The Cul-de-sac War is a light hearted and fun little read that I blew through in a couple hours. It’s a squeaky clean slow burn romance with lots of comedy, and I loved the prank war between Bree and Chip. Such a cute book!

This was such a fun, light read. The romance was slow burn between Bree and Chip, but I liked that. I loved their antics and wit.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

A little over a year ago or so, I had the pleasure of reading Melissa Ferguson's The Dating Charade. I so enjoyed this humorous romance that also took on a few weighty topics as well. Naturally, when I saw she had a new book out- one that seemed as though it would offer that same humor that I previously enjoyed as well- I couldn't wait to check it out for myself. While it was certainly a fun and lighthearted quick read, I must admit it didn't quite live up to the expectations I'd had from the previous book.

In this book, we meet Bree as she's working as an actress, living in her grandma's home of which she'd partially inherited. Her life gets turned upside down when construction worker Chip moves next door. Through a series of unfortunate misunderstandings, the two get off on the wrong foot and their neighborly battle gets a little out of hand. The war that follows is humorous and certainly kept me involved in the story to the end. It was fun and certainly the break from reality so many of us need. I must admit though, I didn't connect with the characters as much as I would have liked. This kept me from fully enjoying the story as much as I believe I could have otherwise. Still as a fun, lighthearted read I'd still give it a solid 3.5 stars.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

This was a perfect romantic comedy! I have read many rom-coms, and this book had the best meet-cute I have ever read. I laughed throughout the book at the "war" between the protagonists, Bree and Chip. Lately, I have gotten to where I haven't read many rom-coms because I hate the formulaic, cheesy writing most seem to have become, but this is definitely not the case with The Cul-de-sac War. The hilarious, laugh out loud antics of Bree and Chip kept me turning the pages just to see what they would come up next. Along with the perfect ending, this is romantic comedy at its best. I could definitely see this book turned into a movie. I look forward to more books by Melissa Ferguson, who has become one of my favorite authors of this genre.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson for the DRC!

Well, it took me too long to finish this book. I almost DNF.
The reason is just because it didn't bring anything *new* to me as a reader. I have the feeling that I've read so many similar stories already (in books or fanfics). And even though I love a cliché romance, this time I didn't feel the *sparks*. I just didn't get attached to the characters. I wasn't truly surprised by anything. I really wanted to fall in love with them, but it didn't happen.

It's a sweet story, though. I'm sure many readers will enjoy it. I guess it just didn't work for me right now.

This was a pretty cute little read! The shenanigans were quite entertaining and even though there wasn't a lot of romance throughout, the hint of it was enough to keep me reading. I had quite a few giggles and especially enjoyed the silly dog, Russell. I enjoyed that theatre and tap dancing were a part of the story, could've had more as well. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Bree is a free spirit, who does not want to be tied down. Bree is ready to make a move again, when her parents give her an offer she can’t refuse. She just needs to stay in one place for a year, and then she can have her grandmothers home. Chip is the complete opposite, and he’s also Bree’s new neighbor. If she wasn’t stuck for the next year, she would leave. But instead, she is going to try and drive him out of the house and the cul-de-sac. Let the pranks begin!

Oh my goodness, this book was so cute! I loved the pranks between Bree and Chip. Some of the things they thought of were hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud multiple times while reading. I loved the characters in the book, especially Chip’s dog Russell. This book was a light hearted rom-com and I loved every minute of it. If you’re looking for a good and clean slow burn romance, I highly recommend checking this one out!

From the opening scene wardrobe malfunction I thought I would really enjoy The Cul-de-sac War but it lost me pretty quickly after that. Unfortunately, I know it is human nature to judge people but I just couldn't get over how quickly Bree judged Chip even after he helped her and never even tried to get to know him for such a long time after the first night meeting. The pranks are kinda funny but get old after a while, and for me they made it even harder to believe they would ever get together. This book will probably be liked by many other people but there was just something about it that felt off and when I like the pets in a book more than the main characters there is a problem.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read the ARC of this book for a honest review.

