Next Door Nemesis is an enemies-to-lovers romance… in the second half. The first half of the book reads more like women’s fiction, quarter-life-crisis, millennial ennui than any romance. Between 30-50%, I really considered dnf-ing because the characters felt immature, and I was bored by the plot (we get it, the HOA guy wears khakis and drives a Buick). However, by the 60-70% mark, I was glad I stuck with it. I just wish some of the character and plot development had occurred in the first half. If you love a little small town drama and a second coming of age story, this book is for you!

Collins Carter finds herself back in her childhood home in Ohio after a viral video ends her career in LA. Her high school friend turned nemesis, Nate, just so happens to be her neighbor and part of the HOA in the neighborhood.

I thought this book was really good! It made me laugh so much! Collins bestie Ruby is soo funny! This is a great read if you’re looking for a rom-com with enemies to lovers.

Me and Martin have a love hate relationship lol I seem to really love like every other book of hers. Luckily for me, this is one of the ones I actually liked. I laughed so much, I got mad, I swooned, just everything. I had a really good time with this one.

OK so I want to start with the trope this time. I hate to say this, but I really enjoyed it. It was so weird too. At the time I was reading this, I thought my own HOA sent me a letter because my cousin made me a sign that said “IKYFL Poppin Up Here” And I was so mad. I kept thinking they were being petty. And reading this made me even more mad, like “Ugh all HOAs are the same!” Which is why I did not like Nate at all lmao This is also why I said in my reading updates on Goodreads that there wouldn’t be a love story after that BBQ lol Because who does something like that? And idk, this power dynamic would have felt weird too after that, but that’s just me.

The romance was ok tho. I thought the two of them had a weird relationship, but only because we don’t really know what they were fighting about. When we finally got to the root of it, it was your basic miscommunication. And there’s two instances of miscommunication in this by the way. And both of them were near catastrophic to their relationship. I’m just glad they worked it out. Once they got all their stuff situated, I liked them together. The spice is there, but it’s at like a 2.5. And I’m sorry, but Idk what it is about those scenes where you might get caught, but that scene at the house showing? I had to put the book down for a little bit. My anxiety high, but I was fanning myself lol

The very best part of this tho was the writing style. Martin seems to have gotten the #commonline out of her system in her last story because she doesn’t have any in this one. And after 4 in that last one, this was a welcome break lol The other thing I noticed in this one was the humor. I haven’t laughed this hard in a long time. I was legit laughing out loud for a lot of this book. It was so much fun! From what happened to Collins and why she left (even if that wasn’t supposed to be funny smh lol) to Collins’ new bestie in her colorful leggings. It doesn’t seem funny when you read it like this lol You just had to be there.

The rest of this book was really just your average romance. They kept fighting and they got together on a one night stand. And then they were just there trying to fight off their attraction to each other. But when they finally got together they were so cute. But just like at the end of a love story, when the main characters lose each other, they did too. But it wasn’t like a break up thing because they wanted to, it wass more like because they had to. She had to see what else was out there (not in the way you’d think) and I applaud the both of them for letting her at least try. That had to take some strength on both of their parts. I also really liked the way Martin gave us some time to see them together. I hate when authors give us this huge buildup and then the ending is the only time they’re together, so this was a gift.

This review makes it seem like this was a serious book about the HOA and a resident, but it was actually pretty funny. I hope y’all read this and see for yourselves. It wasn’t a 5 star read for me, but I still don’t feel like my words did this justice. Idk this book was so cute and I really hope y’all enjoy it too!

Sadly, this was not love for me. I thought the premise sounded funny and different, so I was excited to receive this ARC from the very gracious publisher (thank you!)... but this one wasn't for me.

I think I was so turned off by the behavior by the main characters in the beginning of the novel that I could just never get behind them as a couple. They were so petty, immature, mean, catty, cruel and vindictive... characteristics that just aren't fun for me to read about! It was honestly hard for me to get through the first 120 pages or so with the way they were treating each other and I considered DNFing it then but I wanted to give it more time.

I did try, but the story never picked up for me and I found myself disengaged and flipping through pages quickly. I know myself as a reader and it just means that I haven't connected with the story or characters enough to root for any particular ending. So, at that point I set the book aside.

I do with the author luck with this book, as it has a lot of fans! Perhaps the age demo skews a bit younger. Nevertheless, I appreciate the opportunity from Berkley and Netgalley to read and review this book.

Next-Door Nemesis is my first Alexa Martin read but definitely won't be my last.

After many years away, Collins has returned back to her Ohio hometown to get back on her feet. While everything is basically the same as it was, one thing that really hasn't changed is her disdain for Nate. Nate and his latest homeowners complaint.

Nate has always wanted to live in the suburbs of Ohio. He's happily living his dream until Collins turns back up. Now, he's got to put the past aside and come to terms with her running against him in an HOA war.

Both have secrets from their past. But will they be able to share or always be next-door nemesis?

