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How to Not Fall #1

How to Not Fall for the Guy Next Door

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It’s hard to stay away when you’re next-door neighbors.

So what if the guy Addison Sparks had a crush on when she was thirteen just so happens to be her next-door neighbor when she moves across the country for a fresh start? And so what if she embarrasses herself in front of him...

Repeatedly.

If Ian Kendrick hadn’t grown up to be so good-looking, kind to his grandma, skilled at carpentry, and completely dateable, then it wouldn’t be so difficult to stay away from him.

Addison is just getting over a breakup, though, and Ian is, too. She doesn’t need the kind of awkwardness that would come from living next to someone who would surely be just a rebound if they ever dated.

Nope. What she needs is to make a list to constantly remind herself how to not fall for the guy next door.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2020

664 people are currently reading
730 people want to read

About the author

Meg Easton

43books489followers
Meg Easton is the USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romances and romantic comedies with fun, memorable, swoon-worthy characters, and settings you’ll want to pack up and move to. She lives at the foot of a mountain with her name on it (or at least one letter of her name) in Utah. She loves gardening, bike riding, baking, swimming before the sun rises, and spending time with her husband and three kids.

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5 stars
387 (38%)
4 stars
315 (31%)
3 stars
245 (24%)
2 stars
46 (4%)
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8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,376 reviews317 followers
April 27, 2020
Perfect romantic comedy

Ian and Addison are fantastic stars in this adorable romantic comedy. It's one thing to be awkward around your teenage crush, but when the embarrassing encounters continue years later, it's blush-worthy and makes for some great laugh-out-loud moments.

Both Addison and Ian are fresh off of bad breakups and ready for new starts and I loved how they were able to build on an old summertime friendship from the past with the perfect amount of familiarity and clean intimacy.

Addison's relationship with her sister made me miss my own and her fortitude in her new start is heartening. I loved her eclectic group of roommates and hope they each get a story because I'm not ready to leave this small town quite yet. Ian is a very appealing character, with his hands-on job and a winsome attitude--especially when Addison finds herself in pickle after pickle.

The way this couple navigates life's challenges, chasing after dreams, hearts, and everything in between was pure delight. I dare you not to swoon!

Content: mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Profile Image for InD'tale Magazine.
8,673 reviews329 followers
July 14, 2020
Rating: 4.5/5.0

This is a cute, light romance that isn’t the normal boy meets girl story. The fact that they were friends as kids, then haven’t seen each other for years and have now been brought back together creates an intriguing storyline.

Read full review in the
Profile Image for Somia.
2,065 reviews167 followers
July 28, 2020
Ian Kendrick and Addison Sparks work well as a couple. Addison and Ian are both coming out of serious long-term relationships, and are both wary. Neither are looking for anything new but they just can't seem to stop running into each other, and ignoring their attraction just doesn't work.

A cute and light romance.

Acquired via KU.
Profile Image for Kathy * Bookworm Nation.
2,128 reviews687 followers
October 2, 2020
This was my first book by Meg Easton, and I was really impressed. I enjoyed her writing style and thought the plot and characters were engaging. Addison and Ian are both coming out of serious long-term relationships that didn't end the way they were expecting. So neither are really looking for anything new, but just cant seem to stop running into each other. Usually in embarrassing moments. There's a lot of fun moments between the two, I liked that they had a good friendship and felt things moved along realistically. I liked the setting and supporting cast and that it was just a light low-drama read. I looking forward to reading more books in this series. And also checking out other books by Ms. Easton!

Thanks, Deb for gifting me this book!


Content Rated G
Romance: kisses
Language: None
Violence: None

How Not to Fall Series
Profile Image for Aimee (Getting Your Read On).
3,058 reviews290 followers
May 5, 2020
Sweet Story

3.5 stars
This was a sweet romance with quite a few entertaining situations. It was light, easy reading. Ian and Addison were genuinely nice people and it was easy to like them.
Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
1,759 reviews215 followers
May 1, 2020
Y'all this book was a darling and fun romantic comedy. If you're in the need for some laughs and some happiness right now, this one is the book for you! I loved the quaint sounding town this was set in, it brought a feeling of home to the story. The main characters and the secondary characters added some great layers to the story as well as being the catalysts for some of the humorous scenes and moments.

