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Writer's Block
Author Wyatt Whitlock is one of the biggest names in action thrillers and writes for the largest publisher in the business. She’s extremely private and writes prolifically―well, until recently. Writer’s block may spell the end of her career if she can’t figure a way around it. A drastic change in scenery and a really old house in New Orleans could get her creativity going again, but renovating the house she bought on a whim might just kill her.
Hayley Fox has put in her time as an assistant to an assistant in publishing, and it’s finally paid off. She’s been hired by a firm in New Orleans and she’s planning to use that as a springboard to the big leagues in New York, if only her sexy new neighbor didn’t make staying put an oh-so-tempting option.
Wyatt and Hayley might be made for each other if only they can get through noisy neighbors, the historic society, at-odds future plans, and all the secrets hidden in Wyatt’s walls.
Hayley Fox has put in her time as an assistant to an assistant in publishing, and it’s finally paid off. She’s been hired by a firm in New Orleans and she’s planning to use that as a springboard to the big leagues in New York, if only her sexy new neighbor didn’t make staying put an oh-so-tempting option.
Wyatt and Hayley might be made for each other if only they can get through noisy neighbors, the historic society, at-odds future plans, and all the secrets hidden in Wyatt’s walls.
232 pages, Paperback
First published April 6, 2022
About the author
Ali Vali
50 books445 followersAli Vali is the author of the long-running Cain Casey "Devil" series and the Genesis Clan "Forces" series, as well as numerous standalone romances including two Lambda Literary Award finalists, Calling the Dead and Love Match, and her 2017 release, Beauty and the Boss. Ali also has a novella in the collection Girls with Guns.
Originally from Cuba, Ali has retained much of her family's traditions and language and uses them frequently in her stories. Having her father read her stories and poetry before bed every night as a child infused her with a love of reading, which she carries till today. Ali currently lives outside New Orleans, Louisiana, and she has discovered that living in Louisiana provides plenty of material to draw from in creating her novels and short stories.
Originally from Cuba, Ali has retained much of her family's traditions and language and uses them frequently in her stories. Having her father read her stories and poetry before bed every night as a child infused her with a love of reading, which she carries till today. Ali currently lives outside New Orleans, Louisiana, and she has discovered that living in Louisiana provides plenty of material to draw from in creating her novels and short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
April 26, 2022
Neighbours.
It took me a loooong time to finish this book because this just wasn't a story for me.
This isn't a regular story - Ali Vali tried something different and I appreciate the effort but I couldn't connect with either the characters nor the story. Vali went the erotic route, which I know some readers would love but I also want the romance that isn't there. Wyatt and Hayley are new neighbours in a small town and are even working in the same industry, but they know literally nothing about each other and they don't have proper conversations in the traditional sense. And they sound alike actually, which just confuses me and I couldn't tell them apart at times.
I didn't care for the side plots and side characters either and that includes a side story that is being told as part of the history of Wyatt's new house. And all the characters are weird. My guess is that Vali was going for lighthearted and homorous but I didn't find any of them funny, though I must caveat that there are readers who enjoyed the humour so it could be just me.
Sorry if this sounds harsh but it just isn't a book for me. I enjoyed the Vali's previous book, Calumet, a lot so it just feels awful how much I can't connect with this one.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It took me a loooong time to finish this book because this just wasn't a story for me.
This isn't a regular story - Ali Vali tried something different and I appreciate the effort but I couldn't connect with either the characters nor the story. Vali went the erotic route, which I know some readers would love but I also want the romance that isn't there. Wyatt and Hayley are new neighbours in a small town and are even working in the same industry, but they know literally nothing about each other and they don't have proper conversations in the traditional sense. And they sound alike actually, which just confuses me and I couldn't tell them apart at times.
I didn't care for the side plots and side characters either and that includes a side story that is being told as part of the history of Wyatt's new house. And all the characters are weird. My guess is that Vali was going for lighthearted and homorous but I didn't find any of them funny, though I must caveat that there are readers who enjoyed the humour so it could be just me.
Sorry if this sounds harsh but it just isn't a book for me. I enjoyed the Vali's previous book, Calumet, a lot so it just feels awful how much I can't connect with this one.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2022
2.75 stars. This book was not what I expected it to be. I like how Vali is not afraid of trying something new. The last four books I read were all very different and some I liked very much and others not so much. Unfortunately, this book falls in the last category for me. Not to say this book is badly written, it is not, but the style and romance were just not really to my liking.
