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The Guy Next Door
From Friend to…Fiancé?
Stalwart and steady, Darcy O'Malley has been by Luke Jordan's side since childhood. She has seen him through trials and tragedies, romances and breakups. They've been everything to each other—except boyfriend and girlfriend. Why ruin a good thing? What Luke can't explain, however, is why suddenly Darcy's presence is making his heart beat so hard. Something has changed since he left Appleton, and it's making him uneasy. Is it possible his best friend is meant to be something more? Dare he risk their perfect friendship in the hopes of finding his perfect wife?
Stalwart and steady, Darcy O'Malley has been by Luke Jordan's side since childhood. She has seen him through trials and tragedies, romances and breakups. They've been everything to each other—except boyfriend and girlfriend. Why ruin a good thing? What Luke can't explain, however, is why suddenly Darcy's presence is making his heart beat so hard. Something has changed since he left Appleton, and it's making him uneasy. Is it possible his best friend is meant to be something more? Dare he risk their perfect friendship in the hopes of finding his perfect wife?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
About the author
Missy Tippens
20 books92 followersMissy Tippens is a pastor's wife, mother of three adult children, and an author from near Atlanta, Georgia. She loves being involved in their church through the Happy Sack Ministry (healthy snacks for local school kids who may go hungry on the weekends), singing and playing hand bells!
After more than 10 years of pursuing her dream of publication, Missy made her first sale to Harlequin Love Inspired in 2007. Her books have since been nominated for the Booksellers Best, Holt Medallion, ACFW Carol Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, Maggie Award, Beacon Contest, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, and the Romance Writers of America RITA® Award. Visit Missy at www.missytippens.com, https://twitter.com/MissyTippens and http://www.facebook.com/missy.tippens....
After more than 10 years of pursuing her dream of publication, Missy made her first sale to Harlequin Love Inspired in 2007. Her books have since been nominated for the Booksellers Best, Holt Medallion, ACFW Carol Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, Maggie Award, Beacon Contest, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, and the Romance Writers of America RITA® Award. Visit Missy at www.missytippens.com, https://twitter.com/MissyTippens and http://www.facebook.com/missy.tippens....
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 3, 2015
Missy Tippens is a friend and her book is as sweet as she is.
Though at times I wanted to shake him, her hero Luke is cute and a good but maddeningly dense. But then aren't all of us sometimes? He has in his head THE WAY THINGS SHOULD BE. So he completely ignores THE WAY THINGS ARE.
Isn't that just like the guy next door? ;-)
Darcy, our heroine (the girl next door obviously) is not quite as clueless, but she too has her eyes on one thing--paying off her student loans. Tunnel vision. And a fixation on Luke. She didn't irritate me because she seemed to be more aware and realistic than THE GUY NEXT DOOR.
I hope from the tone of this review you "get' the tone of the story. It's not real serious. No one is in danger of death or dismemberment. And it's written well with characters that kept me opening the book.
Just a couple of young people who need someone to set them straight. A satisfying sweet romance. A good thing!
Though at times I wanted to shake him, her hero Luke is cute and a good but maddeningly dense. But then aren't all of us sometimes? He has in his head THE WAY THINGS SHOULD BE. So he completely ignores THE WAY THINGS ARE.
Isn't that just like the guy next door? ;-)
Darcy, our heroine (the girl next door obviously) is not quite as clueless, but she too has her eyes on one thing--paying off her student loans. Tunnel vision. And a fixation on Luke. She didn't irritate me because she seemed to be more aware and realistic than THE GUY NEXT DOOR.
I hope from the tone of this review you "get' the tone of the story. It's not real serious. No one is in danger of death or dismemberment. And it's written well with characters that kept me opening the book.
Just a couple of young people who need someone to set them straight. A satisfying sweet romance. A good thing!
May 1, 2022
I liked it but the main characters annoyed me too. Luckily they came to the correct conclusions.
October 20, 2014
I was at the hospital desperate for something to read and a lady I was talking to said that this was a good, clean, quick read with a happy ending. I bought the book because I needed something to pass the time and I am happy I did. I loved the story. It was a Christian based romance which I didn't realize when I bought it. It was a quick read with a fun story. I wish I could go back and thank the woman for her help with finding a book in a little hospital gift shop to help me when I was feeling so down and stressed!