Addison is moving to the place where she spent some of her best summers. She leaves behind everything else and takes a leap, hoping she'll land safely. But of course with that romantic comedy genre you can surely guess that there's a fun scene awaiting us of how the two MCs will meet. And let me tell you it was cute and silly and a little embarrassing for Addison. Ian was a trooper and went with it. And each subsequent meeting had Addison doing some funny things to try to avoid any embarrassment but of course brings on some moments she wishes she could go back and change. But for the reader, they're great! I giggled and loved them. And again, Ian just endeared himself to me even more with his graciousness and being able to go with the flow of embarrassment.

One scene I giggled at and felt was pretty accurate was the babysitting scene. And that's all I'm going to say. Ha! Addison, you get the golden buzzer from me for being a good sport!

Ian and Addison have some baggage but I really liked how the author showed them working through their past, as well as past relationships and learning how to let go and move forward. Sometimes that isn't easy but I loved watching their growth as individuals as well as a couple while they were learning and growing. Such a cute romance between these two childhood friends.

I loved Addison's roommates. They were a fun and eclectic group and brought a lot of great moments to this story as well. I can't wait for their stories now! Please Meg Easton! ;-)

Ian's grandma and her friends were the best! Reading those scenes made me miss my own grandmas. One of my grandmas passed away when I was young but my other grandma was around when I was dating my hubby. And she and I had some good times with my sweetheart. I loved Ian's grandma for bringing back these memories.

Another great read from this author. Dive in and enjoy these characters and hopefully you'll have some fun flashbacks and memories like I did! And don't forget the sweet friendship and romance between Addison and Ian...it's sure to touch your heart!

Content: Clean. Some sweet kisses and nothing more.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Laura Miller.
Author3 books48 followers
July 29, 2022
This was such a fun and sweet rom-com! I have never read a book by Meg Easton before but I loved her writing style and was pulled in right from the beginning all the way until the very end!
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How to Not Fall for the Guy Next Door was a light, easy read. Addison was adorable. So nice but also clumsy and fun. I just loved her! And Ian was a total sweetheart. Addison and Ian had spent a few summers together when they were preteens. Years later they run into each other again with one of the funniest meet cutes involving blueberries. I’m smiling thinking about. We find out Ian lives next door to the Inn Addison just moved into.

Both Ian and Addison have a lot of hurt from long term past relationships they need to work through before they can find their happy ending together. But oh what a ride. One of my favorite scenes was the babysitting scene. I laughed out loud. I just loved it! Addison and Ian were troopers.

This book had me sighing and smiling all the way through. You do not want to miss it! The next book is about Addison roommate, Bex, who was a fun secondary character in this book. I already ordered it and can’t wait until it gets here!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required.
Profile Image for victoria_tonks.
314 reviews
August 14, 2020
That was basically a pleasant, quick read, but a bit on the boring side. Probably because it is really low on angst and the whole plot is centered around the MCs' doubts whether after their recently failed relationships they are ready to date again. After a while is just gets old. I had some hopes for the series (this novel is the first installment) will be a perfect beach read, but I am not sure I will try the next books after all.
Profile Image for Cathy.
1,835 reviews61 followers
May 21, 2020
This type of book is my very favorite kind! I love the light feel, the comedy, and the romance! And Meg Easton is great at writing characters.

Addison is such a fun character. I loved the way she was trying to start over with life. New job, new place to live, no boyfriend. Only her past was always just around the corner, in Ian. And she was always embarrassing herself in front of him. My favorite scene involves a whole shelf of deodorant. So funny!

And the reader gets to see what’s going on with Ian as well. He’s the kind of guy that you’d want to date. He goes out of his way to help everyone around him. His relationship with his grandma was so sweet.

I loved Addison’s roommates too. And I can’t wait to see them each get their own story.

If you’re looking for a light, sweet romance then you’d better grab this one!

