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Write Next Door
Can two perpetually single people find love?
Layla was determined to live her dream of being a famous author. Forty-two, happily single, and childless by choice, she was making a huge push to finally add an extra title to her name. Committed only to her work and to herself, she hardly had time for her beloved friends, let alone men.
After years on stage, Henry was enjoying his new career path as a voice over actor. He also enjoyed the ladies but his time acting jaded him on the idea of a relationship. But at forty-four, the revolving door of women was getting old.
When Layla gets an idea to have a hot man act out some short scenes from a book to help boost sales on social media, she turns to her friendly, and handsome, neighbor, Henry. He and Layla had a simple, fun, and strictly platonic relationship since she moved in three years ago, so he was more than willing to help. Plus, he was an actor so it made perfect sense she would ask him.
But when the time comes, acting out a scene from a romance book stirs them both. Layla wondered, was he just that good an actor? Had Henry imagined something that wasn't there? They were friends, and neighbors, and so much could go wrong.
But what if it went right?
What if love was right next door?
Layla was determined to live her dream of being a famous author. Forty-two, happily single, and childless by choice, she was making a huge push to finally add an extra title to her name. Committed only to her work and to herself, she hardly had time for her beloved friends, let alone men.
After years on stage, Henry was enjoying his new career path as a voice over actor. He also enjoyed the ladies but his time acting jaded him on the idea of a relationship. But at forty-four, the revolving door of women was getting old.
When Layla gets an idea to have a hot man act out some short scenes from a book to help boost sales on social media, she turns to her friendly, and handsome, neighbor, Henry. He and Layla had a simple, fun, and strictly platonic relationship since she moved in three years ago, so he was more than willing to help. Plus, he was an actor so it made perfect sense she would ask him.
But when the time comes, acting out a scene from a romance book stirs them both. Layla wondered, was he just that good an actor? Had Henry imagined something that wasn't there? They were friends, and neighbors, and so much could go wrong.
But what if it went right?
What if love was right next door?
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2022
114 people are currently reading
740 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
February 6, 2023
Something new to read about a mature couple in a romcom , romance.
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Liked the writing, especially about the leads' professions.
Of course, it's a novella, so the relationship or the storyline isn't explored to the fullest, so, yeah, all in all, a nice read if you are looking for a short romance that's more on the emotional side rather than on a comedic one.
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Liked the writing, especially about the leads' professions.
Of course, it's a novella, so the relationship or the storyline isn't explored to the fullest, so, yeah, all in all, a nice read if you are looking for a short romance that's more on the emotional side rather than on a comedic one.
March 8, 2022
If I didn't have my assignments, I would have written a longer review for this.
MINOR SPOILERS
I liked the idea of an author and a voice narrator coming together, felt new (at least to me) and refreshing. I liked how Henry was trying to be sensitive to her feelings and wanted to date her genuinely. He just appeared to be like a big softie.
What I didn't like was how Layla literally couldn't give two shits to bother reciprocating the effort Henry gave for her. It did feel like she was only with him for the D and that's not right or nice. I have to say as a smut author, her.. sexual activities don't seem to be as "spicy" as she was described to be. There wasn't any miscommunication problem at the end but it was more of a Layla problem. The book was also too long because most of the chapters in the middle were fillers that can be skipped.
Overall, a quick and light read.
MINOR SPOILERS
I liked the idea of an author and a voice narrator coming together, felt new (at least to me) and refreshing. I liked how Henry was trying to be sensitive to her feelings and wanted to date her genuinely. He just appeared to be like a big softie.
What I didn't like was how Layla literally couldn't give two shits to bother reciprocating the effort Henry gave for her. It did feel like she was only with him for the D and that's not right or nice. I have to say as a smut author, her.. sexual activities don't seem to be as "spicy" as she was described to be. There wasn't any miscommunication problem at the end but it was more of a Layla problem. The book was also too long because most of the chapters in the middle were fillers that can be skipped.
Overall, a quick and light read.
