Thanks to Melissa Ferguson for my review copy. All opinions are my own. What an adorable enemies-to-lovers story! I loved seeing the prank war unfold between these two neighbors. They were worth rooting for from the beginning.⁣ If you are looking for a charming, light-hearted tale that ends with a kiss, then this is the story for you!⁣ 4 stars.

This was such a fun book! It was the first book I've read by this author and I'll be back for me!

The story is so witty and funny! Getting to know Bree and Chip was really fun. Those poor two, while they start off on a good yet quick note, takes quite the turn very quickly. I was seriously laughing pretty much from the start. I had no idea it was going to be so humorous.

The author has such an easy flow about her with her writing. The characters and situations really come to life. I think I would be hard pressed to come up with a favorite part of the story, but Bree's parents meeting Chip and their ensuing "relationship" or the Craigslist fiasco are the BEST! lol

Bree, who is supposed to be all sunshine and smiles seems to be clouds and grumpiness when it comes to Chip. Neither Chip nor his dog seem to be aware of the negative impact they've had on Bree's "peaceful" life. And, as an aside, can I just say, if I had a neighbor who seriously did NOTHING to control their dog and found it amusing to let it pounce on me on a regular basis, it would've been dealt with more swiftly. HA! Bree, in my humble opinion, was a patient saint where the dog was involved.

The way Chip and Bree try to outdo each other with not-so-neighborly rivalry makes the story speed along! Their antics definitely keep you turning the page. I also feel sorry for both characters at different points in the story. Bree because she just doesn't know what direction to go in and Chip because the guys in his family don't seem to be very supportive of his business. So, while we as readers are amused through most of the book, there's also a serious thread that winds through the story.

If you are looking for an absolutely fun read, don't look any further. Stories like this make contemporary novels shine bright when my preferred genre is historical. I can't wait to read more of Melissa's writing.

I'm a fan of enemies/rivals to lovers, but unfortunately, this book wasn't a hit for me. The beginning of the book was really hard to follow. The characters just didn't seem developed and the series of events didn't flow. About halfway in, I started to enjoy it. Chip was a great character and when him and Bree interacted more, the story was more interesting. I liked the concept of the notes posted back and forth between Bree and Chip. After all the rivalry that went back and forth, the resolution seemed really quick and a little unrealistic. This was a nice clean story for those who like just a little romance.

Thank you to Net Galley, Thomas Nelson, and Melissa Ferguson for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Cul-de-Sac War has a lot of promising aspects to it but unfortunately, I wasn’t able to be drawn into it. It’s categorized as a romance novel but there was very little romance and a lot of extra things happening that didn’t contribute to the storyline. Some of the pranks that occurred between Bree and Chip were funny, such as Bree ordering trees to block Chip’s view of the mountains. This helped redeemed the story but I it’s quite hard to put a finger on what exactly it was that also didn’t keep me engaged but I just was left hoping for more.

The Cul-de-Sac War met all of my expectations for pranking an unwanted neighbor. Those funny moments, particularly with Russell, left a smile on my face far longer than it maybe warranted. The romance, however, is light and I wanted just a little bit more. I would have liked to see as much of Bree and Chip falling head-over-heels as hating each other. There isn't a big moment that gets the warm fuzzies going.
Chip seems to have his life mostly together and his ambitions are what I want to see in a hero. Bree, on the other hand, is a mess and directionless. Her epiphany of self-discovery is a little flat but her support system is pretty fantastic.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Melissa has a flare for the dramatic and the threads of humor throughout are more than amusing. I enjoyed seeing the cameo appearances from The Dating Charade cast.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy in exchange for a review.

This story was described as a prank war and it sounded like it would be entertaining/ have romance. It basically was the story of the two characters day to day lives and struggles and was kind of boring for me.

Just an overall okay book.

The Title/Cover Draw:
The illustrated cover is all the rage lately. I picked this up because it seemed like an interesting read.
What I liked:
I loved not only the theater jokes but also the pop culture jokes. The characters were cute and likeable.
What I didn’t like:
At times the story gives too much description about things. I would have liked it to be tightened up.
What kept me reading:
There were a lot of “wait and see” situations which, of course, made me want to see how things ended up.
The Characters:
Full of life and very unique.
The Ending:
It all comes together as expected.
Consider if you like:
Rom Coms, theater or carpentry.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Received from Netgalley.