I was sent an e-copy of How to Not Fall for the Guy Next Door by the author. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for RedRedtheycallmeRed.
1,891 reviews47 followers
February 22, 2022
If the ages of the characters weren't stated, I would have thought I was reading a middle school romance. Addison runs into Ian (literally) at the grocery store and spills something on his shirt. The next time she sees him in a drugstore she actually crawls on the floor to hide because she's so embarrassed. What adult does that?

Both Addison and Ian have been in long-term relationships before but they practically explode when their pinkie fingers touch and are blushing and awkward all over the place. This would have been a better fit in a YA romance.

Addison has three roommates that appear to be getting their own books, but they weren't even introduced, all of a sudden Addison has roommates. I couldn't tell one from the other, they seemed interchangeable.
Profile Image for Angie Thompson.
Author47 books1,107 followers
March 20, 2021
So...hmm. This book had some things I really liked, a couple things I didn't as much, and was missing a bit that I think would have made me love it more. Let's see if I can explain...

The characters. This is where things get complicated. I liked the characters a lot. Really, I did. They were sweet, adorable, awesome people--all of them! Addison. Ian. Ian's grandma. Addison's roommates. I loved everything I saw of them. And yet, I somehow felt like I didn't really *know* them the way I wanted to. Ian and Addison especially--they alternated between overwhelming attraction and complete avoidance so much that I was never sure how they were going to react in any situation. Which made it harder to feel like I really understood them the way I wanted to. I guess, I felt like I understood them on a surface level, but not in the deep way that I want to connect with characters I like this much. Anyway... Oh, and I loved the roommate dynamics and wanted so much more!!!

The romance. I would have liked it if the attraction had been more focused on each other's character rather than their physical appearance, but I will do the author justice to say that she didn't dwell on the physical details like some do. There were a lot of comments about them admiring each other's appearance, but not heavily detailed or lingering for paragraphs, which I appreciated. And maybe the time they spent together as kids meant they already knew and appreciated each other's character? It just felt like a lot of the romance itself was about how they couldn't get over their physical attraction.

The writing style. Now this I really enjoyed. The author does a great job of coming up with fresh ways of describing things that don't feel stale and overused, and often even cracked a smile at the way they fit. Awesome job on that!

Other content. There were a couple of bits that I didn't like and would make me hesitant to recommend the book, especially to a guy or a younger reader. Addison is an organizer, and the only client we see her working with (besides Ian's grandma) is a lady who collects bras. I mean--bonus points for creativity, but it seemed an unnecessarily embarrassing thing to narrate. There was also a scene where Ian's grandma's origami club was making remarks about how good-looking he was that felt borderline inappropriate. And Addison's sister got way too in-depth and long-winded on a story about how she misunderstood what went into "making babies" as a child. I really would have preferred to skip that scene.

So, yeah, anyway, there are my thoughts--messy and scrambled as usual. Some things I liked, some things I didn't, and some things I wanted to see more of. I give it a qualified like with a caveat for the things listed in the last paragraph. I do plan to give the rest of the series a try at this point. :)

Content--noticing, touching, kissing; some embarrassing content/stories (see above)
Profile Image for Ashlee.
423 reviews10 followers
July 12, 2020
Ian and Addison! What a sweet story about two adults who knew each other as children, each spending parts of the summer with grandparents, who have now been reunited as adults. Of course there was the classic kid/teen crushes involved, but does it have the power to last and grow after they've grown up?

Both Ian and Addison are dealing with being recently single after fairly long term relationships came to an end. Addison is determined not to date Ian as the rebound guy and Ian is terrified Addison will leave him like his ex did. I couldn't help but internally yelling "just be together you crazies!" But obviously there has to be some tension and some overcoming hardships to make the story full length, make it more realistic, and make you as the reader appreciate the relationship more. I do love how Addison took the bull by the horns and laid her feelings out on the table without waiting for Ian to make the move as the man.

