Next to You

Written by Julia Gabriel

Narrated by Alice Parker

TOP PICK ROMANCE—Romance Times Book Review

A scarred and lonely billionaire hiding from his past ...

Jared Connor lost his innocence at the age of ten when his father poured gasoline around the family home and left his two young sons to die in the flames. Now an adult, he's carefully crafted a pretend life where he can hide his scars and his death row father behind the disguise of a caretaker's pickup truck and a pair of gardening shears. But when a beautiful woman with scars of her own barges into his quiet, solitary life, Jared finds it increasingly difficult to hide from what he really wants.

A successful young businesswoman ill at ease in her newfound beauty ...

Phlox Miller was never the pretty girl and no magic mascara or secret serum was ever going to change that--not even one manufactured by her own company. When an accident at her country home burns her face and body, she spares no expense on her recovery and plastic surgery. Now she turns heads on the street, but can't recognize herself in the mirror--and can't convince the man she loves that he's beautiful, too.

Next to You is a standalone romance with a scarred—but sexy AF—billionaire and a geeky CEO heroine. (Because why can’t women have all the money and success in these books?) Throw in a little angst. A few secrets. A best friend and one pitbull personal assistant. Oh and toss a hidden identity in there somewhere … and then some seriously steamy times! (No cliffhanger. Definitely a Happy Ever After.)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Serif Books
• Release date: Dec 16, 2016
• ISBN: 9781734383232

Reviews for Next to You

[crmjones · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Heartwarming story of two emotionally struggling souls

Jared Connor is the caretaker for a large Connecticut property, having been hired sight unseen by entrepreneur Phlox Miller's most capable assistant. But Jared is not an ordinary caretaker, and has his own physical, emotional, and family demons to exorcise.

Phlox returns to her weekend retreat to fight her own demons. Approximately a year before, she was seriously burned in an a kitchen accident at the house, and has scars both internal and external to show for it. She is back to overcome her fears of what happened and to regroup her mind.

The two begin a delicate dance of attraction after Jared saves Phlox from an accidental fall from her porch. Due to Jared's facial disfigurement, he hides himself from Phlox, not knowing she has burn scars of her own. The gentleness with which the two share coping with their challenges is heartwarming.

But, the secrets of who they really are risks tearing their fragile relationship apart. No spoilers here, but the book fully develops this storyline to a wonderful depth and final conclusion.

As a person with facial disfigurement, I totally appreciate this story and it warms my heart. Thanks to the author for her depth and sensitivity!

[jkgrage · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

There are certain books you read during the year that you don't want to put down. This was one of them. Both Jared and Phlox have their 'issues' and they aren't minor ones. Both are dealing with them in very different ways and in the end, they help each other to face these issues and the outside world. I love strong heroines and Phlox is definately a strong woman. In this story, he's the one running and hiding and she's the one helping him to face the world.This is a well written love story and well worth a read.* I received an advance copy of this book through librarything in return for an honest review.

[deshanya · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book is about two burn victims who find each other and fall in love. One has had plastic surgery and the other hasn't. Both are billionaires. Rather than just get together, the man angsts over his past and his face affecting the woman's business. White people problems, you know? They're both amazing, but they can't be together because it might look bad to the press. Sheesh.While the book is well-written and the heroine well-characterized (not to mention many lively secondary characters), the sheer ridiculousness of the cause of tension between them caused me to downcheck this book. I admire the world building and the depth of the heroine's business, but the hero... just, no.I received an electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[fiaerfly-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Phlox Miller, scientist and beauty business owner, needed to face demons after an accidental explosion changed her face, body and life. Jared Connor, the caretaker of her country home, was actually a billionaire hiding his face and life from the world. This was a very "Beauty and the Beast" story and I really enjoyed it. The story showed both characters' growth and healing journey from their past injuries and the love story was sexy and sweet. Would definitely read this author again.*I received a copy of this book for an honest review.

[lillian9maddocks9389 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Loved it really good story