4 1/2 stars!

Loved this new romcom by Melanie Jacobson! Betting on the Boy Next Door is a funny, sweet, rock n’ roll romcom with witty dialogue, heartfelt romance, and lovable characters you want to cheer for. It’s a fun, he-fell-first, fake dating, hidden identity, next door neighbors romance that completely pulled me in.

Sami is a rest home nurse by day and the secret rock n’ roll lead singer for Pixie Luna by night. When a new guy moves in next door, Sami’s roommate Ruby makes a bet she can’t refuse. Sami’s sure she’ll be able to resist the charms of the handsome attorney who’s from one of Austin’s prestigious families. After all, her ex boyfriend who broke her heart was also from a prestigious family and reinforced her mother’s teachings that she can’t rely on a man. So, despite the obvious attraction between them, Sami does her best to resist.

Josh wants his family to believe he’s changed. In the past, he resented his parents’ planning his life, down to choosing his college classes and expecting him to join his father’s law firm. Despite his previous feelings though, he’s found he likes being an attorney, and has worked hard to prove he can do the job. When his parents and their old friends try to push him into a relationship, he turns to his beautiful, intriguing, next door neighbor to pretend be his fake girlfriend in exchange for much needed cash for her up and coming band. But, when Josh wishes their relationship was anything but fake, will he convince Sami he’s not like her ex?

This darling comedy had me laughing, smiling, and swooning. Sami and Josh have undeniable chemistry. Their magnetic attraction is palpable and holy cow, there are some amazing, smoldering kisses between them. I loved their banter and the restaurant scene where Sami goes toe to toe with the would be girlfriend.

Josh falls first, but he’s pretty irresistible and his grand gesture has a way of winning Sami’s heart. Sami makes her own grand gesture proving she really understands Josh and loves him right back. The rock n’ roll scene was fun especially when the frat boys come to support. I only wished I could have heard Sami’s songs. The side characters were endearing, especially Grampa Jim, Grandma Letty, and Sami’s roommates. I’m excited for the next book in the series!

It’s a fun, clean, romantic romcom I definitely recommend. Content: a few mild swear words, mild innuendo, kissing make outs only, mentions of alcohol and drug use portrayed in a negative light. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author but also purchased a copy from Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are completely my own and voluntarily given. ( )