I enjoyed listening to Next-Door Nemesis by Alexia Martin, narrated by Jade Wheeler. The novel had me laughing with the Ohio references and shaking my head "yep" with all the HOA drama. Wheeler's narration kept my attention and pushed me to binge listen to the last 50%. I'd recommend those wanting to read Martin's latest try it on audio !

Thank you PRH audio, Berkley Romance & Netgalley for my earc and alc in exchange for my honest review.

Next Door Nemesis is the story of a woman who moves back home to her parents’ house, only to be reunited with her childhood nemesis, forcing her to run against him for HOA president. This book was SO a much fun. I was giggling throughout. The banter was sharp and hilarious. The chemistry was palpable. The neighborhood drama was juicy. Such a fun, entertaining, frothy read.

In this romantic comedy from Alexa Martin, writer Collins Carter leaves Los Angeles and returns home after a humiliating break up. Coming back home after years away isn't an easy transition, especially when high school friends and not-friends are her neighbors, and especially annoying is her former friend, real estate agent, Nathaniel Adams. He ghosted Collins in high school and she's never forgotten.

Nate is not thrilled about Collins return to her home, and the war between them is on and escalates when they both run for the homeowner's association president. This sets up all sorts of nasty competitive maneuvers from both parties. But you know what's said about love and hate -- there's a fine line between them and Collins and Nate come very close to it as they work out their past and move from former friends and enemies to lovers.

I really liked the light-heartedness of this story. I could tell from the start that Collins had some things to work through in her own life, and Nate was one of them. Her journey is an entertaining one, blending regrets and passions and redemption all in the same story. I liked that about it as it brings a sense of realism to this story -- who hasn't had to lick their wounds and recover from what life throws at you? I really liked that theme in the story as well.

Overall, a very entertaining and satisfying romantic comedy with great characters and a writing style that makes you feel like you know these characters right from the start, thanks to some great banter between them. This is really Collins story, told from her point of view, and that worked for me but there's some nice sexual tension and plenty of flirting between these main characters to satisfy my romantic soul.

3.5-4⭐️
This book was very entertaining. It was pretty hard for me to get into at first. It’s a slow burn, which honestly is probably why it took me so long to get into it! I like to know ahead of time it’s going to be a slow burn… but besides that the MC’s were cute after they got over their hate for each other LOL. Nate was such a cute book bf and I love the depth Alexa added to his character! This is my second book from Alexa Martin, and it definitely won’t be my last!

After her professional life crumbled to pieces, Collins moves back in with her parents. After a kick in the pants from her best friend, she puts on real pants and goes outside only to discover that her former best friend and now nemesis Nate is back in town. Their banter turns to pranks which naturally leads to Collins going up against Nate in the election for HOA president.

I had a hard time getting into this book at first, but I thought the writing was great and enjoyed the story after it hooked me. There were funny moments and great moments of heart. The opening line killed me - “if I have to hear live laugh love one more time I’m going to die scream rage” 😂 I will definitely be catching up on Alexa’s backlist!

I’ve never been so thankful to not live in an HOA neighborhood! 😂

Thank you to @berkleyromance for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.

What to Expect: small town, childhood friends to enemies to lovers, second chance romance, all the feels

I definitely enjoyed this book! It took me a few chapters to really get emotionally invested (that’s really with any book for me) but once I was, I was hooked. Easily a book you could read in one sitting! You could not peel me away, I was locked into HOA rivalry, angst, and some steamy romance 😏

Perks for this book were that I love a funny inner monologue and Collins delivered, some of the dialogue or inner monologue had me laughing so hard! Loved her, loved her character arc and development and loved to see how a contemporary romance could pull off an enemies to lovers! My only criticism is I love love love a dual-POV but otherwise loved it! ✨

It’s hard to write a good enemies to lovers story. I constantly dissect the reason for them being enemies. Like is it really believable?

This childhood friends to enemies to lovers story pulled at my heartstrings! I felt as though I could relate to and understand why and how the rift in their relationship happened. So, on that point alone I thought this book was such a great read!

However, there are so many other great aspects! I loved the amount of laugh out loud moments with the cute arguments/banter. The chemistry between Nate and Collins was so well written.
I’ve mentioned this before and I’ll say it again I have such a soft spot for great families in books. Collins had such an amazing support system not only from her parents but also her friends - new and old.🤍

Thank you @alexamartin and @goodgirlspr for the opportunity to read and review this book!

I’ve read Alexa’s previous book and was so excited to have the chance to read an early copy of this one!

Collins moves back in with her parents after her professional life falls to shambles. When she arrives, she discovers that her childhood best friend turned enemy Nate is also back in town. Their clash soon turns to witty banter as the two compete against each other for the position of HOA president.

This one has all the ingredients for a great rom com! Witty banter, friends to enemies to lovers, humor, second chances, coming home again, and great characters. With some good laughs and some good spice, this one is really fun!