When Bree first meets Chip he seems like the perfect guy... until he doesn't. Until he turns out to be the world's worst neighbor, with a perfect girlfriend, and a large, slobbery dog that seems to have it out for her. That's when the cul-de-sac war starts, where the two begin an escalating series of pranks while simultaneously struggling in their professional lives--Bree as a theater actress and Chip starting his own construction company.

This book was cute. It had some highly amusing moments (I don't want to spoil any of Chip and Bree's pranks, but I'm particularly fond of the one with the Christmas trees), but it was otherwise devoid of any real plot. Thankfully, I had been warned before reading that this book wasn't really a romance, so I knew what I was getting into and I think it helped me enjoy it more. So, reader, this is your warning--THIS BARELY QUALIFIES AS A ROMANCE. Okay, now go forth and read. Really, this is more about the struggles of Bree and Chip, as we learn more about Bree's struggles at the theater and Chip's with his construction business than any semblance of spark between them. I should also note that fore like 75% of this book both Chip and Bree ARE SEEING OTHER PEOPLE. There is no cheating, but this was a huge turn-off for me, because while they were with other people, I couldn't even HOPE for something to happen. So there's no tension. I wish they had dumped the fringe earlier in the book.

I also didn't love Chip and Bree as people. They both seemed a little bratty, and I found it deplorable that Chip had a trained dog (we find out he's trained) that he was LETTING injure Bree (who was actually injured). Even if Bree wasn't injured, even if she was just scared, that's despicable and a lawsuit waiting to happen. Some people have genuine fears of dogs and it's not funny. We were also continuously told that Bree was fun-loving and easy going with everyone but Chip, but we never really saw it.

This book was on the short side (it flew by) and maybe if more time had been taken to develop these characters and the romance, it would have been better. I think there were gems of ideas and humor there, and the writing isn't bad, it just didn't quite live up to its potential for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for my eARC in exchange for an honest review!

4 stars - 6/10

The Cul-de-Sac War
By Melissa Ferguson
Rating: 4.5/5

Who doesn’t love a good rom-com? This book is pure joy and fun! Having read the author’s previous work, I was excited to jump in and read this new one that casually mentions previous characters. The story can be read as a stand-alone though.

Bree Leake hasn't quite found where she fits in career-wise. She's tried so many different jobs but never quite found one that stuck. After moving away from home, Bree tries her hand at acting in the nation's oldest live performance theater, The Barter. While she still feels restless, her parents' offer to give her their part of grandmother's house if she stays put for one full year is something that she cannot pass up. She loves the house and all the memories. However, her new neighbor might be the one thing that she can't stand despite his handsome face. Chip McBride is striking out on his own as a contractor and is eager to show that he can make it without being part of his father's family company. He wants to make a name for himself and remodeling the Barter might just be his ticket to recognition. He also enjoys antagonizing his new next-door neighbor who happens to be an actor there. Bree and Chip won't stop until it goes too far and they can't help but constantly be thinking about one another every day. Pranks ensue while these two duke it out.

You won't stop smiling and laughing throughout this book. There are a couple more serious parts (don't get me wrong) but the chemistry between the two characters is undeniable and the author portrays their relationship beautifully. I really enjoyed this "enemies-to-lovers" type of romantic comedy and it ends up being an entertaining read full of spunky characters who you may have read about previously.

Highly recommend for those who enjoy romantic comedies.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

I am so glad Bree got her own story after the Dating Charade. This was quite an interesting story. Their meet cute was fun and very refreshing. Too bad it took a turn for the worst fairly quickly. Poor Chip had no idea what he was getting into. There were times the book kind of dragged on and I wondered when, if ever things would change. I personally wish it had happened sooner so we could have had more time enjoying their relationship instead of all the angst. I'm glad though that they finally figured it out and the epilogue was fun and a little crazy, just like the rest of the book.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest review.