This book should not to be taken too seriously, it’s meant to be light and funny even though there is an undertone of grief. Wyatt buys a house on a whim in New Orleans and quickly learns that the people in her neighborhood are quite peculiar, perhaps with the exception of her very sexy neighbor. Humor is always tricky and I don’t often find things funny, which was the case with this book. There are some crazy characters in this book and a lot of the humor revolves around poking fun at people and especially at the start of the book it was even somewhat judgmental which didn’t always sit well with me. It did get better when the book progressed so perhaps Vali needed to find her groove, but it was still not really my type of humor. I did enjoy the crazy people in the neighborhood, they were weird and totally over the top.
The romance was the most unexpected thing for me. I’m not sure if I can call it a romance to be honest. They don’t actually talk to each other for more than half of the book and most interactions are centered around lust and it had an erotica feel to it. I would say about 10% of this book is about romance and I it was not enough for me to believe in them as a couple, also the dark moment felt forced. I don’t want to give away too much about their interactions, but was not really my thing and it took up too much time of the book for me. There is also a small side romance in this book in diary style (in third person, which is weird to me), that was cute but quite predictable and it didn’t really add much to the storyline of the book.
Long story short, this book was not for me, I didn’t gel with the humorous style and I wanted more depth to the romance. That said, I know there are people who liked this better then I did, so I recommend to check out other reviews.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book should not to be taken too seriously, it’s meant to be light and funny even though there is an undertone of grief. Wyatt buys a house on a whim in New Orleans and quickly learns that the people in her neighborhood are quite peculiar, perhaps with the exception of her very sexy neighbor. Humor is always tricky and I don’t often find things funny, which was the case with this book. There are some crazy characters in this book and a lot of the humor revolves around poking fun at people and especially at the start of the book it was even somewhat judgmental which didn’t always sit well with me. It did get better when the book progressed so perhaps Vali needed to find her groove, but it was still not really my type of humor. I did enjoy the crazy people in the neighborhood, they were weird and totally over the top.
The romance was the most unexpected thing for me. I’m not sure if I can call it a romance to be honest. They don’t actually talk to each other for more than half of the book and most interactions are centered around lust and it had an erotica feel to it. I would say about 10% of this book is about romance and I it was not enough for me to believe in them as a couple, also the dark moment felt forced. I don’t want to give away too much about their interactions, but was not really my thing and it took up too much time of the book for me. There is also a small side romance in this book in diary style (in third person, which is weird to me), that was cute but quite predictable and it didn’t really add much to the storyline of the book.
Long story short, this book was not for me, I didn’t gel with the humorous style and I wanted more depth to the romance. That said, I know there are people who liked this better then I did, so I recommend to check out other reviews.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2022
Successful mystery writer Wyatt Whitlock’s muse has wandered off and left her unable to write. In a fit of pique, Wyatt buys a rundown century old house in New Orleans hoping a change of place will inspire her writing.
Publishing assistant Hayley Fox works long hours in longer weeks to hopefully establish herself in the industry. Hayley has given her career everything she has and ignored her personal life until a stranger moves into the dilapidated house next door.
Writer’s Block is a combination of erotica and romance mixed with southern absurd humour. And I loved it!
The cast of characters are colourful, individual and delightfully quirky. Wyatt is given a subtle yet imaginative sense of humour which creates some of the best parts of the story. I cannot decide which I laughed at more, the Burmese python and the cable guy or the mini putt. You will need to experience both of these first hand so I will not taint your enjoyment with explanations.
Vali has tried something different in this novel and it worked out rather well. My only grumble is the theme of the story within the story is very see through and has been done too many times in other novels to be considered unique. As this side story plays a somewhat minor roll, it is only a minor complaint. Overall Writer’s Block is an engaging and enjoyable read.
I received an advanced review copy from Bold Stroke Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Publishing assistant Hayley Fox works long hours in longer weeks to hopefully establish herself in the industry. Hayley has given her career everything she has and ignored her personal life until a stranger moves into the dilapidated house next door.
