The book began with a great deal of promise but near the halfway point it began to seem unsettled.

Plots were begun and never shored up. Tons of characters are introduced but most of them end up being useless and forgettable. Ginny, the main character, is so annoyingly juvenile you find her hard to root for—seriously, the central plot of this book could’ve been resolved with communication. 

Ginny is a pre-teen mess masquerading as an adult professional. 

Cassie, her neighbor, is an unlikely break from Ginny’s madness, but I’m unsure how the plot between the two devolved from her being a publicist to her damn bear being a caretaker.

It simply didn’t make sense.

By the end, the book felt dreadfully overwritten and far too long: it was as if Gill was trying out several plot ideas, at one time, but forgot to remove one at time of publication.

Overall, a decent read, but not one I’d be in any hurry to recommend. 

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Opinion is my own.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was good, but it didn't really connect with me. I didn't find the characters unlikeable but I also didn't find anything redeeming about them. I would absolutely try another book by the author though, because I did enjoy the writing style (just not the characters).

I did enjoy this book but I think I was spoilt because I had read so many grrat reviews I'd expected it to be wonderful. It is a nice, easy read about friendship and neighbours. A good holiday read.

A big thank you to Sanjana Cunniah and the publisher for issuing me with my review copy of the book and for inviting me to take part on the blog tour!

The Neighbours is the debut novel by Nicola Gill and is a well written and accomplished book that I enjoyed.

We follow Ginny, who works in PR and is going through a rough patch and that is putting it mildly! Her roommate has recently moved out after becoming engaged and she finds her boyfriend and boss in a compromising position…. As she struggles to get back on her feet and get her life back together, she becomes better acquainted with her downstairs neighbour, Cassie. Cassie used to be a big star but is now probably classed as a big disaster. She has recently appeared on 'I’m a Celebrity...' which did not go well, followed by an even more disastrous appearance on 'This Morning' and she needs help from someone to also get herself back on her feet.

As they become unlikely friends, we start to learn more about them and Nicola Gill explores some deeper messages such as depression and the pressure that people feel from social media and also other people in their lives to have everything done at a certain time in their life.

Despite Cassie being a larger than life character, we also explore her more vulnerable side which develops into a more serious tone which I wasn’t expecting but I found that it fitted in beautifully in the story about modern day to day life.

I’m looking forward to reading more from the author.

This story is essentially about two totally different characters, personally, one likable, one not quite so much! And how their lives are formed into a friendship. It was an easy to read book, but I did feel like it jumped a little from one scene to another, when you were just getting into it. I would say it was a perfect escapism read, not too taxing! 

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

This book wasn’t for me. Not trying to insult the author because I do believe they did a good job it’s just not my style. I appreciate having the opportunity to review. I look forward to more titles form this author.

This was a complete surprise, from the blurb and the cover I was expecting a frothy chick lit book. Don’t get me wrong this is not an insult as I love the odd chick lit (more than the term I must say).

But what I found inside this book was a wit that rivalled my own sarcasm, brilliant characters which I will come to in a bit and a really good story.

So the characters, Ginny is very much an unlucky in love and not much better in the work department woman. Big Bridget Jones vibe but less cigarettes and booze. I found her utterly charming even though she was a bit hapless. You are completely sucked in to her life and I personally found it a bit like reading her diary. Then there is her neighbour Cassie, who according to herself is not very nice. I happen to think the complete opposite and found her sassy say it as it is attitude an absolute hoot.

The pairing of these two very different people and the forming of their friendship as PR Ginny tries to rescue Cassie’s reputation had me smiling and chuckling away to myself but also feeling my heart strings pulled at the author’s unfortunately very timely portrayal of how depression can hit anyone. Money and fame can bring many perks but also downsides and showing how we are all still human beings at heart with feelings that can be hurt.

All in all this is a charming story of friendship with real warmth and depth and amazingly a debut. Another author to put on my booky radar.

This appears to be Nicola Gill's first book and it is a story of two 30+ women who develop a "friendship" because they need each other.  Cassie needs help getting her reputation back so she can work on TV again and Ginny needs a job since she found her boss and boyfriend in bed together.  As they navigate their way back to their normal lives they learn from each other. They discover that friends can be more important than money and fame.  I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I love a good women’s fiction book. This book follows neighbours Ginny and Cassie. Two very different people who find a very special friendship. I love how the author made me feel for both characters and the character develop of both of them. This book follows many relatable topics for women’s and I think that’s what made me so drawn to it. I loved the writing style of this book. I would highly suggest it and I can’t wait to read more books by this author.