Bree and Chip might have an adorable meet cute, but that warm fuzzy feeling in Bree’s chest disappears as soon as she arrives at her home. Plus, that drive is one of the funniest scenes in the book (and the ones with the dog).

Misunderstandings ensue culminating in a bunch of juvenile pranks these two neighbors pull on each other. There is a definite slow burn to this romance and if you’re reading just for the pure enjoyment of a romcom, The Cul-de-Sac War might fit the bill.

The description of the book is a little misleading as we’re almost halfway through the book when Bree’s parents make her the offer of the house. I would have appreciated more concentration on the turnaround of enemies to romantic interest, but overall, the story met the criteria of a romcom with a fun, feel-good story with a happy ending.



Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Bree is not exactly flourishing in her acting role, but meeting good-looking Chip McBride is a bright spot in her lackluster performance—until she notices his beautiful girlfriend by his side. It turns out he’s full of surprises—he drives a beat up truck with offensive bumper stickers and lives in the fixer upper next to the house she inherited from her grandmother. Their initial mutual attraction takes a much darker turn as she’s determined to get him and his annoying dog out of the neighborhood.

But as their pranks take a nastier turn, each begins to discover the other’s vulnerabilities, and as their livelihoods both hang in the balance, they realize they work better together than against each other..

THE CUL-DE-SAC WAR is a meet cute story. For a while, the meanness got to me, but fortunately, they both show their better sides. Overall, this book is a very pleasant day to escape 2020 for a little while. #TheCulDeSacWar #NetGalley

Review: 3.5/5
I read this one in a buddy group read! I went back and forth between reading this and listening to the audiobook. And I have to say I didn’t love it. I enjoyed it at first until I realized Chip had a girlfriend and was pining over another woman. I love my romances but that’s just one that I don’t enjoy even if there’s no cheating involved. Besides that, the overall story was good, I just did not relate to the characters and couldn’t get into the story. I stuck it out and finished it because I don’t like to not finish books. But hey, I guess you can’t love them all right?

Bree is a free spirit; ties are not a thing that she wants at this part of her life. She is working in a play when she first meets Chip. Chip might be as flaky as Bree. After sharing a moment between set changes outside of the theater. Bree finds out he is in a relationship and not only that, he is now her new neighbor. The first thing that Chip does when moving into his fixer-upper that just happens to be next to the girl from the theater, is wrecks her lawn and busts a water pipe. From there things just go downhill, Bree is convinced that his dog is out to get her. Will this relationship go underwater before it even starts?

Thank you #Netgalley and #thomasnelsonficton for sending me this copy!

LOVED!!
I don't usually read rom-com but I gave this one a shot and loved it! Laugh out loud funny, witty, great story line. I loved the characters! I loved the setting! I loved the dog! There wasn't anything I didn't love except when I was done with the book! Bravo!!

From the first page, I enjoyed the quick banter between the two main characters. I envisioned this so clearly and felt it would make an excellent movie! I found myself laughing and falling in love with them as the book went along.

Well done Melissa!

The Cul-de-Sac War by Melissa Ferguson is a light-hearted, sassy romance. If you enjoy witty banter, laugh-out-loud scenes, and copious amounts of dog slobber, then this story is for you! Bree and her hot mess of a life will catch and hold your attention from the first scene. When her serendipitous meeting with Chip turns into a prank war between unlikely neighbors, things really take a turn for crazy town.
While I enjoyed watching Chip and Bree make each other squirm (especially in front of Bree’s parents--they are hilarious!), some of the pranks were a bit over the top for me (trees) and more mean than funny. But still, I liked getting to know Bree and her restless, wanderer’s heart. And I enjoyed the development of her relationship with Chip from frenemies to friends to more. All the sarcasm and devious plotting faded into a genuine and deep connection--one that will make your heart feel warm and fuzzy!
I also enjoyed Chip’s backstory and his struggles with his family. It ended completely differently than I thought it would, but the conversation between him and his dad at the end brought tears to my eyes. You will appreciate the life lessons as well as the spiritual ones.
Fans of contemporary Christian fiction will enjoy this light-hearted, rom-com-style romance.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Melissa Ferguson for gifting me an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
While the potential for something great was there, things just didn’t quite add up to a five star read for me this time! This book started out great and I was expecting some spicy angst (I see you The Hating Game), but I just felt bored for the majority of this. I felt like we got just enough of a hint of romance that you end up reading more, hoping things start to pick up. Unfortunately they just didn’t. By the time the two characters actually start to get romantic I was too far into the book to really care. It was a decent book, but not necessarily one I’ll remember when there have been so many amazing contemporary romances coming out recently! I want to end with a positive note: I really loved this cover/title and I was interested in the book from those alone!