Writer’s Block is a combination of erotica and romance mixed with southern absurd humour. And I loved it!
The cast of characters are colourful, individual and delightfully quirky. Wyatt is given a subtle yet imaginative sense of humour which creates some of the best parts of the story. I cannot decide which I laughed at more, the Burmese python and the cable guy or the mini putt. You will need to experience both of these first hand so I will not taint your enjoyment with explanations.
Vali has tried something different in this novel and it worked out rather well. My only grumble is the theme of the story within the story is very see through and has been done too many times in other novels to be considered unique. As this side story plays a somewhat minor roll, it is only a minor complaint. Overall Writer’s Block is an engaging and enjoyable read.
I received an advanced review copy from Bold Stroke Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 4, 2022
Featured presentation: Writer’s block by Ali Vali
Sometimes, words are redundant.
Cast: Wyatt Whitlock is a prolific action thriller author, but her writing has come to a halt after tragedy strikes. Hayley Fox is working her way up the editorial ladder and is currently working as senior editor and acquisitions manager for a publishing company in New Orleans.
The Plot: Wyatt buys a rundown house in New Orleans in an attempt to deal with grief and find her way back to her words. Hayley is biding her time until she can take the next step in her career and move back to New York. She returns from a visit with her parents to find the house next to hers has been sold. Soon all kinds of rumours start to circulate about her sexy new neighbour…
The blazing: Wyatt’s imaginary conversations with her muses stood out right from the start. I loved the raw honesty cultivated from years of familiarity.
The woes of buying and renovating the old house were brilliantly done. Ms Vali not only gave us a dwelling steeped in history and character, but also an enigmatic crew to assist Wyatt in restoring the house. The joviality and camaraderie between Wyatt and the crew created a beautiful balance with Wyatt’s otherwise solitary existence.
The bright: Wyatt is fiercely private and quickly scouted out the main feeder to the local rumour mill. The quirky stories and outrageous facts she came up with about herself had me in stitches. This also gets her into hot water with the historical society…
Wyatt found journals hidden in the walls of her house. These played a large role in leading her back to writing, not only through the history contained in them, but by allowing her to deal with her grief.
The bleak: The romance is slow-burn, but the main characters only spoke to each other fairly late in the book. Most of their interactions were watching each other through windows and they learned some information about each other from neighbours and the crew working on Wyatt’s house. The secondary story line, the content of the journals, hails from the early 1900s. Wyatt and Hayley’s romance mirrored Lydia and Sam’s relationship in the sense that communication was stiff or absent while the romance is blossoming. This in itself was not overly problematic, but it is interspersed with erotic voyeurism that made the relationship feel superficial.
The extend to which the resident leader of the historical society went in order to prevent Wyatt’s plans for her property felt extreme and a bit forced.
The burned-to-ashes: Nothing.
And then The Plot Thickens and we have a fun, albeit odd tale of a writer overcoming grief and the resulting writer's block with the help of her naughty neighbour.
I enjoyed Writer’s Block for the most part, but the lack of emotional connection between the MCs put a damper on it for me. Ms Vali’s sense of humour is exquisite and I applaud her for the character’s quirks as well as the general direction she chose for her story. Or, rather, the general direction her story chose as it often goes in writing…
Studio: Bold Strokes Books.
Closing credits: I willingly leave this review based on an eARC graciously granted to me by Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley.
Sometimes, words are redundant.
Cast: Wyatt Whitlock is a prolific action thriller author, but her writing has come to a halt after tragedy strikes. Hayley Fox is working her way up the editorial ladder and is currently working as senior editor and acquisitions manager for a publishing company in New Orleans.
The Plot: Wyatt buys a rundown house in New Orleans in an attempt to deal with grief and find her way back to her words. Hayley is biding her time until she can take the next step in her career and move back to New York. She returns from a visit with her parents to find the house next to hers has been sold. Soon all kinds of rumours start to circulate about her sexy new neighbour…
The blazing: Wyatt’s imaginary conversations with her muses stood out right from the start. I loved the raw honesty cultivated from years of familiarity.
The woes of buying and renovating the old house were brilliantly done. Ms Vali not only gave us a dwelling steeped in history and character, but also an enigmatic crew to assist Wyatt in restoring the house. The joviality and camaraderie between Wyatt and the crew created a beautiful balance with Wyatt’s otherwise solitary existence.