October 2, 2024
A below average romance. The only reason why I read it is so that I’m closer to my reading goal. Plus, it helped me disassociate from the horrors of reality (I’m an engineering student).
January 26, 2024
This book was great and it was the book that got me out of my reading slump. It’s only a 4 star because for me personally the smut scenes were a little weirdly described. Otherwise it would’ve been a 5!
March 9, 2022
Awesome friends to lovers story with characters in their 40s. Humor and heartfelt romance--what else could you ask for? Snatch this one up if you love steamy contemporary romance!
March 5, 2022
Well Dang!
April kicked up the heat in this one! The spice level was hot!
It was SO good. I absolutely loved it and couldn't put it down.
Henry and Layla's innocent next door neighbor relationship is quickly met with such intense chemistry that they cant keep their hands off each other.
Luckily for us.
Wont give anything away, but the story line was so sweet in true April Berry fashion!
Her books just keep getting better and better.
April kicked up the heat in this one! The spice level was hot!
It was SO good. I absolutely loved it and couldn't put it down.
Henry and Layla's innocent next door neighbor relationship is quickly met with such intense chemistry that they cant keep their hands off each other.
Luckily for us.
Wont give anything away, but the story line was so sweet in true April Berry fashion!
Her books just keep getting better and better.
March 7, 2022
Can’t fight this feeling for the hottie next door
Layla is a driven author. Henry is the hunky actor next door.
They’re friends, but don’t date because that would be a disaster, right?
It’s not long before they’re out of the Friend Zone and in each other’s arms, but old insecurities may tear them apart.
This friends-to-lovers romance has an over-40 couple with steamy times.
You’ll be cheering them on until the heartwarming end.
Layla is a driven author. Henry is the hunky actor next door.
They’re friends, but don’t date because that would be a disaster, right?
It’s not long before they’re out of the Friend Zone and in each other’s arms, but old insecurities may tear them apart.
This friends-to-lovers romance has an over-40 couple with steamy times.
You’ll be cheering them on until the heartwarming end.
May 25, 2025
Cute okay contemporary romance. Handful of spicy moments. It’s both Henry and Layla POV- each chapter. I thought it was cute they are neighbors. Layla is a writer and Henry is voice actor. What thru me off would be this whole book is about Layla. And what she needs and wants. Henry is there only to sleep with her- only when Layla is free. Just felt icky.
I received this book from a stuff your kindle event.
I received this book from a stuff your kindle event.
March 4, 2022
*spoiler free
Write Next Door is the 4th April Berry book I’ve read and she continues to be a solid writer with characters that I really relate to.
I really enjoyed the ages here because it’s always good to read characters at the same point in life as you. Plus that first reading scene is fantastic!
Write Next Door is the 4th April Berry book I’ve read and she continues to be a solid writer with characters that I really relate to.
I really enjoyed the ages here because it’s always good to read characters at the same point in life as you. Plus that first reading scene is fantastic!
March 5, 2022
Friends to lovers
This was an incredible read. I downloaded it on release day and couldn't put it down. The open door scenes were so well written and had the perfect amount if spicy for this story.
It gave me all of the emotions as I road the rollercoaster of the story between Henry and Layla. Ended up making me cry in the end. Bring tissues when you sit down to read.
This was an incredible read. I downloaded it on release day and couldn't put it down. The open door scenes were so well written and had the perfect amount if spicy for this story.
It gave me all of the emotions as I road the rollercoaster of the story between Henry and Layla. Ended up making me cry in the end. Bring tissues when you sit down to read.
April 27, 2024
Super cute read with some good spice! Loved Henry and Layla and how they started out as friends! Seeing their story unfold was great even when I was yelling at them to stop pretending they didn’t like each other.
March 4, 2022
A romcom that’s sweet with out being sickly-sweet! Layla is a powerhouse and Henry is dangerously adorable.
April 3, 2022
Write Next Door is a VERY hot and smutty storyline disguised as a sweet romance.
