I really enjoyed this story. Wyatt and Shay had great chemistry and I loved all the supporting characters. This book is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. I loved Wyatt, he's pretty typical alpha cop and I loved watching him try to figure out his feelings and what was going on between him and Shay. I enjoyed Shay too but she was occasionally difficult for me to understand. I loved that she was strong and independent but she occasionally got on my nerves for her refusal to accept help even when she needed it and her never ever protect me from things attitude. It took her pretty much the whole book to lear the difference between protection because you can't handle things and protection because I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you which for an alpha cop like Wyatt was tough at times. I did really enjoy this book though so if you are looking for a fun romance with a great cast of characters you should give this one a try. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through Neet Galley in exchange for an honest review.

I always enjoy a romance book with some suspense thrown in & this one was no exception.

I had read a few bad reviews prior to reading this book complaining about lack of chemistry between the characters & a storyline that was lacking but for me I thought the story was great & I really liked not only the main characters but the secondary ones too.

In this case I would say don't judge the book by the negative reviews, not everyone will like every book but give this book a chance & make your own mind up.

This was like a 4.5 for me. I really loved that this book had a combo of romance and thriller suspense, and one didn't overshadow the other! I'm also a sucker for detectives, but come on, Wyatt totally held his own. Yes, he got involved with the current mystery and worked it, but majority of the time, I got to look at what'd happened to him after a bad undercover run, and see all of that bad goodness. I got more 'him' than the work itself, which I seriously appreciated. It let me have that taste of detective genre while getting to be more personable with the jaded neighbor that had walls up to here.

Shay was pretty fun. A little stubborn to a point, but I was okay with that because she learns from it in the end. I thought the whole thing was perfect except for one thing that kinda made my head turn sideways in a confused manner. Otherwise, I liked the romance, the writing style, and the characters. Very satisfied!

This is the second book in the series but definitely can be read as a standalone. I didn't read book one but after finishing this, I need to read Gabby and Owen's story!!

Shay moved to Boston to find her place and stand on her own after a lifetime of coddling by her parents and older brothers. Wyatt is a detective who recently ended an undercover assignment and is having some difficulty readjusting to regular civilian life. The chemistry between these two was immediate but both are doing their absolute best to resist the pull.

This story is told in dual POV. Wyatt wasn't much of a bad boy but I could see how his secrecy could lead the other tenants in the building to thinking that he's not a good guy. Shay was bubbly and tried to make every one her friend. This book had a bit of everything: sweet, suspense, and awesome side characters. I'm looking forward to Brady and Mia's story!!

*This is my voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy*

“When I’m around you, I feel like the world isn’t as bad as it seems.”

When I read books like this, I feel like the world isn't as bad as it seems. Because books like this are why I love romance. The Bad Boy Next Door is an adorable and super sweet read. Fluffy, light and fun.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and it was fantastic to return to Kendrick Place, especially seeing Gabby and Owen again, because *sigh* they are just so cute. This time though, we get to hang out with the gruff and broody Wyatt—who is just bad enough to be interesting and sexy, but not so bad as to make me want to give up on him—and Shay, a recent Boston transplant.

While I loved Wyatt, his protective nature and grumpy reluctance to let Shay in, I struggled a little more with Shay. I liked her, and I certainly loved her with Wyatt, but there were moments when her… ungratefulness (?) bothered me a touch. However, her drive and her sass were, for the most part, very much on-point, and ultimately, I came to root for her.

The Bad Boy Next Door is an quick, easy and clean read—though fade-to-black isn't something I mind, I do feel compelled to note that some of the breaks were a little off, which made it slightly difficult to follow the transitions—and one that sets up what I assume will be Brady’s book next.

Ultimately, this is a feel-good romance, that will leave you feeling content; happily romanced, lost in a little bad boy/good girl fantasy and hopefully, like me, eager to return to Kendrick Place soon.

Her smile made him feel like he’d won the lottery, made his heart beat like a drum.
You’re mine.