The bright: Wyatt is fiercely private and quickly scouted out the main feeder to the local rumour mill. The quirky stories and outrageous facts she came up with about herself had me in stitches. This also gets her into hot water with the historical society…
Wyatt found journals hidden in the walls of her house. These played a large role in leading her back to writing, not only through the history contained in them, but by allowing her to deal with her grief.
The bleak: The romance is slow-burn, but the main characters only spoke to each other fairly late in the book. Most of their interactions were watching each other through windows and they learned some information about each other from neighbours and the crew working on Wyatt’s house. The secondary story line, the content of the journals, hails from the early 1900s. Wyatt and Hayley’s romance mirrored Lydia and Sam’s relationship in the sense that communication was stiff or absent while the romance is blossoming. This in itself was not overly problematic, but it is interspersed with erotic voyeurism that made the relationship feel superficial.
The extend to which the resident leader of the historical society went in order to prevent Wyatt’s plans for her property felt extreme and a bit forced.
The burned-to-ashes: Nothing.
And then The Plot Thickens and we have a fun, albeit odd tale of a writer overcoming grief and the resulting writer's block with the help of her naughty neighbour.
I enjoyed Writer’s Block for the most part, but the lack of emotional connection between the MCs put a damper on it for me. Ms Vali’s sense of humour is exquisite and I applaud her for the character’s quirks as well as the general direction she chose for her story. Or, rather, the general direction her story chose as it often goes in writing…
Studio: Bold Strokes Books.
Closing credits: I willingly leave this review based on an eARC graciously granted to me by Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley.
April 11, 2022
I love Ali Vali’s beautiful descriptions of her settings in Nola, I always feel like making a quick trip there after reading one. I really liked this new release, it does not include a thriller side story like a lot of her work and focuses on the romance between the two MCs but I enjoyed reading it and devoured it in one afternoon. Wyatt is a well known writer having a bit of an issue with writers block after losing her parents. She eludes her agent by running away and buying a house in New Orleans on a whim. There she has some encounters with her neighbor Hayley and meets a cast of characters in her new neighborhood. Hayley works as an editor for a small publisher and now that she’s got her dream job is looking for someone to come home to at night. As Wyatt renovates her new home she finds some old journals that tell her a story that inspires her next moves. I really liked this one, maybe more than some of the other books by Ali Vali. The characters were engaging and I felt like the plot was unique to anything I have read before. The side characters were funny and mostly what you’d expect to see in a southern city like Nola. I’d recommend picking this up if you’re looking for a fun rom com type book to fill your afternoon.
May 8, 2022
Writer's block by Ali Vali was very different from how other book's main characters meet each other forr the first time in a story. It did leave me ‘cringe’ sometimes, but my laughing outweighed that! Give it a read, you'll see what I mean...
Anyway, I've read a few of Ali vali's books, and I've enjoyed most of them, Writers block was another good gem. It certainly makes you laugh and the storyline is so different to what I've read in the past. The main characters gel fantastic together... Defiantly leaves the spark’s flying, I can tell you that much!
In this book, you have the banter, the laughs, the good storyline, the sparks, the fantastic character, the nosy neighbour, that one village resident who just needs to stick their nose and cause gossip, a taser, the wannabe girlfriend, the ghosts of mum and dad... What else do you need? It's great!
But... What I do love about the book, are the journals that are found throughout the house that Jo buys, this story tells another story completely, about its once house occupants and the family history that the house holds. I would love to hear a separate story of this.
I've given Writer’s block a 3.6/5
Enjoy.
Anyway, I've read a few of Ali vali's books, and I've enjoyed most of them, Writers block was another good gem. It certainly makes you laugh and the storyline is so different to what I've read in the past. The main characters gel fantastic together... Defiantly leaves the spark’s flying, I can tell you that much!
In this book, you have the banter, the laughs, the good storyline, the sparks, the fantastic character, the nosy neighbour, that one village resident who just needs to stick their nose and cause gossip, a taser, the wannabe girlfriend, the ghosts of mum and dad... What else do you need? It's great!
But... What I do love about the book, are the journals that are found throughout the house that Jo buys, this story tells another story completely, about its once house occupants and the family history that the house holds. I would love to hear a separate story of this.
