht hat. Egal wie.

Ein unterhaltsames kleines Lesevergnügen für Zwischendurch, an das man allerdings nicht zu hohe Ansprüche stellen sollte. Interessant, aber leider auch auf einigen Ebenen sehr instabil und wenig ausgereift.

Hinweis: Das Buch habe ich als digitales Rezensionsexemplar im Austausch für eine ehrliche Rezension erhalten.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews367 followers
September 9, 2022
Making Life Changes . . .

Thane Erikson, a sexy former Navy SEAL, is Darcy Blackwell’s best friend’s older brother. Thane and Darcy have had hostile attitudes toward each other for a long time, but the antagonism seems too comfortable and satisfying to actually have the barbs of hatred. There is at least some sort of attraction pulling them together. Darcy seemed to crave the attention their banter brought her. And somehow she mattered to him.

Frustrating Darcy by breaking their “rules” is his favorite activity. Becoming her neighbor also made life difficult. Then he tosses her a contract promising one fabulous sexy night together. Only it wasn’t one night… there were many. And she is definitely falling for him. They need to keep it a secret from Lila. Will they eventually plan a future together? Was this just another prank he is pulling? Or is he trying to straighten out his life so he has something to offer her?
1,090 reviews2 followers
September 11, 2022
The title is a good start but only a fraction of the interwoven storylines. Darcy and Thane are the primary characters with outstanding supporting characters. Darcy is a self proclaimed tough woman. I admire her resilience, determination, fortitude, and dedication to those important to her. I felt her pain because her parents raised her in an unconscionable environment. Thane was raised in a better environment but it was no cake walk. He avoided relationships and commitment. He loves his sister unconstitutionally. Though he is selfish in some situations there is a kind heart buried their. The way Darcy and Thane interact makes this a fun book read. I couldn't stop reading. The push/ pull between Darcey and Thane kept this book full of surprises.

I received this book as an ARC from Bookfunnel for my honest review.
1,162 reviews5 followers
September 8, 2022
This book was hilarious! I loved reading it. Thane lives next door to Darcy and her 3 roommates. Thane’s sister used to live in the house with Darcy but recently moved in with her husband. Darcy’s younger sister moved in after that. Thane and Darcy are sworn enemies who find each other attractive. There is even some emotion behind their waged battles.
While this book was humorous, there were also some poignant moments. I really felt for Darcy at times. Thane would do what he could to support her. I truly enjoyed this book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nicole Potter.
1,574 reviews16 followers
September 8, 2022
A Game Of One-upmanship - Who Will Give In First?

Fantastic story. I absolutely loved reading this & couldn't put it down until I had finished. Darcy & Thane's story has so many layers. They say that there is a fine line between love & hate. Darcy & Thane seem to have trouble remembering which side of the line they are on. There is many a moment in the book that may cause you to LOL at their antics. You can't deny the spark of attraction but will these two realise to late that they could have a HEA if they admitted their true feelings. Only time will tell.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
652 reviews7 followers
September 8, 2022
Thane is very self center. Takes the easy way in life shirt cuts in business. He has come back home. Moving into the house next door to where his sister lives before her marriage and her friends. When Thane left he was in the outs with his best friend. Pushed out of the business. He hopes to redeem himself with Darcy. Her life growing up was very different she did not have the advantages as many in the group had. She has taken care of her younger sister. Lots of growing and changing takes place to heal many in this story. I received a free copy for a honest review
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,486 reviews5 followers
November 4, 2022
Next book to read!

Big brother Thane always had a rivalry with his little sister Lila's best friend Darcy, only it's progressed into sexual attraction among other things. Banter and quick wit are loaded when these two lock horns and Thane thrives. Although this is a different couple and its own standalone, it is recommended to read Evan and Lila's story to provide more background into Thane's exploits. Plus The Broken Hearts Club isn't complete without a segue into the third of the trio for her very own story.
Profile Image for Nate.
24.4k reviews19 followers
September 22, 2022
A contract for one intense sizzling hot night.
It’s just one time…right? It’s not. One toe curling, mind-blowing night turned into many, many more.
But now, I’m falling for him. Hard. We have to keep it a secret from his sister (her best friend) or everything will be ruined. Is there a future for us or is it just another one of his pranks? I enjoyed Thane & Darcy's story. It was a fun read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Kandi.
176 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2022
This book was painfully bad. Both of the lead characters were awful; neither had a single redeemable quality. Darcy was a self-proclaimed bish, and her immaturity was pretty annoying. Thane was a tool, and his actions and thoughts were juvenile and cringe-worthy. DNF
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Suzanne Normandeau Legault.
393 reviews6 followers
September 12, 2022
I just love these enemies to lovers romances. This one is a juicy in the prank department. These two very charismatic characters Thane and Darcy are very determined to get to each other in every way possible. So funny at times and yet very emotional at others. A definite read for all who believe in getting even, finding unconditional love and believe that broken hearts 💔 can be mended!
Profile Image for Jean.
1,670 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2022
Darcy and Thane were true enemies. Pulling pranks on each other one worse than the other. They just couldn’t stay away from each other until Thane moves in next door. So many secrets are revealed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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