The Cul-de-Sac War
by Melissa Ferguson
Back of the Book: “Bree Leake doesn’t want to be tied down. She’s had more jobs than she can count, and she plans to move as soon as the curtains fall on her less-than-minor stage role at The Barter—the oldest live performance theater in the US. But just when it’s time to move on again, Bree’s parents make her an offer: hold steady for a full year, and they will give her the one thing she’s always wanted—her grandmother’s house. Her dreams are coming true . . . until life at the theater throws her some curve balls.
And then there’s Chip McBride—her handsome and infuriating next-door neighbor.
Chip just might be the only person whose stubborn streak can match Bree’s. She would move heaven and earth to have him off her cul-de-sac and out of her life, but according to the bargain she’s struck, she can’t move out of her house and away from the man who’s making her life miserable. So begins Bree’s obsessive new mission: to drive Chip out of the neighborhood—and fast.
Bree isn’t the only one who’s a tad competitive, and Chip is more than willing to fight fire with fire. But as their pranks escalate, the line between love and hate starts to blur—and their heated rivalry threatens to take a hilarious, heartwarming, and romantic new turn.”
Impressions: This was a fun, clean romance.
Liked: The banter between these neighbors was entertaining. These two were made for each other and it was amusing to watch their antics draw them together.
Disliked: Things ended well between the characters but rather than creating closure to their banter and a vague opening to their future, the author gives an epilogue 2 years in the future. In this case, I didn’t care for the epilogue. It was a bit too picture-perfect. Although this book held humor throughout it also touched on bigger emotions such as self-doubt, and grief. I think the epilogue cheapened the characters.
Learned: You never know what others are going through that shape their words and actions. Be patient and show grace more. Impressions can be deceiving.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This story opens with a wardrobe malfunction that made me smile as Bree seeks a way to fix the costume before she delivered her next line. She gets help from an unexpected source, which also made me chuckle. I was excited about possibly seeing more of this historical theater in the story.

Main character Bree Leake is a free spirit type person trying to fit into a structured world. New neighbor Chip McBride has a dog that drives Bree crazy. This small miniature pony size dog loves Bree. This makes Chip laugh and Bree furious. This author had all the elements for a great story. Especially that the setting was in The Barter theater. It is the oldest live performance theater in Abingdon, Virginia. The theater is a wonderful setting for this novel. I would have liked the author to have shown us more about this historic place.

I found it hard to relate to the two main characters and their situations. This is an entertaining read I wanted more from. I enjoy books that have rich, developed characters. I wanted to be shown more things instead of being told them.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

The Cul-de-Sac War is a fun, romantic romp through a dilapidated old theater and a comfortable old neighborhood. I received a complementary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Bree Leake just moved to the city and is trying to make it as an actress in the oldest live performance theatre in the U.S. As she is trying to fix a wardrobe malfunction, she literally runs into Chip McBride whose duct tape works miracles. Being a success in the play is important to Bree, not just because she's an aspiring actress, but because her parents promised her ownership of her grandmother's house if she can last a year in the city. She's made a good start, but an annoying neighbor with an equally annoying, and giant, dog moved next door in the cul-de-sac. The dog is madly in love with Bree, the neighbor, who turns out to be Chip, not so much. What follows is a prank war of epic proportions. Bree is in real danger of losing her house and her wacky roommate, Chip is in danger of losing a bid to restore the old theatre. Both stand the chance of losing out on the relationship that may be real love. Readers who enjoy a great rom-com will love this book. I look forward to reading more by Melissa Ferguson.

I really wanted to like this story more. Some clever elements: the notion of new neighbours in a cul-de-sac discovering romance after squabbles over adjoining fences and huge dogs, small town supporting cast that added to the humour, some endearing family members who demonstrated real support and love and two leads trying to get a start in new careers finding mutual support in the other.