August 4, 2017
This was a light read, but I enjoyed it.
This is the story of Luke and Darcy, best friends since they were kids. When Luke comes back to visit his hometown, six months after his mother passed away, it is to get his father and grandmother to move with him back to Nashville. But things don't turn out as he'd like, since he suddenly finds himself having feelings for his best friend and apparently his dad also has something keeping him in Appleton...
I liked to see Darcy and Luke's relationship evolve throughout the book. I also learned that another book I have by this author is set in the same town and some of the characters are the same. I'm looking forward to reading it :)
This is the story of Luke and Darcy, best friends since they were kids. When Luke comes back to visit his hometown, six months after his mother passed away, it is to get his father and grandmother to move with him back to Nashville. But things don't turn out as he'd like, since he suddenly finds himself having feelings for his best friend and apparently his dad also has something keeping him in Appleton...
I liked to see Darcy and Luke's relationship evolve throughout the book. I also learned that another book I have by this author is set in the same town and some of the characters are the same. I'm looking forward to reading it :)
September 22, 2014
I have yet to read a Missy Tippen's book I didn't LOVE. And this one in no exception. Missy has a way of making you feel like you live Appleton with Darcy and Luke. Missy draws the reader in emotionally and doesn't let go. The best friends to more-than-best-friends story is a favorite of mine and this story doesn't disappoint. Add in great secondary characters and you have a story you don't want to put down.
July 13, 2017
This was a nice read.
Luke and Darcy have been best friends forever...but that's all they've ever been. Best friends. Nothing more and nothing less. But circumstances have changed. They're no longer kids anymore and when Luke suddenly returns home, both start to wonder if their relationship is strictly friendship.
I enjoyed this one and I recommend this for everyone.
Luke and Darcy have been best friends forever...but that's all they've ever been. Best friends. Nothing more and nothing less. But circumstances have changed. They're no longer kids anymore and when Luke suddenly returns home, both start to wonder if their relationship is strictly friendship.
I enjoyed this one and I recommend this for everyone.
November 11, 2019
Was kinda frustrating how slow this couple were to understanding each other.
June 22, 2022
Inspirational Romance.
September 25, 2022
This is the 1st book I read by Missy Tippens. I liked everything about this story except Luke & Darcy they got on my nerves.
September 6, 2014
Growing up next to someone doesn't always mean love at first sight, and for Darcy O'Malley, being best friends with Luke Jordan means they'll never be more than friends. Especially when their widowed parents (her mom and his dad) now seem to be a couple only six months after Luke's mom's death. Then there's her need to pay off student loans and being too busy with two jobs and her volunteer work to have time to date. Luke is geared up to take over his retiring colleague's law practice, but it's in Tennessee and home is in Georgia.
But Luke's grandmother has ideas and convinces Luke to help out Darcy when she takes over the auction aimed at raising money for Luke's late mother's favorite charity. One thing leads to another, but when they kiss, disaster results after Luke blurts out that THAT was a mistake he doesn't intend to repeat. After all, he's never committed to anyone he's ever dated or kissed and he doesn't want to lose Darcy as his best friend. Too bad she is certain she will never find the man of her dreams. Or does she when an old high school chum who's making it big in the country music scene comes back to town and agrees to help out with the auction. Come on, Luke. Get with it!
But Luke's grandmother has ideas and convinces Luke to help out Darcy when she takes over the auction aimed at raising money for Luke's late mother's favorite charity. One thing leads to another, but when they kiss, disaster results after Luke blurts out that THAT was a mistake he doesn't intend to repeat. After all, he's never committed to anyone he's ever dated or kissed and he doesn't want to lose Darcy as his best friend. Too bad she is certain she will never find the man of her dreams. Or does she when an old high school chum who's making it big in the country music scene comes back to town and agrees to help out with the auction. Come on, Luke. Get with it!
September 17, 2014
I get such a kick out of friendship-to-romance stories. There's such a depth to the relationship because they know each other so well. And it ups the angst factor because I know how right the hero and heroine are for each other but they are so afraid of messing up their friendship they keep hesitating. And that's pure reading torture which, of course, makes me keep turning pages.
