Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley, Kathryn Freeman, and One More Chapter for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.

I had the opportunity to take part in an Instagram Takeover for Mr. Right Across the Street on the One More Chapter IG page! It was a lot of fun, and I got to talk about some of the things I already liked about the novel without revealing any spoilers.

To sum up my thoughts, I really enjoyed how the relationship evolved throughout the novel. It may not have been ideal, and I understand that Mia was going through some past trauma from her ex-boyfriend, but from what Luke had to work with, it worked out really well. Funny enough, I actually go into the backstory for Mia and Luke in this post, but for review purposes, I’ll do another brief recap:

Mia recently moved to Manchester to escape her stalker ex-boyfriend. Nobody but her family knows where she is or what her phone number is since she changed that too. When she goes down to the bar attached to the complex she lives in, she meets Luke the bartender and owner who is pretty hot. While she’s possibly okay with being friends with him – she doesn’t date playboys after all – she refuses to give out her number for those obvious reasons. It also just so happens that Luke and Mia live right across the street from one another. They can see into each other’s flats, and that’s really the first time that Mia sees Luke since he uses his spare room to work out and she ogles him for the morning. Possibly creepy, but hey if he’s cute, watch him sweat I guess.

Since they can see into each other’s flats from their own, Luke decides to write messages to Mia by writing on white paper and taping them to the window. It sounds pretty cute right? Apparently it ends up working out, since Mia starts engaging in text conversations via window, and that’s the beginning of their friendship.

I personally didn’t adore any of the characters in this novel, but I did enjoy them. While this is meant to be a Happy Ever After type of romance novel, I think that the development of Mia and Luke’s friendship was much more engaging than their romance. The majority of the book is seeing how Luke is trying to keep it together and not force Mia into a relationship even though he likes her so much, while seeing Mia try to talk herself out of liking Luke because of her past experience with men. I feel like with those kinds of inner monologue happening, it got in the way of them just learning how to be around each other and be actual friends. Sometimes it was okay, but then things would get really awkward because Luke will say something flirty and then Mia would pretty much freeze. See, he KNOWS that she isn’t ready for that, and he KNOWS that every time he does end up flirting with her she pulls back into herself, and yet he just kept doing it! So it feels like that whole relationship wasn’t progressing in the best way because of that. That’s what I thought anyway.

Even though we don’t get to see her very much, I loved Mia’s sister Elle. I feel like their sister relationship is great. Elle is so supportive of Mia, and also makes sure that there’s no way that Mia’s ex can get to her. Even though they aren’t living in the same area anymore, Elle is still very much a part of Mia’s life. Plus, it’s always fun to talk about hot guys with your sister right? Even if she’s married and about to have a second kid. I also adored Stan, Mia’s grumpy old neighbor. He told it like it was, and also became one of Mia’s first friends in the area. It’s not the age that matters, just what’s in their heart.

This was my first experience reading a Kathryn Freeman book, and I think it was a good novel. It’s not my favorite, but a lot of my points are mostly personal. I think contemporary romance readers would enjoy this one. It was fun and quirky, and the premise was something I hadn’t seen before. Definitely give this one a try!

Very cute book, I loved this story about Mia and Luke. Made me laugh out loud, really! And somehow I often think some of the characters along the line are very interesting too, in this case Stan and Naomi. Will there be a follow up for this book to see what they're up to? Would be nice.

Four stars, because it lacked in diversity. Otherwise it would easily have a been 5+ rating from me.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.

A romcom where characters exchange notes? Sign me up! I loved this heartwarming read full of humor and quirky characters. It’s well written and entertaining, and delivers a wonderful HEA.

What a delightful read! The dialogue (spoken and written) was witty and well-written. I was fully invested from page one. Kathryn Freeman could give lessons on writing romance. I would happily read anything else she writes.

Cute quick read. It seemed a little over the place with the story. The story could have been a little more organized , there just seemed too many points where you think the story has reached a conclusion but then someone more comes up. It was an ok read.

This was such a sweet book. I enjoyed it, but it didn't really keep me wanting to come back. However, I did enjoy the characters and their quirky personalities. I probably wouldn't read it again, but it was a fun read on its own.

This book had the outline of a typical rom com, but ended up being so much more than that. I couldn't get enough of Mia and Luke's characters. This was a quick read for me and had me laughing out loud. If you like contemporary romance, I have no doubt you will love this book!

Another fantastic read from Kathryn Freeman. Great characters with real chemistry and a lovely heart warming story. Highly recommended.

Alright, I cannot continue. This book was so infuriatingly annoying that I physically cannot make my brain pay attention to it any longer. This is trying to be a slow burn but it's just a rash that no ointment can heal. This is another DNF from me.

My god, what an ANNOYING MAIN CHARACTER. Mia is unbearable right out of the gate and throughout the book (well, up to where I left off I guess) there is no growth. She is mean, opinionated, with no sign of growth at all, despite other characters giving her reason and opportunity to. She's just stubborn and rude and it makes me SO MAD. Luke writes little messages to her via paper-on-window and Luke is literally just being nice and saying hi and she's being judgemental because he's slept around before he even knew she existed. THEN she's worried that they're not on friendly terms and is relieved when they talk in the coffee shop one morning? GIRL, YOU ARE THE REASON YOU WOULD NOT BE ON FRIENDLY TERMS LOL? WHY ARE YOU WORRIED? I am proper bothered bruv. She then spends all 210 pages that I read DOUBTING HIM. He has not cheated, his attention has not strayed from her, and yet? She gives him no chance to start fresh. He's slept with maybe 4 women at the bar? And given the fact that they're in their 30s (shocking, I know. Mia acts like she's 16) I'd say four is pretty good.

I have no patience for her.

