Review: “Loathe Thy Neighbor” by Teagan Hunter

Book Title: Loathe Thy Neighbor

Author: Teagan Hunter

Series: Roommate Romps, Book 1

Rating: 5⭐

Release Date: September 17th, 2020

Goodreads | Amazon.in (Available on KU)

Synopsis: River and Dean are neighbors in an apartment building in New York. They hate each other’s guts and somehow constantly keep finding ways to piss each other off. When Dean almost sets his apartment on fire, River offers to let him live with her till everything is sorted out. Except, they start to discover that they might not actually hate each other as much as they claim. But at what cost?

Review: In true Teagan Hunter style, you are treated to an absolutely hilarious, entertaining and deliciously sexy romantic comedy in Loathe Thy Neighbor. It’s one of my favourite things about her books, along with all the epic friendships, the nosy side characters and the crazy hijinks that fall into place when you read one of her books. And with River and Dean, you are seriously in for a treat!

“I want to take my time. Learn your body. Your quirks. Your weaknesses. I want to learn you.”

Neighbors and sworn enemies (but, not really), River and Dean have known each other for a year. Ever since Dean moved into the building, he’s been pissing River off. At first, he’s doing it without realising he’s pissing her off, but then it becomes something of a challenge and oh god, it’s so hilarious to think of all the things he does to drive her mad. Then there’s the whole pie stealing nonsense. River and Dean both happen to love cherry pie and their favourite spot is always running out of cherry pie and mostly because Dean keeps stealing River’s pie quota for the week. Their banter, their flirting, their constant need to rile each other up just makes every page of this book so hilarious. I can’t even begin to tell you just how entertaining all of this is.

“I like that he doesn’t look sorry. That he sticks to his guns. That he’s not afraid to call me on my shit when I’m being a brat, which is probably often.”

River owns a clothing store and she’s a bit of a workaholic. But she’s passionate about what she does and given that she started the space from the ground up, she takes her job very seriously. She’s brought on her best friend, Maya, and another friend, Caroline, to help out with the store. And it’s doing well. It’s small, it’s cute and it’s everything River has ever wanted. Plus, she has a cat named Morris, who has no feelings for Dean. 

Dean is a school teacher – which is now officially my favourite job for any and all male characters in romantic comedies – and he’s a really good guy. Despite his asshole ways with River, he’s a good guy. Dean also works at a shelter, where he adopted his turtle Leo. Leo is not his emotional support animal, but Dean is Leo’s emotional support. It’s a long story, but you have to read it to truly wrap your head around it. It’s totally adorable though.

“It doesn’t matter that I like the way his eyes caress me. Doesn’t matter that when he touches me, even just a whisper of contact, I feel it everywhere. And it really doesn’t matter that when he kissed me, it felt like everything I’ve been missing was suddenly found. He’s Dean. I can’t be putting silly thoughts like that in my head about my new roommate, especially when it’s him.”

When Dean accidentally sets his apartment on fire, River accidentally offers her couch as a place for him to stay till he gets back on his feet. And everything that follows is just absolute chaos. But also so damn hot.

Forced proximity is such a wonderful trope. Because you are in for such a treat. Dean and River just find ways to piss each other off constantly and oh my god, it’s so much fun. But when they start frustrating each other in different ways, the game is afoot! There’s sexy bendy yoga, there’s shirtless wanderings, there’s flirty glances and hot stares and before you know, it’s all turning into a hot and heavy makeout session that finally leads to explosive sex. I don’t know if it’s weird to say this, but Teagan Hunter writes great sex. River and Dean have set yourself on fire chemistry, obviously, but holy hell, that sexual chemistry is just mind blowing.

“I’m not sure. Do you still hate me?” One side of his lips curves up, and he looks to the floor, rubbing at the back of his head. “I don’t think I ever did.” My heart flutters.

Ah River and Dean. Just..perfection. Teagan Hunter has created another loveable set of characters and set off another incredible series with a bang. Please get your hands on this book right now, because it’s going to completely blow your mind.

Also, bonus points for all the Supernatural mentions and the dedication to our favourite Winchester brothers. That truly made my life, not gonna lie.

Thanks to Teagan Hunter & Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.