I've given Writer’s block a 3.6/5
Enjoy.
April 15, 2022
As Vali writes in the acknowledgments this book is rather different from the author's other books. It's lighter, funnier, and only focused on romance. I really enjoyed it.
As is the norm with Vali's books it's set in New Orleans. Successful writer Wyatt is struggling after the sudden death of her parents and decides to pack up her things in New York and move to a fixer-upper, sight unseen in New Orleans. Wyatt's neighbour, Hayley, becomes her new inspiration. A lot of Vali's books have a thriller aspect as a side story, this one has another romance as a side story. It's a predictable story, but it's sweet, albeit maybe a little unnecessarily lengthy in the way it's told. Wyatt is inspired by this story and by watching her neighbour (it's a little pervy, unless you are into that kinda thing). Hayley seems into it as well.
The story is pretty funny, I like Wyatt's humour, her new neighbours don't get it and the situations they end up in might not make everyone laugh but it made me laugh, with the exception of one.
I like the match between Hayley and Wyatt, the dark moment was a bit over the top and as always too late in the book, I do like the resolution and it didn't feel rushed.
Overall I think this is a fun light-hearted read, something you wouldn't necessarily expect from Vali, and it works. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoy wlw romance.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
As is the norm with Vali's books it's set in New Orleans. Successful writer Wyatt is struggling after the sudden death of her parents and decides to pack up her things in New York and move to a fixer-upper, sight unseen in New Orleans. Wyatt's neighbour, Hayley, becomes her new inspiration. A lot of Vali's books have a thriller aspect as a side story, this one has another romance as a side story. It's a predictable story, but it's sweet, albeit maybe a little unnecessarily lengthy in the way it's told. Wyatt is inspired by this story and by watching her neighbour (it's a little pervy, unless you are into that kinda thing). Hayley seems into it as well.
The story is pretty funny, I like Wyatt's humour, her new neighbours don't get it and the situations they end up in might not make everyone laugh but it made me laugh, with the exception of one.
I like the match between Hayley and Wyatt, the dark moment was a bit over the top and as always too late in the book, I do like the resolution and it didn't feel rushed.
Overall I think this is a fun light-hearted read, something you wouldn't necessarily expect from Vali, and it works. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoy wlw romance.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
May 1, 2022
This was just the book I needed right now. I have always adored Ali Vali’s stories. There is just something about her writing style and her creativity that I can’t get enough of. I’ve been delighted by everything I’ve ever read by Ms. Vali. After reading Writer’s Block, I’m happy to say that is still true.
This is the story of a famous author (Wyatt Whitlock) who is battling a bad case of writer’s block after a traumatic event. In an attempt to overcome this, Wyatt decides to make some drastic changes in her life, so she moves from her lovely home in New York City to a derelict historical house in New Orleans. She begins the process of renovating the old ramshackle place only to discover a beautiful next door neighbor who doesn’t seem to like window coverings. Wyatt also finds herself surrounded by a group of, shall we say, eccentric folks that could either befriend her or kill her. The jury on that is still out.
Writer’s Block not only showcases the author’s enormous creative skills, it also reveals her wacky, snarky, and slapstick humor. Some of the things that happened to Wyatt as well as her actions in return had me laughing out loud quite often. Of course there is a very hot romance in this tale between Wyatt and her next door neighbor Haley Fox. It takes skill to make such a steamy love story into a slow-burn-romance, but that is exactly what happens.
This is a character driven tale, and these characters are quite memorable. It is easy to fall in love with Wyatt and Haley, but it is the secondary characters that make this novel memorable.
I had a blast reading this book and had a smile on my face for a long while afterwards. I recommend this novel to all who love a bit of slapstick comedy with their romances.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
This is the story of a famous author (Wyatt Whitlock) who is battling a bad case of writer’s block after a traumatic event. In an attempt to overcome this, Wyatt decides to make some drastic changes in her life, so she moves from her lovely home in New York City to a derelict historical house in New Orleans. She begins the process of renovating the old ramshackle place only to discover a beautiful next door neighbor who doesn’t seem to like window coverings. Wyatt also finds herself surrounded by a group of, shall we say, eccentric folks that could either befriend her or kill her. The jury on that is still out.
Writer’s Block not only showcases the author’s enormous creative skills, it also reveals her wacky, snarky, and slapstick humor. Some of the things that happened to Wyatt as well as her actions in return had me laughing out loud quite often. Of course there is a very hot romance in this tale between Wyatt and her next door neighbor Haley Fox. It takes skill to make such a steamy love story into a slow-burn-romance, but that is exactly what happens.
This is a character driven tale, and these characters are quite memorable. It is easy to fall in love with Wyatt and Haley, but it is the secondary characters that make this novel memorable.
I had a blast reading this book and had a smile on my face for a long while afterwards. I recommend this novel to all who love a bit of slapstick comedy with their romances.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
July 18, 2022
This is not Ali Vali's usual work but nevertheless it's an amusing book. Even with the unusual setup, the story is lighthearted and funny.
April 19, 2022
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I find Vali a bit hit and miss and this was more of a miss. There were just so many weird elements to this book and none of them gelled.
This features MC Wyatt, a mystery writer with writer’s block who buys a house in New Orleans on a whim. This has her living next door to the other MC, Hayley, an editor with a small publishing house.
Wyatt’s parents died years ago, but somehow ‘haunt’ her to provide a running commentary on her life. She also has an overly familiar manager type person, who she should have fired but keeps working with for some inexplicable reason. Hayley has a bunch of weird neighbours, one of which should be arrested for any number of reasons, a crappy relationship with her mother, and her work colleagues and boss are also odd. I’m sure some of them were supposed to be amusing but I just found them all annoying.
Wyatt moves in fairly early in the book but the MCs don’t officially meet til after the 50% mark, though they ‘interact’ before this. This was where I almost gave up, because the way they interact is just seriously bizarre. I assume it was supposed to be erotic, but I just found it completely unbelievable that grown women, especially people who have to live next to each other, would act that way. Wyatt is also keeping her identity a secret, so goes by the name of ‘Joe’ but Hayley also calls her ‘Butch’ for the first part of the book.
To add another element that doesn’t work. Wyatt also finds some diaries of the woman who used to live in the house and we’re ‘treated’ to endless passages about characters that have nothing to do with anything and don’t improve the story at all. If this had been left out and the MCs actually spent some time together, maybe I could have invested in their relationship.
Once they do meet properly, they have barely any time to get to know each other, and there’s also the ‘drama’ portion of the book and requisite miscommunication to cram into this section. By the time the book wraps up we’re supposed to believe these two people who’ve spent practically no time together and know pretty much nothing about the other apart from what they look like naked have somehow fallen in love. I didn’t buy that anymore than I bought any of the other aspects. 2 stars.
I find Vali a bit hit and miss and this was more of a miss. There were just so many weird elements to this book and none of them gelled.
This features MC Wyatt, a mystery writer with writer’s block who buys a house in New Orleans on a whim. This has her living next door to the other MC, Hayley, an editor with a small publishing house.
Wyatt’s parents died years ago, but somehow ‘haunt’ her to provide a running commentary on her life. She also has an overly familiar manager type person, who she should have fired but keeps working with for some inexplicable reason. Hayley has a bunch of weird neighbours, one of which should be arrested for any number of reasons, a crappy relationship with her mother, and her work colleagues and boss are also odd. I’m sure some of them were supposed to be amusing but I just found them all annoying.
Wyatt moves in fairly early in the book but the MCs don’t officially meet til after the 50% mark, though they ‘interact’ before this. This was where I almost gave up, because the way they interact is just seriously bizarre. I assume it was supposed to be erotic, but I just found it completely unbelievable that grown women, especially people who have to live next to each other, would act that way. Wyatt is also keeping her identity a secret, so goes by the name of ‘Joe’ but Hayley also calls her ‘Butch’ for the first part of the book.
To add another element that doesn’t work. Wyatt also finds some diaries of the woman who used to live in the house and we’re ‘treated’ to endless passages about characters that have nothing to do with anything and don’t improve the story at all. If this had been left out and the MCs actually spent some time together, maybe I could have invested in their relationship.
Once they do meet properly, they have barely any time to get to know each other, and there’s also the ‘drama’ portion of the book and requisite miscommunication to cram into this section. By the time the book wraps up we’re supposed to believe these two people who’ve spent practically no time together and know pretty much nothing about the other apart from what they look like naked have somehow fallen in love. I didn’t buy that anymore than I bought any of the other aspects. 2 stars.
April 11, 2022
I’ve heard so many good words about Ali Vali. This is my very first Vali’s book; I’m not sure if this is her usually written style, it’s definitely unique, and I couldn’t stop reading.
Vali builds amazing chemistry between Wyatt and Hayley, the luring, longing, and the peeking from the dark(literally). Now technically, the blurb is what about in the book, but not exactly the direction you’d think? I’m not sure if that makes sense but it is how I feel; at least in this one, I think it’s a nice surprise because I’ve never read something like this before.
I’ll definitely look for more of Ali Vali’s books.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review
Vali builds amazing chemistry between Wyatt and Hayley, the luring, longing, and the peeking from the dark(literally). Now technically, the blurb is what about in the book, but not exactly the direction you’d think? I’m not sure if that makes sense but it is how I feel; at least in this one, I think it’s a nice surprise because I’ve never read something like this before.
I’ll definitely look for more of Ali Vali’s books.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review
July 14, 2022
I enjoyed this - read it on holiday, gave it five stars, as not on internet didn't write an immediate review and have now forgotten the nuances of the story! hey ho! Read on.
June 25, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this story.
A writer is facing some emotional and sub-creative challenge and relocates. Finds herself in a neighbourhood mixed with characters that inspires her creative juice wherein love finds her.
Ali Vali knows how to write the kind of butch romance that doesn't make me gag. I mean chivalrous type without overdoing.
The only part that didn't get my star is the epilogue...i find it mushy.
A writer is facing some emotional and sub-creative challenge and relocates. Finds herself in a neighbourhood mixed with characters that inspires her creative juice wherein love finds her.
Ali Vali knows how to write the kind of butch romance that doesn't make me gag. I mean chivalrous type without overdoing.
The only part that didn't get my star is the epilogue...i find it mushy.
May 3, 2022
I actually really enjoyed it. It made me laugh quite a few times. It’s not full of angst. I loved how Hayley helps Wyatt heal and find her love of writing again. I thought Wyatt and Hayley’s interactions through the windows was steamy and hot. I couldn’t wait for them to finally talk. I loved the discovery of the journals and the story held with in them and was so happy they were shared. I thought it was a very cute, sweet, and steamy read. I will definitely be reading it again.
April 17, 2022
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Wyatt is successful writer but lately she been suffering writer’s block but also still struggling with her parents death. On a whim she buys a house in New Orleans and decides this is right distraction to help her. Haley has just return to New Orleans she working her way up in publishing she lives next door to where Wyatt has brought a house and she curious who the attractive woman is.
Wyatt writer’s block starts to loosen up when she finds old letters she and Haley meet and it’s a slowly build romance I love the description the author does when describing New Orleans I hope one day I have chance to see it. Good Read I hope the next book is with Sept and Keegan I miss those characters.
Wyatt is successful writer but lately she been suffering writer’s block but also still struggling with her parents death. On a whim she buys a house in New Orleans and decides this is right distraction to help her. Haley has just return to New Orleans she working her way up in publishing she lives next door to where Wyatt has brought a house and she curious who the attractive woman is.
Wyatt writer’s block starts to loosen up when she finds old letters she and Haley meet and it’s a slowly build romance I love the description the author does when describing New Orleans I hope one day I have chance to see it. Good Read I hope the next book is with Sept and Keegan I miss those characters.
April 15, 2022
Writer’s Block is a sweet, funny, and a little odd story. This story takes us along the journey between Hayley and Wyatt. We get to follow along their ups and downs not only in the romance department but also in their professional life. The townspeople are a little weird but like any small town, you will always have those odd balls. I LOVED reading about Lydia and Sam and wish I too could read their story! This book shows you the ups and downs of a relationship and how a small lie can alter your course.
What I wasn’t a fan of was sometimes the story was a little repetitive in the wording. I wish more of the story focused on other aspects of the relationship besides just the spice. Most of the parts between the main characters were when something spicy was happening. I would have loved to have more parts of just the normal day to day aspects between them. All in all, this was a great story and was well written! I am glad I got the opportunity to read an early e-copy of the book thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.