I really enjoy Meg Easton's writing style. She writes sweet and clean romances and hits some of my favorite relationship tropes. I encourage you look into the Nestled Hollow series if you haven't read it yet as that as also really good.
Profile Image for B. D. Mann.
664 reviews20 followers
May 18, 2020
From the outset, Ian and Addison were protagonists I enjoyed. I can relate to them quite well. My wife and I are octogenarians. We raised our children before Dr. Spock entered the scene and cursed the parents of his and future generations with his outlandish views of child-rearing, I can understand why the little kids in the story ran wild, undisciplined, and roughshod all over the place. I abhor child abuse, but I learned a long time ago that the nerve that connects the ear to the brain is seldom as effective as the nerve that connects the seat of the pants to the brain, and the word "NO" is often appropriate.
Profile Image for Deborah.
674 reviews54 followers
May 7, 2020
Very cute Rom Com!! I really fell in love with Ian and Addie. I enjoyed their back story and thought a lot of what happened to make them hesitant in a new relationship was valid. I truly did laugh out loud and had a few happy sighs. It really was just a nice fluffy book. It was perfect my mood and the time I had.
87 reviews
April 22, 2020
You cannot help but root for Ian and Addison! They are so cute, and emotional baggage aside, they are amazing together. Characters who bring out the best in each other are always wonderful to read. And even better when you get to watch them grow and improve themselves. Definitely recommend this one!
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,014 reviews115 followers
May 12, 2020
How to Not Fall for the Guy Next Door by Meg Easton.
Neither of them wants a rebound relationship, but it’s hard to stay away when you’re next-door neighbors.
Brilliant read. I loved the story and characters. I'm looking forward to the next book. I loved the cover too. 5*.
270 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2020
This was such a fun book to read. There were times I was laughing out loud. Addison and Ian are great characters, and I enjoyed Addi's roommates as well. This is a second chance story. This will be a fun new series by Meg Easton. Hope it isn't too long before it comes out.
Profile Image for Valerie Waters.
1,160 reviews
June 29, 2020
Maybe 2 is harsh but it just got worse for me as I read. I mean why the heck did he break up with her if he “loved� her??? 🤦🏼‍♀� so dumb. You’re an adult. Talk about your feelings. I skimmed most of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Donna Weaver.
Author84 books457 followers
February 28, 2022
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
So what if the guy Addison Sparks had a crush on when she was thirteen just so happens to be her next-door neighbor when she moves across the country for a fresh start? And so what if she embarrasses herself in front of him...

Repeatedly.

If Ian Kendrick hadn’t grown up to be so good-looking, kind to his grandma, skilled at carpentry, and completely dateable, then it wouldn’t be so difficult to stay away from him.

Addison is just getting over a breakup, though, and Ian is, too. She doesn’t need the kind of awkwardness that would come from living next to someone who would surely be just a rebound if they ever dated.

Nope. What she needs is to make a list to constantly remind herself how to not fall for the guy next door.

MY TAKE
I haven't read a Meg Easton book that I haven't loved, and this one is no exception. Both Ian and Addy are adorable characters, and their attraction is made all the more sweeter by their childhood memories. I've found I really enjoy stories where the characters have a history that goes waaay back.

Both Addy and Ian have gone through recent breakups. They're skittish about both a rebound and doubt about ever being able to trust anyone enough to get hurt again, especially Ian. The secondary characters are a delight. Even before I read the epilogue, I could tell this was the beginning of a new series. Yay!
1,210 reviews54 followers
May 8, 2020
This was such a fun Rom-Com; I really enjoyed being able to step into Addison and Ian's world and simply enjoy watching them fall for each other. I love that they both were recovering from heart break, but that there was so much growth and realization throughout their relationship. They were such a perfect match. The chemistry was wonderful and I smiled so much as they had their cute moments of flirtation. This was my first book by author Meg Easton and I enjoyed the writing style and romantic comedy aspects so much I not only purchased my own copy after reading this in Kindle Unlimited, but am anxiously awaiting the other books in the series.
If you are looking for a good, clean, romantic comedy, this is one you should definitely check out. 4.5 stars.
Profile Image for Kate McMurry.
Author1 book116 followers
May 11, 2021
G-rated, "friends to romance" story

Romance readers who enjoy a G-rated romance between two protagonists who never do more than lightly kiss and have zero chemistry, and who spend most of the book simply going out on dates with each other or engaged in job-related activities and drawn out conversations with their best buddies, this romance novel might be a good choice. For romance readers who prefer a little zing and a lot of backbone in romance protagonists, this book may not be your cup of tea.
3,114 reviews26 followers
June 21, 2021
Woman moves into an inherited inn and gets herself some roommates... which was probably the weirdest and least explored of this story.