I laughed out loud at some of the comments from the main characters, Layla and Henry (good dick, REALLY good dick), and cringed for them at their misfortunes.
Berry has a talent for writing very likeable male characters and flawed female characters. I found myself, once again routing for the male character and feeling sorry for him. He really wormed his way into my heart and the poor guy tried so hard.
Layla was challenging. I love a career focused gal but she took it to extremes to the point she was putting work before the important people in her life. I am so glad that she had friends that told it like it is and called her out for her behaviour. One thing Berry does well is write great female friendships.
I do think we could have done with a bit more "dark night of the soul" time, as the characters were happy for the majority of the book and this came fairly late near the end. As a result the anguish was short lived and I feel it should have been drawn out a little more or been more apparent earlier in the book so that I was truly routing for the couple. And I think I would have liked to have seen Layla making the grand gesture instead of Henry, although I thoroughly enjoyed what did happen in the end anyway.
The level of heat in this book has skyrocketed compared to the last April Berry book I read (Love, Again). The chapters are relatively short but you will get a spicy scene in most of them...and they are VERY detailed. I also enjoyed the fact that this book explored "self-love" (if you get my drift), in a very open and accepting way with both the male and female characters. This was done very well and was pretty darn sexy. I would put this book at a high level of spice given the frequency of sexual activity and some of the descriptive language used in those scenes.
Overall a very spicy but sweet romance between a slightly older couple with established lives. It was nice to see and I think this would be great for anyone who his dipping their toe into the spicier side of romance.
I laughed out loud at some of the comments from the main characters, Layla and Henry (good dick, REALLY good dick), and cringed for them at their misfortunes.
Berry has a talent for writing very likeable male characters and flawed female characters. I found myself, once again routing for the male character and feeling sorry for him. He really wormed his way into my heart and the poor guy tried so hard.
Layla was challenging. I love a career focused gal but she took it to extremes to the point she was putting work before the important people in her life. I am so glad that she had friends that told it like it is and called her out for her behaviour. One thing Berry does well is write great female friendships.
I do think we could have done with a bit more "dark night of the soul" time, as the characters were happy for the majority of the book and this came fairly late near the end. As a result the anguish was short lived and I feel it should have been drawn out a little more or been more apparent earlier in the book so that I was truly routing for the couple. And I think I would have liked to have seen Layla making the grand gesture instead of Henry, although I thoroughly enjoyed what did happen in the end anyway.
The level of heat in this book has skyrocketed compared to the last April Berry book I read (Love, Again). The chapters are relatively short but you will get a spicy scene in most of them...and they are VERY detailed. I also enjoyed the fact that this book explored "self-love" (if you get my drift), in a very open and accepting way with both the male and female characters. This was done very well and was pretty darn sexy. I would put this book at a high level of spice given the frequency of sexual activity and some of the descriptive language used in those scenes.
Overall a very spicy but sweet romance between a slightly older couple with established lives. It was nice to see and I think this would be great for anyone who his dipping their toe into the spicier side of romance.
March 11, 2022
everyone loves a HEA
I enjoyed this book the main characters have known each other for years. They had a friendship bloom over that time without even realizing it. They both respected each other, and the way they each lead their single lives. Just a couple years apart in age. On single and loved it, while really just being afraid of finding love and full of excuses. The other had many flings several at a time, always honest about just wanting to have fun. While really avoiding women he could form a connection with because like the first he was afraid of being hurt. While life and circumstances help the friendship become more Henry wants more for once. But Layla is to hesitate and falls back on work to keep from getting hurt. The ending was in my option a bit rushed. And for characters who where in their early forties they presented a little self absorbed and narrow minded. There was a lot of dialogue that moved the story along, this seamed rushed and immature, like reading people in their early twenties. Over all the book was well put together and had an easy plot to follow.
