by Lara Swann
Narrator: Veronica Worthington, John Lane
Length: 8 hours and 18 minutes
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Narration: 4 cups
I left my brothers in the Marines to start a family.
I left my ex-wife when that family drove her to drink and drugs.
Now all I have left is my son - and he’s all I care about.
I can’t afford to make another mistake.And the girl who moved in next door? Mistake written all over her.
She’s got the sweetest smile, the hottest damn curves and behind it all…a haunted look.
I can’t take my damn eyes off her.
My powerful body and coarse attitude make her nervous - and as she tries to start a new life away from her abusive ex, she has her own reasons to stay away.
But we can’t help it. We’re f*cking drawn to each other.
And when she tells me how much she wants a baby…
I make every mistake in the book.
Because I want a family again.
I want her. My son. And a baby.
And when her past comes calling…
I’ll fight to hell and back to keep it.Hero Next Door is a full, standalone romance with a hot ex-Marine single dad and a sweet heroine trying to deal with her darker past. No cheating or cliffhangers, and a Happily Ever After guaranteed. Includes a copy of Billionaire Baby Daddy as bonus content!
Hero Next Door tempted me with the single Military Dad trope. I am a sucker for a single daddy. This was my fist Lara Swann book. She provided a nice balance of adorableness, suspense and wicked heat. I listened to the new me to narrators, Veronica Worthington and John Lane.
Told from dual POVs, I quickly slipped into the story as Naomi, a schoolteacher, moves into her new home and a little boy asked her why her hutch is on the front lawn. Little Tyler is adorable and is soon back with his Dad Mack *sighs* to help her move it inside. We quickly learn, Naomi is starting over after a troublesome past, and that Mack is raising his son on his own. From the chemistry to their inner dialogue I was all in.
I really enjoyed both characters and enjoyed watching the slow build of trust and friendship develop as their attraction made the air crackle. Both Mack and Naomi have baggage. Mack’s is in the form of an ex-wife, who convinced him to abandoned his military career in favor of starting a family, then left when Tyler was born. Naomi has recently escaped an abusive relationship and is mourning the lost of her father. She is skittish but fiercely determined to stand on her own.
From the small-town feel, to the moments of tension as the suspenseful angle took hold, I quickly devoured their story. It had a slow-build that gave way to delicious heat.
Both narrators were new-to-me. I thought Veronica Worthington did a wonderful job with Naomi and even enjoyed her male voices. It took longer to warm up to John Lane. He has a deep-set voice, that felt cold in the beginning, but he slowly let Mack’s feelings show and either softened his a little or he grew on me as the story progressed. I thought they worked well as a pair.
If you are looking for a single Dad romance with heat and a side of suspense, you’ll want to grab Hero Next Door. Psst..that cover is smokin’.
A single Daddy and a troubled schoolteacher made Hero Next Door by Lara Swann a sizzling romantic suspense. #loveaudiobooks Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Anne
This sounds great. Something fun with some issues to work out but not too dark or angsty. Plus a kid. I love it when there is a kid because of their honest outlook. Nice review. Anne – Books of My Heart
Kimberly
Right. It was predictable with some humor and suspense added which I liked.
Stefanie
I do like a single dad storyline and especially when the kid’s age is portrayed correctly.
Kimberly
The little guy was adorable.
Tori @ InToriLex
I’ve been trying to branch out more into different genres. I’m glad you enjoyed this one because it sound sup my ally for a romance.
Tori @ In Tori Lex
Kimberly
I did Tori and listening always enhanced the story 🙂
sherry fundin
Whoa!!!! My eyes. My eyes. lol
Kimberly
*snort* Yep you cannot unsee that.
Angela Adams
The cover alone is enough to grab a reader’s attention! Thanks for the post.
Kimberly
Yep, I stopped scroll to read the synopsis after the cover caught my eye..lol
Heidi
I always appreciate audiobooks that do two narrators for dual view points. It makes the story so much better.
Kimberly
I agree when it comes to romance dual is better <3
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)
Thanks for a wonderful review! This would never have reached my radar and I love this type trope. Off to check out the audio.
Kimberly
Happy to share!
Debbie Haupt
Hoo-Rah!! for the ex-marine hottie daddy and schoolmarm.
And that heat level whew, smokin. Right up this girl’s (who gets cold in the fall) alley.
Thanks Kim nice review
Kimberly
Happy to share Debbie 🙂
Melliane
It’s nice to have a good mix like that in this one! It’s always nice to have single dad as well!
Kimberly
Agreed!
Nadene
Single dad’s, my favourite. Adding to my list asap.
Kimberly
Hehe..we are all suckers for these baby daddys.
kindlemom1
This has two things I love, that small town feel and a slow build romance. Glad this was a good one for you Kim!
Kimberly
Thanks Ali, it was a fun listen.
Quinn's Book Nook
Oh man I am such a sucker for single fathers in romances! I am for sure going to listen to this.
Kimberly
Right and their backstory…oh man.
Silvia
The title alone grabbed my attention, but the single daddy mention really did the trick 😉 I’m glad you loved it, and it’s good to know this romance has a side of suspense as well!
Kimberly
Me too, now a single mom story not so much. Isn’t that horribly unfair. I think its the fixer in me.
Nick
Well, Kim. All you had to do was mention “single dad” to get me to want this book! You know what a big sucker I am for a single dad hero!
Both characters sound so lovely!
Great review!
Kimberly
I am too Nick. It was a fun listen.