Ferguson can write well. Having read her first story she has an interesting take on romance as in both stories there actually isn't a lot of 'romance' between her two leads and in fact, the romance becomes a sideline event in some ways. In this one I found the romance unconvincing. Having competed in 'who can play the best prank on the other' for much of the story, the couple came together over sharing common grief stories. Grief has a way of creating an unusual situation between two people and often isn't the best gauge for what will constitute a good setting for enduring love.

The pranks, even though mostly funny and there's one that is hilarious, got tiresome and I struggled to see how Bree and Chip could grow to like each other. However, I must admit I'm not a huge fan of pranks especially when it becomes a prolonged habit. I also wondered how both actually made a living, Chip renovating his own home having left the family construction business, and Bree playing ensemble roles in a small town theatre company. And both pitching for gigs that really were simply out of their respective leagues. It kinda just added to the implausibility of the story for me.

Clearly, this story works for many readers and I'm really pleased that is case. It just wasn't my cup of tea.

I received an early edition ebook copy as part of the HCCP First Editions Reviewers program via NetGalley with no expectation of a favourable review.

This book was really cute and while I liked it for the most part, there wasn't quite enough truly funny moments in for me. Which could be entirely my sense of humor. Something just felt a little bit off. Overall though it was a really cute book, and would make a really great hallmark movie. In the end though it just wasn't for me.

The Cul-de-Sac War by Melissa Ferguson is, in my humble opinion, a perfect Contemporary Romance. This story is so engaging and engrossing I literally lost time. Reading hours passed in minutes. I absolutely adore Bree and Chip and their insta-attraction-hate-love relationship. I found the pacing between the insta-attraction to hate to friendship to admitting romantic feelings very well done. Nothing feels too soon or too unrealistic. The pranks Bree and Chip pull on one another were some parts shocking and all parts hilarious. This story made me laugh out loud, but it also brought tears to my eyes. The Cul-de-Sac War illustrates real life — life-like characters, real-life issues and struggles, and real-life mistakes — and I appreciated that in this fictional escape. It turns out, this story was the cathartic read I didn’t even know I needed. Truly, The Cul-de-Sac War is a must-read story!

There really is so much to love about this novel. Ferguson brings up several compelling themes. I particularly appreciate the discussion on the dream of life we have when we are young versus reality. When we are young, for the most part, we dream about the golden-age of adulthood. We imagine this golden-era of adulthood as being a rosy-colored time of prosperity, freedom, and friendship and love. We imagine amazing well-paying jobs, fun nights out with friends, and falling in love with “the one.” But reality is different. I’m not sure there ever is a “golden-age” of adulthood. Don’t get me wrong, there are some seriously amazing moments that take place during the adult years: meeting new friends, being promoted at your job, falling in love with your spouse, holding your child for the first time, etc. These are all amazing moments, but that’s all they are — moments. In reality, adulting is hard. It’s dealing with bills, illnesses, family turmoils, politics, waking up EVERY DAY to go to work, making dinner, budgeting, and recognizing that life is NOT stable ever. Chip, the superb hero of The Cul-de-Sac War, has dreams. He wants the house, the girlfriend, and the job. He is absolutely willing to put in all the hard work to get these things, but life constantly chooses to go against Chip’s perfect plans, and it’s so frustrating. But that’s the point. We humans are not in control. We live in a fallen, unstable world. The only thing we have control over is HOW we behave and act as life hits us in the face every day. While Chip does sort of understand this fact because life has hurt him some in the past, it is fun as the reader to watch as Chip navigates his life and his plans once he meets Bree. Boy, is his life turned upside down!

The Cul-de-Sac War is a seriously excellent Contemporary Romance. I cannot recommend this book enough. It’s well-written, witty, hilarious, and romantic. It’s not standard fluff, but rather it’s full of substance. I implore you to purchase a copy today. You won’t be disappointed you did!

I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, via NetGalley, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is a fun read. These two characters will have you laughing at their crazy antics. Two people couldn’t be more different yet fit perfectly together.

