When I was writing my current Harlequin romance release, KISSING THE MAN NEXT DOOR
(Kimani, May 2009), I couldn’t help but wonder just how many romances in real
life actually develop with the gorgeous and available woman or hot, single man
next door?
A friend of mine told me after the novel had been published that she had a
relationship for a couple of years with the hunk that moved in next door.
Though they eventually went their separate ways, she still spoke of the romance
enthusiastically and as a memory she wouldn’t be opposed to reliving. Or
recreating with a new man should the opportunity come along.
In KISSING THE MAN NEXT
DOOR, it starts innocently enough as my hairstylist/jazz singer
protagonist, divorced with her teenage son living across the country with his
father, welcomes the new next door radio deejay neighbor to town. Sparks fly
instantly and soon turn into all consuming flames.
The hero’s lovable Labrador manages to get into the heroine’s beloved garden as
the first sign of friction. But things really get interesting when the
protagonist’s son decides he no longer wishes to live with father and
stepmother, and shows up at her front door home to stay.
How will this twist impact the romantic relationship and neighborly passions???
I take this head on in carving out a fun and steamy romance tale that will keep
readers entertained from beginning to end.
Though I have never been involved in a relationship with a next door neighbor
or even anyone one the block or in complex (did have a romance with a dorm mate
in college, should that count?), I have found myself attracted to more than one
neighbor in my day. Had the circumstances and timing been favorable, I
certainly would have entertained the notion.
How about you? Have you ever had a romance with a neighbor? Maybe one that
turned into marriage, family -- the whole nine yards? If so, do share.
Do you think that a romance with your next door neighbor brings with it more
potential complications than the person who lives across town or another city?
If the romance failed, would you be uncomfortable continuing to live next door
to the person? Would it bother you seeing the ex lover with a new romantic
mate, even if you had one of your own?
Let’s talk about it...
As for me, I am a gentleman romance writer of half a dozen love stories,
happily married to my college sweetheart, and busy working on new engaging tale
of heartwarming romance.
Visit me via MySpace.
In the meantime, my next romance, CHRISTMAS DIAMONDS
(Kimani, November 2009), is also sure to engage you as diamonds and the
Christmas season share center stage.
Visit my pages at Harlequin, Red Room, and Fantastic Fiction.
Also enjoy these interviews I gave recently at Sound Author and Scribble
Best,
Devon Vaughn Archer
blog Contest
Win a copy of
THE SIGN,
the latest thriller by
New York Times bestselling author
Raymond Khoury. Simply
comment below and you'll be entered!
Sorry, the person next door is a little too close for me. I grew up in a small town where everyone knew everyone's business. That's why I don't live in a small town now - and what could be smaller than next door???
(Karin Tillotson 12:50pm May 18)
It was troublesome enough to date my brother's friend who drove back and forth from St. Louis. When I broke up with him, the treads left from the tire marks announced his displeasure. It was hard to look him in the eye again and he went to my church, too. All in all, a little too close for comfort to date someone so familiar.
(Alyson Widen 1:37pm May 18)
I've never had a neighbor who fit that bill, so no, I've not thought about it myself. However, my son's girlfriend did that after their baby was born. Needless to say, they aren't together today!
(LuAnn Morgan 1:39pm May 18)
I have never in my life had a neighbor worth thinking about having a relationship with! But it would be hard to still live next to them if it ended - it would be hard to see them with someone else.
(Kelli Jo Calvert 1:51pm May 18)
I never had a romance with a neighbor but I did meet my husband at work. We will be married for 45 years in December.
(Judy L. 2:59pm May 18)
I have never had a neighbor who was remotely tempting. Maybe I just haven't lived in the right neighborhood. I do agree with Kelli's comment that it would be difficult when the relationship ended, to live so close.
(Robin McKay 6:18pm May 18)
my neighbors on both sides were retired, so the chance of my falling for one of them was pretty slim; but I did meet my husband at a country western bar and we have been together since
(Diane Sadler 7:54pm May 18)
I went out with a neighbor a few times. It took two dates and then I realized he was not the man for me, so I didn't waste my time nor his by going out with him again.
(Shelia Goss 8:17pm May 18)
I've never had any interest in any neighbor I've ever had - it's too close to home & I wouldn't ever want to feel uncomfortable in my own neighborhood as a result of a liaison with a neighbor.
(Cheryl Snyder 9:48pm May 18)
Next door is too close for me! But I can see how it might happen, anyway thank you for the opportunity to win.
(Jo White 10:13am May 19)
