This is the third book Alexa Martin has released since I started LiteraryHypewoman, which is kinda crazy to think about since they release about one per year. Can’t believe I’ve been doing this about three years! (And this has been sitting in my drafts for about that long. Oof. Sorry, y’all.)

Next-Door Nemesis [Buy Bookshop Amazon LibroFM] is the newest release from Alexa. Collins just moved back in with her parents in Ohio after a viral moment in LA cost her the ability to live her dream job. After some wallowing, her dad recruits her to help with the landscaping and plant a tree. But an accidental-turned-intentional spray of the hose leads one member of the HOA to issue a fine for the tree. That HOA member just so happens to be Collins’ ex-best friend-turned-high school-nemesis, Nate.

Collins goes to an HOA meeting to make Nate’s life miserable, but finds herself running against him for HOA president. She recruits her new bestie, Ashleigh, to be her campaign manager, which is hilarious. Their antics are ridiculous, but they do put her in some positions where past feelings for Nate come bubbling back up.

I struggled with Collins off and on throughout the book. Sometimes she was cool, but other times, her immaturity was annoying. I’m not a fan of characters (and people, for that matter) that make themselves out to be a victim and whine about it instead of taking necessary steps to fix their situation. I don’t think characters have to be perfect by any means. I’m just saying she caused a few eye rolls.

The friends-to-lovers and enemies-to-lovers aspects were great, but the best part, once again, is the female friendships. Ashleigh kinda gives found family vibes and Collins’ longtime friend Ruby comes up clutch in a big way. I just love the three of them so much and really hope Ruby gets her own book.

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