I enjoyed this book the main characters have known each other for years. They had a friendship bloom over that time without even realizing it. They both respected each other, and the way they each lead their single lives. Just a couple years apart in age. On single and loved it, while really just being afraid of finding love and full of excuses. The other had many flings several at a time, always honest about just wanting to have fun. While really avoiding women he could form a connection with because like the first he was afraid of being hurt. While life and circumstances help the friendship become more Henry wants more for once. But Layla is to hesitate and falls back on work to keep from getting hurt. The ending was in my option a bit rushed. And for characters who where in their early forties they presented a little self absorbed and narrow minded. There was a lot of dialogue that moved the story along, this seamed rushed and immature, like reading people in their early twenties. Over all the book was well put together and had an easy plot to follow.
February 23, 2024
Cute read. I love that this had older main characters. The female lead is in her late 30s while the main male love interest is in his early 40s. I also do not know how this woman was functioning on multiple pots of coffee a day without going off the rails.
While I enjoyed the plot, I wished the meetings between the two characters would have been around needing him to promote the book instead of shooting all those scenes at the beginning of the book. I think that would have prolonged the flirtiness and tension as these two characters grew towards one another. I also found using the characters' first names in the more spicy and intimate scenes a bit overused.
I also found the ending a bit rushed and cliche, although it was cute fitting. However, I think my favorite scene in this book was when the MC friends were telling her how she messed up royally. Cause she did and I think that is important to point out. There are a lot of romance books where the cause of the relationship going south rests on the man so it's refreshing and balancing to see that girls are capable of messing it up too.
While I enjoyed the plot, I wished the meetings between the two characters would have been around needing him to promote the book instead of shooting all those scenes at the beginning of the book. I think that would have prolonged the flirtiness and tension as these two characters grew towards one another. I also found using the characters' first names in the more spicy and intimate scenes a bit overused.
I also found the ending a bit rushed and cliche, although it was cute fitting. However, I think my favorite scene in this book was when the MC friends were telling her how she messed up royally. Cause she did and I think that is important to point out. There are a lot of romance books where the cause of the relationship going south rests on the man so it's refreshing and balancing to see that girls are capable of messing it up too.
March 31, 2024
Write Next Door by April D. Berry
Genre: Contemp Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
This book follows a middle-aged, workaholic author called Layla. She's so headstrong, determined, and ambitious. Layla loves the freedom of a single life, where there's no
commitments or time she has to commit to for a relationship to work.
Then there's our Green flag Henry, who's a sexy voice actor that also doesn't like commitment. He's a handyman, and being Layla's neighbor, he's offered to help her on occasions with things around her home.
Things get overwhelming with Laylas Anthology release, and Henry knows exactly how to help, and BOY DOES THINGS START TO SPICE UPPP!!!
This isn't my usual genre, but I thought to take a gamble on this book, and I'm glad I did! This book had me laughing to swooning, and it was hard for me to put down! I loved her writing style and can't wait to see what else she has written!
Tropes + Things
✨️Neighbor's to lovers
📚40+ Couple
✨️Writer meets Voice Actor
📚He Falls First
✨️Workaholic FMC
📚Green flag MMC
Genre: Contemp Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
This book follows a middle-aged, workaholic author called Layla. She's so headstrong, determined, and ambitious. Layla loves the freedom of a single life, where there's no
commitments or time she has to commit to for a relationship to work.
Then there's our Green flag Henry, who's a sexy voice actor that also doesn't like commitment. He's a handyman, and being Layla's neighbor, he's offered to help her on occasions with things around her home.
Things get overwhelming with Laylas Anthology release, and Henry knows exactly how to help, and BOY DOES THINGS START TO SPICE UPPP!!!
This isn't my usual genre, but I thought to take a gamble on this book, and I'm glad I did! This book had me laughing to swooning, and it was hard for me to put down! I loved her writing style and can't wait to see what else she has written!
