REVIEW: The Cottage Next Door by Natasha Moore

The Cottage Next Door by Natasha Moore is a wonderful novella about two people finding love for the second time.

Sylvie Chase lost her loving husband Matt six months ago, after spending almost a year in the hospital watching him slowly weaken with each day. Matt was an adventure-addict who lived his life close to the edge, and shared his experiences through his books. Unfortunately, his last dangerous risk was also his final one. Although Sylvie’s life was not her own, she was happy and content managing Matt’s busy career, while traveling with him around the world. Fletcher, her late husband’s agent, knew Sylvie needed some rest, relaxation, and an opportunity to make some decisions about her future, so he loaned her the keys to one of his beachfront cottages in Florida.

Best-selling mystery writer Hunter McCaffrey hasn’t penned a single word since his loving wife died in a tragic car accident over two years ago. Because Hunter was driving, he blames himself for her death, and cannot let go of his guilt or the past. Thanks to his agent, he has spent the last few months beach-side, along with his dog Riley, trying to put the yin back into his yang. Fast food, beer, rest, and solitude are his mainstays, up until Sylvie moves in next door.

Even though Hunter is a complete grump, there is an instant attraction between him and Sylvie when they meet for the first time. Sylvie makes the first move by extending a dinner invitation. Reluctantly Hunter accepts, and within three weeks, he an Sylvie are happily sleeping together and Hunter is writing again. Sylvie’s presence is a gift, inadvertently helping Hunter work through his demons. They are perfect for each other, however it takes Hunter just a little longer to come to that conclusion.

Sylvie and Hunter are two well-described characters that I was able to connect with immediately. Sylvie in particular is a strong, independent woman that goes after what she wants with a calm tenacity. She turns Hunter’s life around by showing him both physically and mentally that pleasure is indeed possible, while finding her own happiness. Hunter is a really good guy and his struggles are real and heartfelt.

Overall, this is a solid novella, with an engaging plot, well-developed characters and a nice happily ever after.

Book Info:

Publication: September 16th 2014 by Samhain Publishing

After his wife died in a car accident, bestselling author Hunter McCaffrey stopped writing—and stopped living. He’s rented a beachfront cottage to try to get his head on straight, and start the long climb up from his pit of despair.

Instead of pounding out a first draft, though, he runs the beach, drinks away his pain, and tries to ignore the vibrant woman in the cottage tucked next to his.

Still floundering months after the loss of her adventure-junkie husband, Sylvie Chase hopes some beach relaxation will help her decide what to do with the rest of her life. Instead she’s wondering what to do about her unexpected attraction to Hunter, who makes her body long for the feel of his arms around her.

As Sylvie drags Hunter back to the land of the living, soon they’re agreeing to a short fling. Just to get past their sorrow, not because it means anything. But when emotions get in the way, it’s a struggle to leave the past behind and dare to love again.