This is such a cute, feel-good story, that everyone who likes strong and funny characters will enjoy. Warning – spoilers in the review below

This is such an amusing, and in some ways lighthearted book, that everyone would enjoy. The two characters, Ginny and Cassie, are such an excellent pairing and they compliment each other perfectly. I found them really funny at times but other times it was very touching. The way that the two women come together at the beginning is really sweet – neither one is totally happy, and they’re both going through what could be called a rough patch. This is what bonds them and some of the things they get up to together are really hilarious and relatable. I loved seeing them progress and change together, but it was also heartbreaking at times to watch them go through difficult times.

This book really helps the reader connect with the characters, I felt really bonded them and this meant that the story held a lot more emotion than normal. I was with Ginny and Cassie through all the good and bad bits and so I was hooked throughout. This book is special because it takes issues or experiences that the reader can relate to and manages to express those emotions really well, while also injecting a little bit of comedy to lift the tone when needed. I thought it was done very tastefully and really would recommend this to anyone who wants to read something that tackles topics like mental health, love and friendship in a way that’s very easy to read and follow.

The way that Ginny dealt with Cassie’s depression later on in the book was very human and real – it wasn’t perfect by any means, but that’s what made it realistic. There were times when Ginny handled things badly, but the effort was made to point out why it was unhelpful and how she could do better. I thought this aspect of the book was great and made it really emotional at times. There are events that are difficult to read, and so perhaps for this reason I would say there’s a content warning for mental health, but I really thought it was done well, considering the genre of this book. Despite the comedic moments, there are times when this book has elements of such piercing honesty and seriousness, that it almost took me by surprise. Cassie’s good and bad days are written in such an honest and straightforward way that it definitely has an element of real-ness to it that makes it very readable.

The actual story is also excellent, it has the right amount of ups and downs, with a dash of comedy and a bit of heartbreak, but that’s why it works so well. The ending was wonderful, I finished the book feeling very satisfied and happy, which is exactly how I wanted to feel. After a rocky journey, I was left feeling genuinely delighted for both women and was really sad to finish this. This is a definite must-read for me as I loved every second.

I have to admit I struggled a bit with this one. But, maybe it is just me...I certainly do think that this book is better than most of the rom coms I've read lately because of its focus on female friendship. It really shows how great friendship can be found in an unusual places, and that we have to cherish it. It also talks about the importance of a mental health being and problems with depression. 

A big thank you to NetGalley for a free sample of this book in exchange for an honest review.

34 year old Ginny is stuck in her job and in a one sided relationship. Her best friend is moving away and her only main interest is her 55 year old neighbour, Cassie, who was once a big actress. When Ginny loses her boyfriend and her job she befriends Cassie and both of the women have something to work towards. 
This was such a lovely read and I really enjoyed it. Look forward to reading Nicola’s next book. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I find this book to be really entertaining and an easy to read and get into writing, The story is so nicely done and moving, how two different people can become friends even if there is an age gap between them. I think is a story most people would enjoy and see themselves at some point in the story or relate to any character. 

I enjoyed that the chapters were short even if the book was a little long. I enjoyed the book, most of it, but there were times were the main character, Ginny, just frustrated me and that took me out of the story.

This book was a joy to read. The first chunk of the book made me laugh so much. I loved Ginny. She’s so real, overwrought, anxious and utterly clueless about what she really wants from life. Does she love Nick or Jack? Does she want kids or not? Does she want to be a writer or not? I loved the way her friendship with Cassie develops. They are very different people and clash at first but soon find common ground. I loved the scenes where Ginny goes to her creative writing classes. I’ve attended a few of these myself and Ginny’s experience is spot-on. Things take a dark, unexpected turn and I was crying my eyes out for the last few chapters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for my arc!

I requested this book after reading the description and loving the sound of it, it was also said to be a good read for people who loved The Flatshare (one of my favourite reads from last year) so I thought this would be perfect!

The book tells the story of Ginny, a 34 year old, who although wasn't at the same point in life as the majority of her friends, she was having a great time. She had a boyfriend, a well paying job in PR and was living with her best friend. That was until her best friend got offered an amazing opportunity in New York, her new flat mate seemed to come as a two for one package and to make it even worse she walked in on her boss in bed with her boyfriend. Obviously making work a now no go area.

Like everyone Ginny spends a lot of time on social media but that does nothing for her other than stress her out as everyone is getting engaged, buying a house or having a baby.

Ginny then makes an unexpected friend, especially living in and growing up in London where you don't talk to your neighbours, the lady who lives in the flat below. None other than once Movie Star Cassie Frost! Cassie has been struggling in the media recently, especially after a stint in I'm A Celebrity but after the two spending time together Cassie sees that Ginny could help her out, and in turn help herself by getting paid as Cassie's PR rep. 

The story then follows the two women as they struggle through life, making both good and bad decisions along the way. 