Let's not forget the writing here. Luke refers to his dick as Moby......................... I'm not saying anything else. He also said how much he loved "the translucence of Mia's skin" which had immediately followed him referring to her as a smurf because of her blue streaks. But no, the tipping point for me was when she pet Pickles (the pet rabbit) and her "stroking its ears" had turned him on. This was just.... not it for me. At all. I was hoping Mia would be better at some point but I don't have time for her to make a life-changing personality shift in the eleventh hour. You're 30. Grow up.

She hates anyone who looks put together basically. She also trusts literally no one, which we learn early on because no one has her phone number due to her lack of trust and previous experience with an ex who wouldn't leave her alone. Which... fair. However, she does not discuss this once with the reader or anyone around her..... so YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED? Also, the few people who have her number don't even use it so like... time to make more friends girlie. Luke has been nice and very clearly can be trusted, but this girl is hell-bent on making an enemy out of everyone until they aren't anymore. In her eyes, everyone is guilty until proven innocent. This hang-up with her just served no purpose and honestly kind of stunted the plot a little. The fact that Luke was taking time to leave her messages IN HIS WINDOW... AND SHE WOULDN'T ANSWER? BUT HE'D STILL DO IT ANYWAY?????? GIRL? my god. She doesn't trust that he actually likes her because who could love nerdy Mia while they're hot, cool guy Luke? There's no WAY he'd like a quirky, different girl!!!

This is a super romcom to put a smile on your face! I loved the simple idea of Mia and Luke communicating across the street through messages in their windows. It has echoes of life in lockdown but also has a nostalgia for a simpler age, before social media and mobile phones. Both Mia and Luke are complicated characters with past experiences which are still weighing on their mind. Nevertheless, the chemistry zings between them. I loved their banter and one- line messages which said so much.

You also glimpse the softer side where Luke is concerned, through his friendships, his family and his house rabbit- the reason for which becomes clear. In a way the same goes for Mia and her family. She has huge trust issues where men are concerned but she is still drawn into the bar across the road. She just can't help herself. She is such a refreshing change with her individual style of dress and appearance and her kindness towards her neighbours shines through. This is another great read by Kathryn Freeman.

In short:Take a fresh look across the street...
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book

I was excited to read this book and it started off very promising. However, I just felt it was a bit too 'mushy'. The characters got together too quickly and Mia became very whiney and irritating to me. I feel like it had so much promise and it just didn't really deliver.

Overall I enjoyed this book and the setting in Manchester, England. I was not expecting the plot twist about 60% into the book. It threw me off. There was also some surprising steam in this book. I appreciated the steam because it was relatable and down to earth. I want a Luke in my life! Mia is a beautiful character and easy to cheer for throughout the book.

Thank you for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I am a huge fan of rom com. I gush over the smallest of details. Mia and Luke were so adorable. Mia was sassy, quirky, intelligent and strong. This was a heartwarming read.

I absolutely loved this book about Mia and Luke. Mia moves from Somerset to Manchester after a toxic break up to start a new life and meets Luke who owns the bar across the street. She can see his flat from her window when she’s working and she sees him working out every morning and is intrigued. She meets him when she bravely goes into his bar and realises Luke is the man she can see every day from her window. He’s very charming and is smitten with Mia but he does come across as a bit of a player so she’s very cautious but he breaks down her defences by posting messages to her in his window, as she’s reluctant to give her phone number out. Throw in a jealous ex girlfriend, and a daughter who live next door to him, a very nasty ex boyfriend, loads of interesting friends, a few ex lovers, a rabbit and my home town Manchester and you’ve got a fab rom com that keeps you interested and invested in their blossoming romance. I heartily recommend this book and this author to anybody who wants to while away a few hours which leaves you with a big smile on your face.

I hated these characters so much. Women can be so many things, and both of our characters in this story acted as though there's only one type of woman that's acceptable. It just wasn't fun, and I immediately knew it wasn't going to be for me.

I really enjoyed this book and loved the characters, a very heart-warming story.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

A delightful romance read. The cover of this title is very appealing and the characters grow quickly on the reader. It was hard to put this one down!

This was my first book by this author, It was pretty enjoyable. I would give this book a 3.5 star rating! It was a pretty Quick and easy read!

When the most boring thing about a contemporary romance is the romance itself, you know you're in for a treat. Where do I even start?

This novel was a mix of slut-shaming, stereotypes, superiority complexes, and so much more. Honestly, it was a pain to get through. I don't know how I managed to finish it.

The plot revolves around Mia, our main character who just moved to Manchester, and how her life changes once she meets Luke, the bartender who lives in front of her apartment. Luke falls for Mia right after their first meeting because, in his words, she is so different and unlike anyone he has met. You may ask yourselves, how's that? Well, Mia doesn't like to dress up and she doesn't even wear make-up! That alone makes her special, unique, and ultimately different from everyone else. The worst thing is that Mia is not the only one who believes this. Luke does as well. It wasn't enough to make Mia's characters slut-shame every single woman that was mentioned in the book; we also needed the love interest to agree with her.

I don't get Mia's superiority complex and, in all honesty, I didn't care about her character. She's a human being like all others, therefore she should treat others with respect, instead of shaming everyone she meets. I didn't see any character growth and, at the end of the book, she was still fat-shaming her neighbor and shaming Luke about his past. I didn't feel any type of connection towards her and Luke, and that made the reading experience a bit frustrating.

The writing was repetitive and dull. How many times do I need to read the same sentence in a book?

I wouldn't recommend this to anyone unless you're into inflicting pain on yourself. If that's the case, this is just the perfect book for you!

Gloriously unapologetically slushy romance that leaves you daft-grinning and longing for a message in a window. Cheered me right up!