Betting On the Boy Next Door by Melanie Jacobson

Betting On the Boy Next Door is a dual POV clean rom com with some forced proximity, fake dating, amazing roommates, loving grandparents and a quirky parrot. Sami lives with her three roommates/best friends. One of them bets Sami that she can find her the love of her life within a year - and if she does, she gets Sami’s assigned parking spot at the condo. Sami has very high standards and doubts she’ll ever find a man she loves, so she agrees. Ruby’s first attempt is Josh, the new guy who moved in next door. Josh and Sami have good initial chemistry but ultimately Sami decides they come from different worlds and it will never work.

But then Josh discovers Sami has been moonlighting as a rock star, even hiding it from her roommates. And he needs help getting out of a sticky situation with his family. And before you know it there are fake dates and real kisses. Sami keeps pushing back due to how similar Josh’s background is to her ex’s. But Josh won’t give up.

I was hooked on this story and had a hard time putting it down to get work done! I loved the way the author gave us little hints at what each of the main characters had been through in the past but took her time revealing it all on page. I loved Josh’s openness and vulnerability in sharing about his past and present struggles with living up to his family’s name and his parents’ expectations. And I adored his playful banter with Sami even when he could see she was pushing him away. This book introduced a great cast of characters and I can’t wait to see the books for each of the other roommates! This book is out now on KU!

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy to review.

QOTD: If you were moonlighting as a rock star, what would your performer name be??