Bree can't settle on a job, favorite hobby, or a boyfriend, but she knows she wants to live in the house her grandmother left her. But her new neighbor, Chip, seems determined to make her life hell with his big, slobbery dog and his muscles. All she wants to do is keep her job at the local theater as a fairy in their production of A Midsummer Night's Dream and land a role in the upcoming musical. Chip is working hard to get his new construction firm off the ground, but a green-eyed, red-haired fairy keeps popping up at the most inopportune moments. The two start a prank war, but the only question is whether they will end up enemies or lovers.

This was a cute, fun, enemies-to-friends rom-com. Very little romance, lots of pranking. Ferguson includes a quirky cast of characters and some small-town charm. A low-stakes, breezy read, perfect for a weekend afternoon.

So, I have been listening to the Cul-de-Sac War on my nightly walks, and I'm glad I haven't passed many people. They would think I was deranged with all the snickers, snorts, and evil laughs they would hear. Kate Rudd does an amazing job with this narration. I had very little trouble distinguishing between the characters, and her comic timing is excellent.

Bree Leake is a struggling actor, always a bit player, never the lead - and she likes it that way. When her costume malfunctions right before her one line in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Chip McBride comes to her rescue with a roll of duct tape - camo duct tape, which just happens to match her forest fairy costume. She is smitten, until she realizes he is there with a date. Her disappointment turns to horror when she learns he's bought the wreck of a house next door to hers, and his giant mastiff loves her so much that he tackles her every chance he gets.

Chip McBride has lived in his father and brother's shadows most of his life. He had a successful business in another city, but moved "home" when his mother had a health scare. Now he's expected to take his place in McBride & Sons Construction but he wants nothing more than to be his own boss and tackle his own projects. Unfortunately, when his dad and brother look at him, they see the baby brother not the man. Can Chip prove his worth as a businessman to his toughest critics - his own family?

When his next door neighbor starts challenging him on a nearly daily basis, he begins doing things to tweak her temper, just because she's fun to rile. Her responses make it obvious that war has been declared. Can Chip and Bree ever see past their antagonism to the friendship they had started outside the theater that night?

If anyone is looking for a romance with lots of laughs, this is definitely the one to pick up! Bree and Chip are fun characters, trying to find their place in the world. They play off each other, with just enough snark to elicit giggles.

I definitely recommend the book, and listening to it makes it even more fun.

I think throughout our lifetime, everyone has that neighbour. You know, the one whose dog barks all day, or doesn't rake his leaves, or plays music really loud or maybe places his fence on your side of the property line. Well, in this story, Bree Leake ends up with a neighbour that seems to cause her a lot of grief. Chip McBride lives next door and is a thorn in Bree's side. If she wants to become the owner of her grandmother's cottage, she has to stay put in Abingdon for one year. Her plan is to drive Chip out of the neighbourhood, instead of her leaving, thus begins the pranks, or the Cul de sac war.

This is a lighthearted, entertaining and clean romcom. Both Bree and Chip were likable characters and I found myself laughing out loud several times throughout the story. It is hard to dislike a guy that your parents love, especially when they talk to one another on the phone, or get advice about different things. You've got to love a dog that goes crazy for Slim Jims. The scene where Bree and Russell meet for the first time is hilarious. Bree and Chip had some good chemistry, even though they spent a lot of time fighting against it. With the right mix of humour and warmth, this novel was enjoyable, funny and sweet. I will warn you, it does start slow, but keep with it as the pranks alone are worth it. If you are shying away because this is labeled as Christian Fiction, don't worry. It is a clean romance and there is mention of attending church, but that is about it.