Holly‘s review of The Other Side of Us by Sarah Mayberry
The best thing between Oliver Barrett and Mackenzie Williams is a fence. Ever since Oliver’s new-neighbor gestures were met with unfriendly responses, he’s decided to keep his distance. After all, he’s in this seaside town to get his life on track again. That doesn’t include working hard to get on Mackenzie’s good side—no matter how intriguing she may be.
His intentions are put to the test, however, when his dog becomes infatuated with hers. The two crafty canines do their best to break down the barriers between the properties. And where the dogs go , well, the humans must follow! It doesn’t take long for a powerful attraction to build between Oliver and Mackenzie. They soon discover that the worst of first impressions can lead to the best possible outcomes .
Oliver thought his marriage was solid..until the day he borrowed his wife’s car and found a receipt for a hotel behind the seat. Seven months later, he’s trying to put his life back together. Deciding he needs a break, he heads to Flinders to clean out his aunt’s house. He figures he can use the time away to deal with some of the anger building inside of him. The last thing he expected to do was fall into lust with his prickly next door neighbor. He isn’t interested in a position to start anything with anyone, but she sure tempts him. When her dog gets out and gets cozy with his, they end up spending more time together than is probably wise. But he can’t seem to help himself where she’s concerned.
Mackenzie has been in Flinders the last few months finishing her physical therapy and trying to get her stamina back up so she doesn’t lose her job. She was in a bad car accident that left her scarred – emotionally and physically. She wants nothing more than to get he life back. To do that, she needs to be 100% so she can get her job back. She’s pretty determined, but the longer it takes to recover, the harder it is to keep her spirits up. Sparring with her new sexy neighbor is a distraction she doesn’t want, but can’t seem to resist.
When Mackenzie gets more bad news, Oliver is there to help. But their relationship is put to the test when her ex-husband shows up. Can Oliver learn to trust again? And will Mackenzie be able to recover enough from this most recent emotional blow to let Oliver in?
Once they get past their rocky start, Oliver and Mackenzie form a solid friendship. Both are going through major changes in their lives, and that brings them together. Their attachment comes on rather fast, but it makes sense given how intense and raw both of them are feeling. Mayberry is great at exploring difficult situations and making them believable. It should be way too early for Oliver to get involved with anyone, but Mayberry takes the time to explore their relationship.
I did struggle with some of the final resolution. Though I bought into their relationship, I think I needed to see more behind-the-scenes healing with Oliver to make me believe in a full HEA.
Still, this was a gripping story. I was pulled in from the start.
3.75 out of 5
This book is available from Harlequin SuperRomance. You can buy it here or here in e-format. This book was provided by the publisher for an honest review.
I am such a Mayberry fangirl! I need to read this.