There is romance in this book but it isn't the focus which is really refreshing. The focus here I think, is on making yourself better, not focusing on "time limits" and others, and on the importance of friendship, even if it is in the most unlikely places.

I love Contemporary books and i dont read them enough and every time i do i remember why i love them - so i was so excited to be on the blog tour for this.



We meet Ginny, and she is having a bit of a tough time, she started out living with her best friend, having a boyfriend and was ready to settle down but instead ends up single and with her best friend moving away as well as loosing her job after throwing a plant at her boss - life suddenly isnt great.  Then we meet Cassie who also had it all, fame, fortune and a career but after going on a reality show she ends up a hate figure and in need of some good PR.



The pair settle into an unlikely friendship as they try to navigate the disaster that is there lives we see their bond strengthen. The Neighbours is overall a real feel good read but it certainly has some sad and emotive moments that has your heart hurting for the characters. It felt so realistic and i could visually see it playing out in front of me like a film. 



The characters were well written and they were flawed and real, they had strong personality traits which instantly allows the reader to get to know them some more. The supporting cast were equally as strong and you really want to help the pair get their lives back together and get the ending they are dreaming of.



A fantastic contemporary read that all readers really should be picking up!

Unexpected Bonds.....
When circumstances throw two unlikely women together an unexpected bond is formed. A rather delightful exploration of life, people, friendships and finding joy when and where you least expect. Entertaining and heartwarming, written with empathy and understanding and laced with humour.

As far as debut novels go this is a roaring success on every level. From character creations through to narrative choices this book has it all in spades. I was pulled head first into this thoughtful tale from the word go and I didn't want it to ever come to an end, which says it all really.

The writing was warm and witty and I was welcomed in like an old friend. The narration provided a smorgasbord of themes and topics to sink my teeth into and the pages seemed to turn themselves to reveal a frank look at life, love and friendship that we can all relate to on some level.

This book boats a fine ensemble of characters to be proud of and I loved them all in equal measure. Ginny was an all out success as far as leading ladies go. On first introduction her life is about to hit a downward spiral into the the pit of dispair taking my heartfelt sorrow with her. Life can be cruel at times and when every area of your life has hit a bump in the road it's hard to push through. But what a comeback! Silently witnessing Ginny claim back her life was an utter joy, I was right there for every tear, laugh and scream of frustration and I can't think of anyone better to have at the helm of this story.

But my, hand on heart, favourite element of this story has to be the unlikely and unique friendship between Ginny and Cassie . Chalk and cheese doesn't even come close to initially describe this pair, but somehow it seems to gel and work to create some of the most magical moments seen in this story.

Nicola Gill's writing was not afraid to touch on the darker elements that life can throw in your direction and this narrative took some deeply moving turns throughout its journey. Depression effects more people than we likely know of and this book took on this issue with a frank and honest approach to remind us all that we're in this journey together and we are not alone.

The Neighbours is an all out successful story of life, love and friendship that will warm your heart and move you beyond measure. I loved each and every word on those pages and can't wait to see what Nicola Gill brings to the table next.

Cassie and Ginny are neighbours. 55 and 35 respectively very un alike in ways, attitudes and characteristics but both are tenacious, both underlying the frivolity are good people and this is their story. Of hopelessness, despair, depression, relationships, the difficulty in finding (and keeping) a partner and their hopes for their futures.

It was a mish mash of feelings and basic living and trying to come to terms with life and come to terms they did - eventually. Ginny's basic fear of ending up alone without a family is shared by many and many would be able to empathise with her in this story though at times she annoyed me no end. Cassie is someone as a neighbor you'd steer well clear of - she was a pain in the butt but Ginny obviously saw beyond the façade.

The story was an excellent one and I will be looking out for this author in the future as well.

The Neighbours is a very amusing and poignant book which deals with friendship and relationships in a brilliant and touching way.
Ginny, aged 34, is feeling left behind when all of her friends seem to be moving on and have much better lives. She can’t even get her boyfriend, Jack, to commit to dinner plans hours in advance... Ginny feels her life is falling apart when she catches Jack in a very compromising position with her boss, the perfect Annabel, who is wearing bright pink underwear. 
This event forces Ginny to start on a new path which includes befriending her neighbour, Cassie, after binge watching her on ‘I’m a Celebrity’. Cassie appears on the show in an attempt to revive her career as an actress. Cassie and Ginny couldn’t be more different, and not just due to the 20 year age gap, but their friendship develops beyond that of just neighbours and forms the basis of the storyline of this book.
As Ginny moves on from the shock of what she discovers with Jack and Annabel, how will she manage? Will she find another love? Will she find another job? Will her friendship with Cassie endure, despite their obvious differences?
Thanks to NetGalley for a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.