Tropes + Things
✨️Neighbor's to lovers
📚40+ Couple
✨️Writer meets Voice Actor
📚He Falls First
✨️Workaholic FMC
📚Green flag MMC
March 7, 2022
I thought this was a cute book, I really really liked that the couple was older.... as an older chick myself not in my 20s anymore it was so nice to see it. I love how passionate Layla was about her job, and I love that Henry supported that. I also liked how they had their own things going. Life is busy, in no world would you get to spend every second with your lover. HOWEVER did White Claw sponsor this book? My lord we get it, she drinks White Claws. Also so weird that two very sexual people who freely talked about sex and even sex toys would blush so freaking much and in their 40s no less. Maybe I am just a jaded bitch but that was weird. Overall I liked this story and would love to read more from this author especially since I think its a game changer that she aged her characters up. LOVE TO SEE IT!
August 12, 2023
Sometimes what you need is right under your nose, or in these guys case next door!
This was an adorable story with great humor, just enough angst, sweet romance, and delicious spice! I follow this author on booktok and facebook finally deciding this was the book I wanted to start with from her and I was not disappointed!!! Layla and Henry start out as just neighbors but after Layla asks him to help her with some social media promotion videos for an anthology she is working on they both start noticing some pesky feelings they have for the other. They soon discover the chemistry is great between them but can they make a relationship work when she is a workaholic and neither of them thought they wanted a relationship? Funny how when it’s the right person you find you want things you didn’t actually see for yourself before.
This was an adorable story with great humor, just enough angst, sweet romance, and delicious spice! I follow this author on booktok and facebook finally deciding this was the book I wanted to start with from her and I was not disappointed!!! Layla and Henry start out as just neighbors but after Layla asks him to help her with some social media promotion videos for an anthology she is working on they both start noticing some pesky feelings they have for the other. They soon discover the chemistry is great between them but can they make a relationship work when she is a workaholic and neither of them thought they wanted a relationship? Funny how when it’s the right person you find you want things you didn’t actually see for yourself before.
August 19, 2022
First off April Berry can do no wrong in my eyes. Secondly the fact that this book is inspired by another author I love and adore makes this even better. I laughed, cried and wanted to shake some sense in the two main characters. Even the spice was perfect and April is one of my new favorite authors. I loved her before I read her work and I love her even more now.
I mean honestly what do you get when you are friends, then friends with benefits that turns into something more? You get deliciousness that's what!! Plus these characters are in the 30+ group and its hard to find books with the characters close to me in age.
April keep doing you boo because this book is fantastic!
And now I need the rest of her work haha.
I mean honestly what do you get when you are friends, then friends with benefits that turns into something more? You get deliciousness that's what!! Plus these characters are in the 30+ group and its hard to find books with the characters close to me in age.
April keep doing you boo because this book is fantastic!
And now I need the rest of her work haha.
March 7, 2022
This is the sweetest story!
I love both Layla and Henry.
The two hardcore singles who wake up one day to find that there is a spark somewhere on their friendship.
These two are adorable and grow so much during the whole book.
I was rooting for them and I found myself traveling a roller coaster of emotions from laughter, anger, heartbreak to happiness....
I wish I was part of the gang. Both the girls and the guys that ground these two are the kinds of friends/family we all need to have.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
I love both Layla and Henry.
The two hardcore singles who wake up one day to find that there is a spark somewhere on their friendship.
These two are adorable and grow so much during the whole book.
I was rooting for them and I found myself traveling a roller coaster of emotions from laughter, anger, heartbreak to happiness....
I wish I was part of the gang. Both the girls and the guys that ground these two are the kinds of friends/family we all need to have.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
January 6, 2024
This is more of a 3.5/5 than a 4 butttttt I can’t give it a 3 star just because you can’t give half a star lol. I really liked this book! I grabbed it during STYK day and I’m glad I did! While there was some verbiage that I didn’t love like “his member” (I just feel like that was weird lol) I was able to get passed it and continue to love the story. Henry was just Mr. Perfect to me and I hated that Layla wasn’t noticing his effort and she wasn’t keeping up to her end of the deal. Ughhhhhh I recommend 😍
February 18, 2024
There was no plot or purpose right up until the end of the book, just entire sex scenes that read like they were from a play dated around the same time Hamlet was written and fluff in between. The ending of the book felt rushed and boring. Henry gave me the ick when getting angry at Layla for being business driven, and it felt like she was being forced to choose between her career and him, although for some reason the author made it this out to be super cute and not a massive red flag for normal people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2022
OMG Layla and Henry are the bomb!