~ FOUR STARS ~

Shay wants to break away from her over protective family. She wants a fresh start without any romantic entanglements. She wasn't expecting to meet anyone who would tempt her to lose focus.
Wyatt is a detective, he has recently finished an under cover job and just trying to get used to normal life. He is not ready for relationships. Right now he is learning to be social again. So when he meets his next door neighbor and is attracted to her, he just tries to ignore it. But will they both be able to deny their mutual attraction for long?
I enjoyed reading this book. It was a good read for me. I think anyone who likes contemporary romance will love it.

Another fantastic book in the Kendrick Place Series by Jody Holford about starting over and finding out who you truly are.

The Bad Boy Next Door by Jody Holford is an opposite attract story. While it was an enjoyable read, it was not quite a believable one. Shay and Wyatt jump got on each other’s last nerve too much for me to believe that she would choose him. Wyatt is not a bad boy but an undercover officer who is more jaded than the rest of the apartment complex inhabitants. Shay is young energetic, full of life, hopes and dreams, maybe a bit naïve which goes with the rest of her perfectly.

That was an interesting part to me seeing how they would work everything out. I never doubted that in the end Shay would choose him, even if I didn’t believe in real life she really would. So overall, it is a lighthearted romantic read making me think of the old sitcoms where the female lead is newly on her own.

The Bad Boy Next Door by Jody Holford is Book 2 of the Kendrick Place Series. While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.

Ms. Holford brings us back to Kendrick Place and with it, she once again delivers interesting characters that shine in the wonderful world she created. The Bad Boy Next Door is a fast and fun read that has a nice balance of romance and drama. I enjoyed this even more with the focus centering on Shay and Wyatt’s building of their relationship than on sex. Nicely done!

Please note that an ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.

Going back to Kendrick Place was great fun and I LOVED Wyatt and Shay's story. With glimpses of Wyatt in the first book I was so excited to see this was his story. Ms. Holford didn't let me down! Wyatt is a bit gruff, grumpy and distracted but when his new neighbor Shay Matthews busts into his life he doesn't stand a chance. She's sweet, kind, and definitely innocent but she has the determination of a bulldog and she slowly wins the tough detective over. Shay knows Wyatt isn't the kind of guy that would be best for her but she can't resist. Besides, she'd always gone with what was best. Maybe now was the time to go with something just a little bit bad!

This is a fun, light hearted read with a touch of suspense thrown in for good measure. It is the second book in the series but works well as a standalone, too.

Being the youngest sister with three older brothers means that for all of her life Shay Matthews has had them checking out she's okay, protecting her and she's had enough. Deciding it is time she took control of her own life and had some freedom, she's moved to Boston, secretly planning to set up her own events planning business. Brady, the building manager for the building where containing her new flat, seems sweet and caring, ready to help when necessary but he warns her off the neighbour she literally ran into, Wyatt Daniels. Wyatt, however, is a severe temptation to Shay, making her feel things she'd never felt before. He's a detective returning from traumatic experiences whilst working undercover. He's still skittish, brooding and definitely not ready for a relationship as he's struggling to readjust to 'normal' life- but fate has other plans for these two!

The story has plenty of drama with a mystery attacker, drug dealer and a diverse group of neighbours. The author sets a steady pace, keeping the action flowing and the reader entertained. Breaking down self built protective barriers is never easy but the rewards of trusting and taking a chance on love can be tremendous. In this story, it can take you to the sun, moon and stars and back but you'll just have to read it yourself to discover where that reference fits in with the story!

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a cute, light hearted romance with just a little suspense added for extra taste!

Thanks to the publisher for enabling me to read a copy of this via NetGalley. This is my honest review.

Bad Boy Next Door was a very enjoyable story. Wyatt, a detective that had been working undercover; and Shay, an overprotected woman trying to Branch out and find herself along with her freedom to stretch her wings, brings a fun storyline to life.

This was my first read by Jody and I was overall pleased with the story. Jody has a great ability to write an alpha and brave heroine that doesn't get lost in the story of the alpha. Wyatt is pretty instantly attracted to Shay and wants to protect her while keeping his distance. Shay wants to find her way, while building a relationship with Wyatt.

Overall this was a great read and I can't wait to read more from Jody.

Shay is determined to start over, away from her overprotective family & her past mistakes. She jumped on the opportunity to move without having a job lined up. She has a fairly nice apartment lined up that seems safe, until she's knocked out by the storage units.