This was my first read by Alexa Martin and a very cute lil rom-com. I really enjoyed her writing style, from the characters, to the humor and the sexual tension- she put a really entertaining spin on suburban life. It was pretty hilarious, with amazing banter between Collins and Nate who will both stop at nothing to ruin the other’s life. Their journey from best friends to enemies to lovers was done so well, I bought into every part of it. Also- the portrayal of the housewife involved with multiple MLM ventures was so balls-on accurate it had me cackling. You know those people from high school and I know you’re totally picturing them right now.

Enemies-to-lovers is my favorite romance trope and Nate and Collins bring it on. While the sting of rejection is there in the beginning it quickly fades when the reasons are brought to light. Collins is a bit quick to put aside such a deep dislike and Nate never actually apologizes leaving this reader feeling adrift in the romance. I enjoyed seeing Collins come into her own and her friendships with Ruby and Ashley. Another entertaining read from Alexa Martin.

This book started slow for me… the amount of bitterness between these two seemed unrealistic. Once I got past that, however, I was pulled in by the friends-to-enemies-to-lovers chemistry. The love scenes were spicy hot! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ It was a fun rom-com with cute characters.

Thank you Good Girls PR and Alexa Martin for the ARC of this awesome book!
From start to finish this was a hilarious ROMCOM. It had me giggling out loud. Also the enemies to lovers from these one childhood best friends had me blushing so much.
If you love:
-Romcoms
- Ex best friends
- Enemies to lovers

Then this is the book for you! Can’t wait to read more from Alexa

After a career crisis, Collins is back living in her childhood bedroom at her parents house. When a complaint arrives from the homeowner's association, she throws her hat in the ring for HOA presidency against her former childhood friend turned nemesis, Nate.

If you've ever experienced or heard stories of HOA antics, you'll enjoy this one. The drama isn't too over the top, and instead we see Collins rebuilding her life, forging new friendships, and figuring out what went wrong with her friendship with Nate all those years earlier.

It's entertaining with some steamy scenes as our leads reckon with feelings they ignored for years. I loved the relationship Collins had with her parents and her open communication with Nate. If you like an enemies-to-lovers story I recommend picking this one up!

DNF @ 50%

I have struggled a bit with Alexa Martin's work since her Playbook series. It feels as though she can't decide whether she wants to write romance or women's fiction. This one didn't have any hint of romance at the 50% mark (some reviewers encouraged me to keep going and that it does pick up) so there just wasn't anything keeping my interest. The set up is funny and there are several laugh out loud funny one-liners that I enjoyed. But overall the main character came across as somewhat whiny and judgmental (especially of her neighbor who is nothing but kind to her!). With the lack of romantic development driving the plot, and not enough otherwise to keep me interested, I sadly set this one aside.

Thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

"Sexy" and "HOA President" are not words that should go together, but Alexa Martin has made it so! Next-Door Nemesis was such a fun romantic comedy with plenty of humor and spice.

After her career and love life fall apart, Collins moves back home. She doesn't expect to find Nate, her former best friend and high school nemesis living down the block from her parents. While Collins couldn't wait to escape Ohio suburbia, Nate has always wanted stability and family life, so it's no surprise to see that he's a very active member of the HOA. When he tries to use his powers to drive Collins out of the neighborhood it backfires spectacularly when she decides to run against him for HOA president.

This book was so much fun. I love a rom-com with a unique storyline and this fit the bill. The moments leading up to the HOA presidency voting were hilarious and I loved the straight up weirdness of Collin's pranks against Nate. The googly eyes! The Benjamin Franklin slander! The flamingos! They were all so ridiculous and really made Collins seem like a real person. At first I didn't love Nate, but as we got to see more of his backstory revealed he made a lot more sense. I'm glad they didn't try to gloss over how sucky his behavior was and that he made an effort to show Collins just how sorry and hurt he was.

I also really liked the secondary characters in this book and if Alexa wanted to write a second book in this series from Ruby's POV I would absolutely read it. Ashleigh was hilarious and Alexa did a great job of poking fun at the MLM ladies without being mean. We all have an Ashleigh on our friend's pages.

Read if you like:
-Second Chance Romances
-Friends to Enemies to Lovers
-Small town shenanigans
-Prank wars

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for a review copy. I will definitely read from this author again in the future.

4⭐, 2.5🌶️

Childhood Friends to Enemies to Lovers?! Yes please! The nemesis to lovers aspect felt a tad too much in this book, but overall this book was entertaining, with so many goofy hijinks occurring that made me giggle! Then we get a classic enemies to lovers swap, when their chemistry erupts and we got a pretty good amount of spic in this book as well! The third act break up wasnt horrible in this book, as its pretty realistic and non-dramatic, but still had me meh.

Brief Plot: Collins, after being embarrassed publicly, has escaped to her hometown to live with her parents while she regroups. But that includes running into old nemesis Nathaniel Adams, who threatens her with HOA violations if she doesn't leave town. So instead of doing that, she fights back by running for HOA president, against Nate.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an eARC of Next-Door Nemesis by Alexa Martin, in exchange for my honest review!