There isn’t a huge faith element in this book but it is there a tiny bit.

I enjoyed Bree’s acting journey since I have been in plays myself and direct them, it make it interesting to read about a character who is involved in theater.

If you are looking for a lighter read you will enjoy this.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.

#BookReview: The Cul-de-Sac War 3 stars

I heard good things about the Dating Charade so I definitely wanted to read this. I wanted to like this but it isn’t for me. The writing is okay, the plot is engaging enough and the characters are likeable. It took me over half way of the book to kind of like it. I hope things will turn out great for them. This is a rom-com but the humor is not for me. I like that it’s a clean read though and the characters value their family. I love the scene with Chip and his dad during the bid.

Thank you #netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

This was meh for me. I love a good hate to love romance but I just found these two boring and the plot was uninspired. Pass.
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you are looking for a romance that is light, clean, and fun I'd recommend The Cul-de-sac Wars . Reading about these neighbors, complete with an adorable dog , it is impossible not to smile and feel lighter. Like a feel-good movie this book is a perfect pick me up.

A fun feel-good story! Bree is a free spirit currently acting as a fairy at the local theater. Chip is a little more buttoned up trying to branch away from the family business. Bree and Chip’s pass first cross when Bree is having a costume mishap during her performance and Chip comes to her rescue. Their paths cross again later that night when Bree is followed home by an obnoxious driver in a big truck just to find out it is Chip and he is now her new neighbor. A broken waterline and an overly zealous dog leads to a succession of somewhat neighborly pranks. An easy breezy read packed with folly, whimsy, animals, Family, laughs, and heart.

This was an engaging squeaky clean slow burn romance. Both Bree and Chip were likable characters and I found myself laughing several times throughout the story. Kate Rudd does an amazing job narrating this audiobook. She is such a tremendous voice actress and gave each of these characters such a colorful recognizable voice. This is the perfect book to pop in your ear and escape into for the afternoon.

This book in emojis 🧝🏻‍♀️ 🐶 🪣 🔨 🎭

*** Big thank you to Thomas Nelson for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

THE FINE LINE BETWEEN LOVE AND HATE!

Melissa Ferguson has written two of my favorite rom-coms in the last year, The Dating Charade and now the delightful The Cul-de-Sac War. Ferguson’s characters are so relatable that you feel like they have become your close friends by the end of the novel. They are just normal. They are people just going through life, trying to make their way, in spite of some false starts and wrong turns and they make you want to cheer them on to becoming their best!

Ferguson introduces us to Bree Leake, a free spirit who has had multiple jobs in attempting to discover her passion. Her latest landing is at The Barter, the nation's oldest live performance theater in Abingdon, Virginia. When that gig is up, her parents make her an offer she thinks she cannot refuse. If she can hold down a job there for a year, she can have her Grandmother’s house! It is a DREAM come true — until it quickly is not.

Enter the new neighbor in the cul-de-sac, Chip McBride. Oh, Chip is mighty fine looking. The kind of guy that distracts you and makes you do incredibly stupid things like burn your breakfast while sneaking looks at him out of your windows! He is also very nice. So what is the problem you ask? His D.O.G. Not just any dog mind you, rather a dog the size of a small car! If that is not bad enough, the dog has a Mad Crush on Bree!! His love for Bree is all consuming to the point she cannot even get out of her car in her own driveway! Bree finally gives Chip an ultimatum to install an underground fence. He almost meets the deadline. She is okay with things until someone mentions it is TELEPHONE WIRE in the trench and not Invisible Fence Wire! Let the Games Begin! From this point on, it is all out WAR to best the other in pranks to drive each other CRAZY. The antics are hilarious! And, of course, with each new prank, they become even more devious! While waging the War, Bree and Chip are each fighting for their Big Break in their careers. They finally are forced to take a step back and take a look at how over the top their attacks have become. Upon further reflection, have they become obsessed with the War or with each other?? A truly delightful read!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this novel by Thomas Nelson Publishers & NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.