Neighbors with Benefits by Marissa Clarke Series: Anderson Brothers #2
Publisher: Entangled Lovestruck on June 30, 2015
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Adult
Pages: 225
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Purchase: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads
Rating:
Love thy sexy jerk of a neighbor…
CEO Michael Anderson might be something of a “control freak.” Still, he’s not quite sure why his therapist thinks dogsitting will fix anything—especially since he and the canine share a kind of mutual loathing. And to make matters worse, a house sitter moves in next door disrupting his peace—and his dates—with the worst possible music at the worst possible time... every time.
Free-spirited artist Mia Argaropolis has settled into the perfect gig—housesitting in NYC’s Upper West Side while working as an art therapist. Too bad she’s stuck living next door to a bossy control freak with a penchant for calling building security when she blasts music to drown out the noises coming through his bedroom wall.
Post-apocalyptic dinner rolls that nearly take her kitchen with them, a douchebag ex, and a Shih Tzu with the personality of Godzilla attack Mia in one day, and her unlikely neighbor comes to the rescue. Like it was her fault. And now, somehow, they find themselves engaged? Both agree, this neighborly feud just got taken to a whole new level.
At A Glance
Opposites attract and I like it!
The Good
I haven’t read the first book but it wasn’t needed, this book holds up all on its own. We have flighty, free-spirited Mia who flies by the seat of her pants and doesn’t like making plans. Then we have Michael, her uptight, stuffy neighbor who would have a conniption fit if things didn’t go his way. Despite how different their lifestyles are, they find themselves helping each other with a few problems and accidentally falling for each other.
I loved the whole opposites attract concept. It’s been used but I honestly don’t think it gets old. I kind of didn’t get why these two liked each other but for some reason it worked. Michael actually grew on me the most. I understood his all business/no play attitude but he really opened up the most. Mia brought out the best in him. Mia also gained confidence because Michael believed in her the whole time. Her friends were kind of jerks so I understood why she doubted herself so much.
PS: I loved the dog! He made the story so much more enjoyable.
The Bad
The misunderstanding got old real fast. Mia’s hang-ups almost ruined this whole book. I wanted the drama to stem from something more realistic and authentic.
The Snuggly
We get some hot sex! I loved how wild Michael ended up being in the bedroom.
Final Thoughts
In the end, I felt satisfied and Mia and Michael together felt right. It wasn’t an original concept and there was some flaws, but it was an enjoyable read. Recommended
Quotes
“If there was anything he’d learned in his life, it was to fight fire with fire, and if that didn’t work, piss on the fire to put it out.”
“How did you know the dog was a boy before you read the tag?”
Looking up at him with her cinnamon-colored eyes, she stated very matter-of-factly, “Boys have penises.”
At that moment, Michael was very aware that he, himself, was a boy.”
“She had no doubt in her mind what he was going to do. And while her ever-elusive shred of common sense squealed, “no,” every thing else in her shouted, “Bring it on.”
Lekeisha
Now, I’d read this just for Micheal’s character. I love it when uptight characters loosen up and be more open to suggestions. Not a bad thing about the bedroom either. LOL! I’d def read this one!
Jennifer Bielman
hehe, me too. I feel like I can relate to him.
kindlemom1
Glad you weren’t lost by starting this before the other! I love the dog element, they really do add to the story!
Too bad all the misunderstandings got old fast, I hate it when there is too much angst like that. Overall though it doesn’t sound like this was too bad of a read.
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, angst is the word. Too much of that.
Kristin
LoL I love that you favorite part of the book was the dog. Makes me want to read the story even if it is a worn out love trope.
Jennifer Bielman
I love animals in fiction. as long as they don’t die. lol.
sherry fundin
I love dogs so any time they can be given a role, I love it.
Jennifer Bielman
I agree. Love me some animals!
kimbacaffeinate
Darn drama..and this series has brothers..I love that but nope if it wa bad enough to almost ruin your read I cannot see adding it.
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, drama was a little silly.
Red Iza
This book would look very good if it wasn’t for the misunderstanding – it’s one of my pet peeves… Thanks for the warning 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
Oh yeah, then it might not be for you.
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
Yay for the dog 🙂 This sounds like a cute series…I like “Opposites attract” as long as the Drama isn’t tooo much!
Jennifer Bielman
The drama was like medium level.
Braine Talk Supe
Oh yes, opposites attract themed novels is usually rife with great romantic tension. That’s the reason why I love this trope too! Too bad the lady was a bit of a drama queen.
Jennifer Bielman
I love opposites attract even though it’s been done so many times.
Jaclyn Canada
I love the whole opposites attract thing as well. Especially when you can see honest growth in the characters from their time spent together. I think it’s great that you threw the bit in there about the dog 😀 They can add a lot to a story with just their presence. So glad you enjoyed!
Jennifer Bielman
Animals can add so much to stories. I love it.