Her childhood friend lives next door and it's clear there's unresolved history here, but they were 12, so is it really important? But this is kind of the crux of this story that's only 3 stars. A lot of stuff was not important, yet there was too much time spent that wasn't necessary.

The build up to the relationship was lackluster. There was nothing between them except the past. I'm still not sure what makes these two tick together.
7 reviews
December 4, 2020
Fell Short

This book started out good, but as I kept reading, I noticed how much of the writing was ‘telling� and not ‘showing.� It was a good idea, but it could have been written much better. There was no depth and you don’t really care about the characters because you’re simply told how they feel- with a lot of jumps. I forced myself to finish this since I was 35% into it, but I shouldn’t have.
1,180 reviews3 followers
June 6, 2021
I 0nly read to the 15% point

Written in the ‘miles and miles of needless narrative, with tiny sprinkles of conversation� has to be the absolute most boring writing style imaginable.
This book is a great example of that style.
Reading a book should be enjoyable. It should draw the reader in right from the beginning. If it doesn’t, as was the case here, I generally close it out, and move on. As was the case here.
Profile Image for Kim.
239 reviews44 followers
July 5, 2021
I was reading by and this title at the same time. is a very angsty high drama action filled fantasy romance. I LOVE emotionally deep angsty impossible odds romance stories, but sometimes my brain needs some cute lighter rom com sunshine happy breaks. This title fit the bill. I am not saying didn't have drama. Both the heroine and hero have just recently got out of serious relationships 2 weeks ago to other people and are both experiencing grief at the ending of those relationships. FEAR of risking devastating heartbreak again is the big roadblock to happiness here. Yet the couple are childhood friends already in love with each other (just don't let each other know), along with it being filled with many hilarious moments starting with their first cute meet up again as adults, that both help prevent this from ever getting too angsty despite those debilitating relationship fears they both have.

Language: No profanity.

Sensuality Content: Clean and wholesome. Kisses and embracing only. The hero's grandmother's friends talk about how hot and good looking he is in a grandmotherly observation way only, to add humor to this rom com. Other characters also comment on hero's above average good looks.

Source: Amazon Prime Reading loan.
198 reviews
August 18, 2020
I enjoyed the story for the most part. There were some funny moments. The constant “I’m not good enough� from Ian was a bit much. So his fiancé dumped him. They had been together for a year and were 2 weeks from getting married for crying out loud! He should have been thanking his lucky stars he wasn’t getting divorced 6 months down the road when it didn’t work out. Their relationship was really new and by no means should he have been one and done. I never really understood why Addison had issues with getting guys if she was so great. Didn’t make sense to me. They were cute together but there wasn’t enough actual dating for me to see a clear relationship between them develop. I would have liked to see more of the story focus on their budding romance and less on other things, like focusing on the past or the exes.
The one thing that drove me crazy that most people won’t have an issue with is the location. The town of Quicksand Oregon is where in Oregon? It’s not really clear. There is a mention of Salem and it sounds like it could possibly be close to it then it mentions Lake Oswego and being kinda far. Okay so that would work if it was closer to Salem. Then we get hit with she’s getting lunch in Gresham on her way home from Lake Oswego. So that would lead me to believe it’s along the gorge which is nowhere near Salem, which is South of Lake O. I was born in Gresham so this bugged me big time. The fictional town and fictional river is fine, but the author should have done a better job of describing where the town was located in relation to one of these cities so that people who are familiar with the area aren’t confused. It totally brought me out of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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