Wyatt is tired & jaded. He's just come off an undercover operation where he was almost taken advantage of. He thought she wanted out of the life but instead, she wanted to use him. He doesn't want to connect with society & isn't even sure he can - until he meets Shay. She's managed to get under his shell & leave him wanting more.

I really enjoyed this one. It was a lighthearted romance with a touch of suspense. Shay & Wyatt are attracted to each other but are both trying to fight it. The characters are well developed & their descriptions are detailed enough that I was able to picture Wyatt in my mind. The supporting characters add dimension & depth to the story. I didn't read the first to this series & was not lost so I feel it can definitely be read as a stand alone.

I’ve been excited for The Boy Next door ever since I read the first book in this series, More Than Friends. And while this book was a decent read, it wasn’t quite what I was hoping for. Wyatt was introduced in book one as one of the residents as Kendrick Place, and he was very growly. Well, it’s a damn good thing I like growly heroes, because that growliness was in full force in this book. Wyatt is just about the growliest hero I’ve ever read. (That’s FOUR ‘growlies’ for anyone keeping tally - five now!) I loved that he’d recently come out from being undercover and how he was having a hard time making the adjustment back to his ‘regular’ life after the things horrific things he’d seen, and the betrayal he felt from one of his informants. Wyatt wasn’t so jaded when he went undercover, but he had trust issues galore after what happened, and it didn’t work out so well for Shay. Shay was a likable character, and I think she’s someone I’d even like for a friend. But I don’t understand why everyone around her had their protective instincts kick in when she was around. It felt very much like a contrivance because Shay’s ‘thing’ was getting away from her family to be more independent. And I understand that, but there were times her determination to be independent got on my nerves when there were much better solutions available than going something alone. It was sheer stubbornness, and it’s adorable in the two year old I babysit, but not so much a grown woman I’m reading about.

What I find is often the case for me in Contemporary Romance is that Shay was an average heroine. Which I am fine with, but there has to be something (especially when we get the hero’s perspective,) that makes her extraordinary in the eyes of her hero. I didn’t get that here. Also, there was so much build up to how sexy Wyatt was, and then the sex scenes were...fade to black. I even had to go back and read the first one because...ahem...I’d missed it. I wish sexy Wyatt hadn’t been so fade to black, because I think there was a lot of heat to be had between those sheets of his.

Of course this book introduced us to a few new people who could be prospective players in the next few books, and I may stick around for them. I did enjoy Wyatt’s character very much, I just wish he’d been fleshed out a bit more, so it makes me want to read more from the author. Overall, this was a good read, and if you enjoyed the first one in the series, I think you’ll find things about this one to enjoy.

Sweet Shay, Sexy Wyatt
Shay has never stuck with anything but her family has always been there for her regardless but after falling for lies from her married professor she decides that she must stand on her own two feet and moves to Boston even though she doesn't have a job. One of the first people she meets in her new apartment building is the moody detective Wyatt; despite knowing that the temporary manager Brady would be better for her, it is Wyatt for whom her heart jumps. Fab love story, thoroughly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

Shay Matthews moved to Boston to start over. She left an over protective family and a bad relationship behind. She has had trouble finding her niche in life, starting and stopping many different things. When she gets to Boston, she starts an event planning business. Shay’s character is supposed to come across as sunshiny, but she is so immature and has so many insecurities that it doesn’t work.

Wyatt Daniels is coming off an undercover assignment that has forever changed him. He is trying to find light in all his darkness. He’s no longer working undercover and is a detective with Boston PD. I didn’t see him as the bad boy next door. Yes, he was dark, surly, moody and kept to himself. Who wouldn’t be after being undercover for so long and dealing with the fallout? Not my definition of a bad boy.

I didn’t really feel the connection between the two. And why was he apologizing for her insecurities? These two are so far apart in their experiences, world views and personalities they just didn’t come across as believable together.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley.

3.5 Stars!

Wyatt is a detective who's just come off of undercover work and he's struggling with adjusting back to society. He's the kind of alpha I like to read about. He's tough, protective but standoffish. He meets Shay and is instantly attracted but doesn't think he's in the right mind to do anything about it. There was a lot of pushing away by Wyatt and he did struggle with communicating with Shay.

Shay is breaking away from her overprotective family to start out on her own. She admitted she's been spoiled her whole life and wants this chance to make it on her own. Despite being spoiled, she came off as responsible and capable but also too headstrong and stubborn. A woman should not complain about her man wanting to protect and care for her. I did like how upfront and honest she was with Wyatt and she didn't become a doormat.

I would have liked Wyatt to have stopped the pushing away sooner in the story and for Shay to be just a bit less stubborn about his protectiveness. Overall, I'm a fan of this author and what I've read from her so far. This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone.

ARC provided by NetGalley.

This is a quick and sweet read and I actually read it in one sitting because I was invested in where the relationship between Shay and Wyatt was going. Jody Holford does a wonderful job with this one and focuses more on the relationship (which is a bit angsty) than sex (making it a classy read in my eyes). Now, while I found it a little hard to fully connect with the characters, I did enjoy reading their story and will continue with the series because it is quite enjoyable overall.

Fans of lighthearted, contemporary romances with a tiny bit of suspense thrown in for good measure (and to keep thins interesting for us readers) would more than likely enjoy this novel. I am excited to see where the author takes this series next based on this book and felt like it was a great palate cleanser from the books that I normally read.

The Bad Boy Next Door is the second book in the Kendrick Place series, but it's the first one I've had the chance to read. I can promise you this works just fine as a standalone, but it made me curious and hungry for Gabby and Owen's story - so I'll definitely be circling back around to grab More Than Friends.

Here's the thing about Jody Holford books - they're consistently completely engaging and charming. I always go into them feeling unsure if this is going to click for me, and then every single time I wind up flipping the last page with a huge smile on my face. She’s a fantastic storyteller and I get sucked in, every time.

I loved Wyatt and Shay - I connected easily with both of them and loved their banter, the way they communicated, and that sparky connection between them. I felt like the chemistry in this book was spot on, and my heart did that delicious dip and race thing that happens when I connect with the romance in a book. I loved it so much.

This is a sweet book - as in, the emphasis is on the sweet. The steamy scenes are fade-to-black, and the bad boy is not the same kind of bad boy you’ll find in an intense and gritty romance. It’s all relative and I still got the bad boy vibe from Wyatt – it’s just that his soft underbelly stole the show (which is actually a thing that I loved – like, a lot). None of this is a problem for me because I feel like Ms. Holford still managed to nail the sizzling connection between Shay and Wyatt, and really, the sweetness is what I want to read anyway.

I did feel like some of the transitions were a little jerky and I was whipped out of one scene into another - which was sometimes a little jarring. However, beyond that (and that's not a major complaint by any means), I completely enjoyed this story.

This was a fun, heartwarming story with a little punch of suspense - and I'm excited for more from this series. If you're looking for something light, sweet, but with enough of a burn to keep your heart fluttering - pick this book up.

Loved this book! It had so many funny moments, where I related with the characters and wanted to jump into the story to join them. It's always amazing when an author can create a world that so tempts the reader.

Shay Matthews has just moved to Boston, escaping from a love affair gone wrong and an overprotective family. While moving in to her new apartment, she quickly realizes that making a fresh start is hard when temptation in the form of Wyatt Daniels is standing right in front of her. Wyatt is a detective with no time to mingle with the new girl in the building, but when they keep running into each other, he finds it's going to be hard to stay away. When Shay is in danger, Wyatt's protective instincts kick in, and soon they are becoming more than just neighbors.

The chemistry with this couple was off the charts! Their attraction was instantaneous, but once they actually began talking, I was so excited. The banter, the laughter, and the shy smiles were adorable, and I just knew they would be a couple to remember. Sadly, the sexy times faded to black, so I did feel a bit of disappointment. Because given their connection, you know the sex scenes would have been *amazing*! Shay was cute, quirky, and generous, with a personality that seemed to grab each person she met. Wyatt was a loner, antisocial, and thoroughly uninterested in people until Shay came along, which made his character development all the sweeter. The ending will make you smile.

I am excited to read the next book in this series! I imagine it will be Brady and Mia, which promises to be fun given their interactions. And Brady is a sweetheart who needs a happily-ever-after.