The Guy Next Door is that kind of read. Delicious torment from beginning to end. :-) Darcy lacks confidence where her best friend is concerned. She's harbored feelings for him since high school but fear holds her back from doing anything about it. Dear, dunderheaded Luke is struggling in much the same way, but he's denying the attraction exists at all. Or at least keeps talking himself out of it. He's the kind of alpha male who wants to sweep in and fix everything. Only he doesn't always stop and consult with the people he's 'fixing'. Complications abound over some of his unfortunate conclusions. An engaging read with enough twists and turns to keep a reader squirming until the very end.
The Guy Next Door is that kind of read. Delicious torment from beginning to end. :-) Darcy lacks confidence where her best friend is concerned. She's harbored feelings for him since high school but fear holds her back from doing anything about it. Dear, dunderheaded Luke is struggling in much the same way, but he's denying the attraction exists at all. Or at least keeps talking himself out of it. He's the kind of alpha male who wants to sweep in and fix everything. Only he doesn't always stop and consult with the people he's 'fixing'. Complications abound over some of his unfortunate conclusions. An engaging read with enough twists and turns to keep a reader squirming until the very end.
June 12, 2021
It is a satisfying sweet romance story. I read this book in the beginning when I was almost new to the book world. I gotta know a lot about my preferences since last year and a sweet romance isn't my thing , really. 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒂𝒃𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅. It is a quick read with a deep and fun story.
This is the story of Luke and Darcy, best friends since they were kids. When Luke comes back to visit his hometown, six months after his mother passed away, it is to get his father and grandmother to move with him back to Nashville. But things don't turn out as he'd like, since he suddenly finds himself having feelings for his best friend and apparently his dad also has something keeping him in Appleton...
I liked to see Darcy and Luke's relationship evolve throughout the book.
If you love light reading then I absolutely recommend this book.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is the story of Luke and Darcy, best friends since they were kids. When Luke comes back to visit his hometown, six months after his mother passed away, it is to get his father and grandmother to move with him back to Nashville. But things don't turn out as he'd like, since he suddenly finds himself having feelings for his best friend and apparently his dad also has something keeping him in Appleton...
I liked to see Darcy and Luke's relationship evolve throughout the book.
If you love light reading then I absolutely recommend this book.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 13, 2014
My first Missy Tippens book and I must say that I am impressed with her writing. This is a wonderful girl is best friends with boy next door her whole life and they eventually develop feelings for each other. Set in a sweet small home town where everyone knows everyone and they all jump in to help each other...kind of a fairy tail sort of place but a nice thought. Love the banter between the two main characters and the secondary characters are great in bringing more interest in the story line.
November 16, 2014
Loved it
I loved everything about this book...childhood friends...best friends their whole lives then wham things start to change between them in a great way. I loved the journey Luke and Darcy made. I loved their close friendship and loved it even more when they really became attracted to each other. it's a wonderful story with clean romance but one still hard to put down. Very enjoyable book!!!!
I loved everything about this book...childhood friends...best friends their whole lives then wham things start to change between them in a great way. I loved the journey Luke and Darcy made. I loved their close friendship and loved it even more when they really became attracted to each other. it's a wonderful story with clean romance but one still hard to put down. Very enjoyable book!!!!
January 13, 2015
I quite enjoyed this book. Its a friendship to love relationship and it was very well written. I enjoyed the characters and wanted to hit Luke upside the head several times! I read the book in 1 day and will check out other books from this author. You could relate to the emotional problems of the characters, which was nice and caused the story to seem real. Check it out!
January 11, 2016
I actually got this done in a day and half. I loved the story of Darcy and Luke. A very sweet romance about 2 people who are life long friends, but have been in love with each other for years and being afraid (even stubborn) to admit to themselves and each other because neither wants to ruin their friendship.
October 8, 2014
Utterly delightful read! I couldn't believe it took Luke so long to realize his feelings and I felt like throwing something at him when he said the kiss was a mistake, but otherwise loved his character and everything else in this story :)
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January 12, 2016"This quick, easy read focuses on following one’s dreams and portrays characters’ struggles realistically" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).
Read
January 12, 2016received 4 stars @ RT Book Reviews
July 16, 2015
The Guy Next Door is a very sweet fun read.
October 8, 2015
Very swoony
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews