thanks to netgalley and harlequin for this amazing arc!

the story is about a woman, Holland, who is looking a basically a rebrand of her life. She then gets inheritance of her last living relative who she doesn’t even know but she was adopted as a kid. Noble is the CEO of a big drink company but he just lost his position. Holland and Noble flirt constantly while living next to each other. They start to find refuge in each others company.

i lovedddd this book so much because it was an easy read. and who doesn’t love black romance? the banter was cute and funny. the characters are definitely loveable.

if you enjoy an easy read or just black romance in general, please read this!!!

3 ⭐️

The potential was there but too much was going on, too much was missing. Noble was nice but at times, he pushed for the relationship too much vs letting her come to him.

Also, Patricia is trash for not telling her before she found out. Like, she knew where she was headed but remained quiet until called out.

Overall, decent quick read. Just didn’t do it fully for me.

Thank you to @netgalley and @harlequinbooks for the opportunity to review Unlikely Neighbors by @reneedanielflagler

I really enjoyed this book! Unlikely Neighbors is described as A Spicy Opposites Attract Romance set in Brooklyn!

Publication Date: April 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

NYC is one of my favorite cities, and I love when a romantic story takes place there…specifically in Brooklyn! Holland Davenport was ready to live life and break away from the small town she grew up in after a health scare. And Noble Washington is a successful CEO, who is going through some major life transitions!

I loved the chemistry of the main characters, and I wasn’t expecting so much drama…but ohhh weeeeee there was drama and it catches you off guard! A twist of events that you don't see coming and they come fast!

I wasn’t a huge fan of the 3rd act miscommunication but it wasn’t a prolonged ordeal…Thank God!

But I definitely recommend this book when it comes out in April!

Thank you NetGalley and Afterglow Books/Harlequin for this ARC.

Unlikely Neighbors is a close-proximity romance. Both MC, Holland and Noble are at the beginning of significant change. Noble’s just been ousted from a company he built from the ground up. Holland, who was adopted, learns she’s inherited her estranged great-aunt’s estate.

While Noble is working on his future, Holland is uncovering the past. As next door neighbors, Noble and Holland quickly come to rely on each other as they both navigate their challenges. Holland was wayyyyyy more forgiving than I could have been given the HUGE family secret that came to light.

Noble was so dreamily sweet and caring and patient with Holland. Ughhh! Great read!

this is a deep book.
I enjoyed the fact that it was character driven and a little bit plot driven as well.
I actually don't mind these characters. Sometimes in romances I find one character more annoying the other but I enjoyed them both

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! The plot was engaging and full of twists that kept me hooked until the very end. The characters were well-developed and relatable, and I found myself really connecting with their journeys. The pacing was just right, balancing action with moments of reflection. However, there were a few areas where I felt certain storylines could have been explored a bit more deeply. Despite that, the book offered a memorable experience, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking read!

Unlikely Neighbors was such a charming and heartwarming read! The chemistry between Holland and Noble was undeniable, and their witty banter kept me hooked from start to finish. Their love story unfolded in such an organic way, making the slow burn feel completely worth it. I especially loved Holland’s journey—her inheritance led to so much self-discovery, found family, and, of course, an unexpected romance. Noble, on the other hand, was at a crossroads in his life, and watching him navigate love and purpose was just as compelling. Both characters carried emotional wounds, and seeing them heal together made their connection even more powerful. The twists and hidden secrets added depth, keeping me engaged the entire time. This book had just the right mix of romance, self-growth, and emotional depth, and I can’t wait to dive into more from this author!

Thank you, NetGalley, for this ARC. My thoughts are entirely my own.

I just finished Unlikely Neighbors by Renee Daniel Flagler, and I’m still grinning!

This book is a delightful mix of humor, heart, and unexpected connections. The dynamic between the neighbors was so well-written—equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and deeply touching. Flagler did an amazing job of showing how unlikely friendships can form in the most surprising ways, and the characters felt so relatable and real.

If you’re in the mood for a feel-good story about community, love, and finding family where you least expect it, Unlikely Neighbors is an absolute must-read. You’ll walk away with a full heart and a renewed appreciation for the people around you! 🌟

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️

Unlikely Neighbors by Renee Daniel Flagler is a beautifully written story about self-discovery, reflection, and unexpected connections.

Holland and Noble’s journeys as individuals were a joy to follow. Holland’s path to uncovering her true self and family lineage was packed with twists and turns that kept me intrigued. Noble’s reflection on his accomplishments and how they shaped his personal life added depth to his character. Together, their introduction was full of sparks, and the twist in how their lives intertwined was incredibly well done.

The character development throughout the story was one of the book’s strongest elements, as both Holland and Noble were constantly challenging themselves and growing. While I truly enjoyed the book, I found myself craving just a little bit more—something I can’t quite put into words.

Overall, Unlikely Neighbors is a compelling and enjoyable read with strong characters and an engaging storyline!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This one was for the grown and sexy. I ate this right up considering it a new fave.

Noble is everything I couldn’t get enough of him. Smart, kind, considerate, can cook, funny, rich, packing. What’s not to love I mean come on 10/10. A MMC I can really get behind.

I loved Holland so much I added her name to my baby name list. My girl went through the wringer, phew. She is more emotionally intelligent than I could ever be.

Together their sizzling romance had me kicking my feet. Both are so mature and made for a great adult romance. I loved that they matched communication styles and never had a big blow up or third act break up.

Ms. Patricia would’ve had to see me in a boxing ring, enough said.

Unlikely Neighbors was such a super cute, quick read! The writing was good, and I found myself completely drawn in by the witty banter between the main male and female characters. Their dynamic felt natural and engaging, adding a lot of charm to the story.

The plot was well-developed, and I especially loved the background story of the female main character. It felt unique and refreshing, not the "textbook" romance setup you often come across. Every detail served a purpose, with no unnecessary context dragging things down and out.

If you're looking for a romance that’s both heartwarming and well-written, I’d definitely recommend Unlikely Neighbors!

Unlikely Neighbors by Renee Daniel Flagler strikes the perfect balance between emotional depth and irresistible chemistry. Holland Davenport’s journey from her quiet Southern roots to the chaos and charm of Brooklyn captivated me from the start. The premise—a surprise inheritance that brings her to a dilapidated brownstone and an intriguing next-door neighbour—sets the stage for a heartfelt and spicy romance.
Holland is the kind of protagonist you can’t help but root for. Her determination to renovate her new home and her understanding of her family’s history is inspiring. She’s fiery, vulnerable, and refreshingly honest. And then there’s Noble Washington—polished, driven, and impossibly magnetic. Their chemistry is undeniable, sparking from their first meeting and building to passionate and deeply emotional moments.
The backdrop of Brooklyn adds so much character to the story, almost like another cast member. The community vibe, the challenges of city life, and Holland’s navigation of this new environment are beautifully woven into the narrative. Noble’s struggle to maintain boundaries while his life intertwines with Holland’s feels authentic and relatable, and their dynamic is equal parts tension and tenderness.
What stood out most was how the book balances romance with self-discovery. Holland and Noble are on personal journeys that make their connection more meaningful. The obstacles they face—both external and internal—are written with such nuance that I found myself fully invested in their growth, individually and as a couple.
This is one of those romances that lingers long after the last page, leaving you with a smile and a whole heart. Flagler delivers a story that’s as sizzling as it is soulful, making it impossible to put down.

Noble and Holland
This is a very slow burn. Noble and Hollands love story was formed in a very unlikely way. Holland travels to New York to inherit her great aunts house and discovered everything that she didn’t know she needed. They both healed each other from broken hearts left by parents and life circumstances. I’m glad that Holland got all the answers to her questions and Noble got to experience real love in a relationship.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley to review. I loved this book so much. Holland was preparing to start over after a health scare. She receives a letter to claim an inheritance from her late great aunt that she knew nothing about because she is adopted. Once she gets to New York, she finds out information about her biological family. While in New York, she meets and falls for her next-door neighbor Noble. Noble is struggling to find his purpose after being forced out of the company he started. Reading these two fall for each other was beautiful. The way Noble was there for Holland during all of her discoveries about her family was everything. The major secret about Holland's adoptive mother was shocking. I wasn't expecting that at all. I loved watching the growth of these two throughout the book. Holland and Nobke deserved all the happiness they received.

This book was a fun read. The banter between the characters had me cracking up out loud. I love a romance where the spice isn't the center of the story, and both Holland and Noble had so much going on in their personal lives I found myself more invested in them as individuals than as a couple. This isn't to say that I didn't enjoy their love story, I just could be more locked into their individual plots because I knew they would be together in the end. I would have wanted a little more on what was happening with the disease that killed 4 mentioned characters because it felt like an afterthought in the plot. I would have also liked more consequences for Ma instead of rapid forgiveness, and I still don't trust Tim but overall I enjoyed the read and looked forward to diving in.

I really like the bones of the story. I always love an unconventional romance AND i love a black love story.

Something i struggled with was understanding what Holland looked like…i feel like Noble didn’t describe her looks or the essence of her without a huge sexy undertone until near the end of the story.

So i enjoyed the end more than the beginning because i really appreciate a descriptively illustrated love. Getting in people’s heads and understanding their feelings about each other.

This couple fell together through grief and also avoided talking about serious things regarding what they wanted from each other for 75% of the story.

I also felt that Patience was forgiven very easily. I’m surprised that wasn’t a more traumatic realization. Especially given that she had a cancer before moving to NYC & knowing her family history could have prevented all of that. Her childhood was also severely limited as Patience tried to hide her from her past. It’s pretty messed up and one way that trauma gets passed down through generations. I wish some of these topics were acknowledged with a bit more depth. I also understand that’s not really the goal for this romance.

Holland moves to New York after inheriting a home from a late relative. She quickly meets the cute neighbor next door (Noble) and sparks fly.

Noble has recently been released from his position as CEO. He feels lost without his title and realizes outside of his career he lacked a social life. Enter Holland who shakes things up for him.

This story started off cute enough for me. However I found myself wondering when we would get to a certain part of the book that was mentioned in the synopsis . It happens 80% into the book. At that point I knew we are entering 3rd act breakup territory and nothing is more annoying for me in a romance.

Both characters were dealing with their own drama. Holland was trying to find herself while discovering her biological family. Noble was trying to find out who he was outside of his career. They were both dealing with parental drama. There was also a cancer scare that could have been better addressed or more fleshed out.

I feel like we spent a lot of time repeating Nobles insecurities in his pov chapters and then crammed a lot of information into the last 20% of the book. I did enjoy the writing style but wasn’t a huge fan of the pace. 🥴

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. This was a cute read. Strangers to lovers is starting to become one of my favorite tropes. I love when the MMC falls hard.

I just finished reading an ARC of Unlikely Neighbors by Renee Daniel Flagler, and it’s a heartfelt opposites-attract romance that shows, as is often the case, how our differences aren’t always as significant to our deeper commonalities. Noble and Holland are relatable, especially as their overlapping interests, struggles, and passions emerge over time. The story unfolds naturally given the city, and specifically, the Brooklyn backdrop, which as a born and bred Brooklynite, reads like a plausible meet-cute, despite the characters socioeconomic differences.
The story begins with both characters facing significant life changes, which force them to embark on journeys of self-discovery, family dynamics, and a love story. As the novel goes on, we see how Noble and Holland manage these challenges and how they find comfort in one another.
Though clearly fictional, the story is written with enough realism to make the premise entirely plausible. There are a few minor plot holes, but they don’t detract from the overall enjoyment or emotional impact of the book. The spice level is also worth mentioning. It’s paced well, and there is instant, which remains consistent throughout. Let’s say medium-burn romance with a worthwhile buildup.
Unlikely Neighbors is a cute read for fans of contemporary romance in general and Black contemporary romance specifically.

Holland goes to NY to renovate/sell her estranged biological great aunts home after being notified of her passing. She meets her handsome neighbor Nobel who is looking for a new start. Instant chemistry and sparks….but they both have so many issues they need to resolve within themselves.

Hollands story was crazy!! Without any spoilers I’ll say this…she is a better person than me because there would be no forgiveness! It drove me nuts that it took her so long to get straight answers from her mother. Can we say narcissist?

Nobel!! That man is perfection. Patient, understanding and loving.

I ate this story up. I pushed it off for a few weeks because I had read a review saying it has “cutesy hallmark vibes”. That was incorrect. Although the love story has cute moments, this story dives deeper into family trauma, heartache and forgiveness.


Thank you Harlequin Romance for this Advance Readers Copy ebook in exchange for my honest review