I love these two. And the friday night dinners are the place to be! I wish I was one of the girls!!!!
It is so much fun watching how a single social media video can change the lives of these people. Not just theirs but those around them too.
This is a sweet, steamy romance that gives you all the feels.
LOVE IT!!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I'm leaving my honest opinion.
I love these two. And the friday night dinners are the place to be! I wish I was one of the girls!!!!
It is so much fun watching how a single social media video can change the lives of these people. Not just theirs but those around them too.
This is a sweet, steamy romance that gives you all the feels.
LOVE IT!!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I'm leaving my honest opinion.
March 10, 2022
Layla and Henry are next door neighbors. They are both die hard singles who are very driven in their carriers. Their Chemistry is Smoking 🔥🔥🔥. I loved that they are both older and settled in their lifestyle. Watching them fall in Love was so heartwarming and I rooted for the whole way. Henry is so Swoony he will definitely be your next BookBoyfriend 💯 I'm so in Love with this Book, definitely Your Next 5 ⭐️ Read..
March 29, 2022
This was another great read by Berry!
I always love close proximity romances so neighbours? Yes please. The tension at the beginning of the book was great and it was wonderful to have older MCs.
I loved Henry. He was such a softy and knowing he was a narrator/voice actor just made him infinitely sexier. Oh, mama!
This is definitely a great, quick read with some spice and loads of chemistry.
I always love close proximity romances so neighbours? Yes please. The tension at the beginning of the book was great and it was wonderful to have older MCs.
I loved Henry. He was such a softy and knowing he was a narrator/voice actor just made him infinitely sexier. Oh, mama!
This is definitely a great, quick read with some spice and loads of chemistry.
June 14, 2023
This was such a great story. So sweet and spicy! That has become my mantra for April. This story is about 2 adults who want to be single. One to avoid commitment, the other to concentrate of their career. But some how things have a way of bringing the 2 together.
As always with April, the writing is fantastic. It’s an easy, enjoyable read. I was up until 2:30 in the morning because I was enjoying the story so much. The characters are so cute and relatable. This is a must read!
As always with April, the writing is fantastic. It’s an easy, enjoyable read. I was up until 2:30 in the morning because I was enjoying the story so much. The characters are so cute and relatable. This is a must read!
September 15, 2023
I really enjoyed the first half of this book. It had an interesting plotline and I loved the feminist, independent MFC. I didn't enjoy the miscommunication trope and 3rd act breakup. This is felt more like YA romance, rather than adult romance. The main characters are in their 40s but I kind of felt like their thoughts and actions were very teenager-esque.
The second half of the book just wasn't for me. But it was a quick, easy read. 3 stars :))
The second half of the book just wasn't for me. But it was a quick, easy read. 3 stars :))
March 13, 2024
I LOVED this spicy friends-to-lovers contemporary romance with two neighbors who are convinced they are too busy for commitment who start hanging out, then things get steamy and of course, they begin to wonder if they have space in their life for love after all. Layla is a full-time author and is crazy busy meeting deadlines. Henry is a voice actor and when they do a read through of one of her spicy scenes, whew! Things get hot! I loved the fun vibe of this, loved the descriptions and Layla especially. Who can’t relate to drowning in marketing and deadlines and pressure? I was cheering for these two to find their HEA and loved the ending! 5/5 stars.
July 1, 2024
I wanted to keep reading but I didn’t necessarily like it. The characters were very independent but also became emotionally codependent. I don’t know the whole thing just felt a little off. Also there was lots of (as the people say) spice which is fine but also the book was pretty short. Basically I needed a bit more emotional development and a bit less sex or just a bit more emotional development added lol.
2.5 stars
2.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews