Needing the Next-Door Neighbor: A Sweet Romantic Comedy

Are you looking for a sweet and clean romcom to steal your heart? May I introduce you to Kristin Canary then because she absolutely SLAYS those?

This one follows Kennedy, Alexis’ younger sister (who we met in Engaging the Office Enemy). Kennedy’s life has always been a little hectic, and losing her mother and being stuck with an assy primadonna grandmother, I dunno how she does it. Kennedy feels like she isn’t enough, especially after a breakup with her ex that leaves her feeling less than herself. She’s trying to do something with her life and to find meaning for herself while she’s still young (she’s barely in her early 20’s!!!). Enter the hot doctor next door who just so happens to need a nanny!

Ryan Rosche is the temporary guardian for his two nieces and he’s also an ER doctor, so with his work schedule, he needs help with a preschooler and teenager. So not only do we have an age gap, forced proximity because she moves in, we also have forbidden because they want to keep it professional for the sake of the kids and to not prove her grandmother right.

With all of that said, there is such a slowburn where you just want them to kiss or hug or interact!! And that’s okay!! But I truly wish we would have gotten more. More time of them together, more time with their interactions, and more time watching them grow together. Knowing that it’s the last in this series makes me sad because we won’t get that - but the epilogue definitely wraps up their story, as well as all of the other characters we saw in this standalone interconnected series.

Thank you to Kristin Canary for an ARC of this in return for an honest review!

Ryan and Kennedy were the perfect ending to the California Dreamin’ series!

Stars: 5/5
Spice: 0/5 (Closed-Door)

Kennedy has moved in with her sister after a bad breakup. She’s trying to figure out what she wants to do and who she really is after this relationship where she kind of lost herself. Enter Ryan, the handsome doctor next door, who desperately needs help caring for his nieces, Ava & Mila. Kennedy needs more work than her current job allows, so she offers the help Ryan needs.

I absolutely loved Ryan & Kennedy’s meet-cute – brownie points that it involved an adorable dog. Ryan’s nieces broke my heart and made me laugh all at once. And the way that Ryan & Kennedy were everything for each other – everything they needed but didn’t realize until it showed up in the other person – chef’s kiss! And as a southern gal born and raised, Ryan’s accent and mannerisms were spot on, which I highly appreciated. If you love: nanny/boss, single guardian, age gap, city girl/country boy, found family – you’ll love this book! Highly recommend!

TW: Death of a loved one (past, off page), alcoholism, abandonment by a parent

Thank you Kristin for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

*I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Going into this book, I was not sure how I was going to like it. I loved book 5 in the series, and I was not super impressed with Kennedy so far. However, I should have known that because Kristin wrote it, I would love it. This book is my favorite one in the series! I am not quite sure how that happened, but Kennedy and Ryan will forever be imprinted on my heart!

I love how Ryan stepped up and took his nieces in. He has such a big heart. I LOVED getting to see this new side of Kennedy. She's independent, and I love how she did everything she could to connect with Ava and Mila. She loves those girls big, and I love how she fits into their family. The chemistry between Kennedy and Ryan is amazing!

This book will always have a special place in my heart. I can't wait to dive into Kristin's next series!

Content Warning:
-Mom with a drinking problem sent to jail for DUI
-Main character previously dealt with a serious illness
-Main character dealing with a manipulative family member
-Kisses Only
*This is a clean closed-door romance book.