The Boy Next Door

Lindsay Salinger’s mother was killed in a drunk driving accident eleven years ago. The person responsible for her death was their next door neighbor Josh Rundle and she has never forgotten how it affected her. Even more than her family’s hatred for the Rundle family, Lindsay feels the need to help anyone in need. She has always harbored feelings for Zach, Josh’s older brother, but fought her attraction to keep peace in her family.

When Lindsay finds Owen Rundle, Josh’s five year old son outside in his socks, without a coat, she takes him home to find he is being cared for by his great-grandma full time. Unsure for his safety, she finds herself calling Zach home to assess the situation before she takes her investigation to social services officially. As Lindsay gets to know the man Zach has become she finds herself getting in deeper and deeper with her emotions. Can these feuding families lay their animosity to rest?

The second novel by Amy Knapp is an emotional treat that will leave readers sighing. The dramatic changes in Zach as well as in Lindsay make them the perfect characters for a romantic tale with strings attached. Family feuds stop star crossed lovers frequently, but Ms. Knapp has given this tale a new light with the introduction of the nephew who needs someone to take care of him, and to ensure his safely.

THE BOY NEXT DOOR is filled with more emotional drama than this reader is used to finding in a Harlequin novel. This was a treat as it left tears in her eyes, yet a smile on her face. Lindsay and Zach may be the leading characters but Grandma Rundle and Owen will steal reader’s hearts and hoping for the best. This reviewer only felt one downfall to this novel, and she hopes it will be wrapped up in a future novel. She was left questioning what happens to Josh. Can he stay sober and get his life together?

March 2007