What I wasn’t a fan of was sometimes the story was a little repetitive in the wording. I wish more of the story focused on other aspects of the relationship besides just the spice. Most of the parts between the main characters were when something spicy was happening. I would have loved to have more parts of just the normal day to day aspects between them. All in all, this was a great story and was well written! I am glad I got the opportunity to read an early e-copy of the book thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.
April 14, 2022
A different type of book by Ali Vali. It's still based in New Orleans but this one is solely focused on romance when Wyatt, a writer with a writer's block, impulsively buys a derelict house and comes into contact (sort of) with her neighbor. There's voyeurism, weird side characters and strange plot twists...I don't know, it reminded me a bit of the Janet Evanovich books with the storylines that are quite out there and over the top. I did enjoy the book and had a chuckle or two but it's not a typical Vali book. I missed the depth to the characters and the great connection she usually manages to get across. Yet if you let go of what you expect you will read a quirky romcom with some pretty hot scenes that's sure to give you some pleasant hours to spend.
***Thank you Bold Stroke Books and Netgalley for the chance to read and review this book.***
***Thank you Bold Stroke Books and Netgalley for the chance to read and review this book.***
April 15, 2022
This is not Vali's usual work but non the less a great book. Even with the unusual setup this is a pure romance that is lighthearted and funny. I enjoyed reading this book very much
April 16, 2022
This story was different from what I’ve read from Vali, but I still enjoyed it.
May 10, 2022
Totally enjoyed this book, and read it in about a day and a half. Ali Vali is one of my automatic buys whenever a book comes out - I can always find a character (or two) that I can relate to, and this book was no exception. Wyatt and her smartass comments (which would often come back to bite her) made me laugh out loud several times. Her "inner voices" also gave me a good chuckle from time to time.
This book is low angst, and the only trigger warning would be for a neighborhood busybody. There are places you probably wouldn't want to read at work - definitely a heat warning!
This book is low angst, and the only trigger warning would be for a neighborhood busybody. There are places you probably wouldn't want to read at work - definitely a heat warning!
May 9, 2022
Writer's Block is a very very slow burn romance, with a bit of humour and intrigue set in a part of New Orleans where everyone seems to know everyone else.
Wyatt is a writer (with writers block) who has recently lost both parents so decides to buy a cheap house and renovate it. That house happens to be right next door to Hayley, who works for a book publisher and doesn't seem to have any window coverings at all. These two spend the first half of the book interacting silently from afar, while chaos erupts around them. Crazy neighbours, nosey diner owners and a few tall tales which get spun madly out of control.
Ali Vali writes well and her MC's were charismatic and engaging, and her story was whimsical, yet also had grief and mystery mixed in.
I think this story needs to be approached from a slightly different angle when being read (or maybe I just didn't get the humour) but check it out it, it's originality may appeal to a different reader.
I received a ARC by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for my honest review.
Wyatt is a writer (with writers block) who has recently lost both parents so decides to buy a cheap house and renovate it. That house happens to be right next door to Hayley, who works for a book publisher and doesn't seem to have any window coverings at all. These two spend the first half of the book interacting silently from afar, while chaos erupts around them. Crazy neighbours, nosey diner owners and a few tall tales which get spun madly out of control.
Ali Vali writes well and her MC's were charismatic and engaging, and her story was whimsical, yet also had grief and mystery mixed in.
I think this story needs to be approached from a slightly different angle when being read (or maybe I just didn't get the humour) but check it out it, it's originality may appeal to a different reader.
I received a ARC by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for my honest review.
July 10, 2022
This is the most funny romantic comedy I have read so far, even though there is the grief of Wyatt's loss of her parents, but it is largely compensated by the sometimes hilarious inner dialogues and then her own crazy attempts at giving baffling responses, or should I say being obnoxious towards people she doesn't like, that almost instantly come back to bite her in the ass.
The writing is great, but quite different to what I read by Ali Vali before as well as the plot - one could say - being in a dfferent universe, even. Add on top the character of Haley, her boss and her best friend, add PITA Blanche, her aunt and her posse and we have a right comedy of errors, that made me laugh out loud at times while smiling practically all through the book.
The best actually might be the sub plot, that runs through the story, giving the history of the former owners of the house Wyatt has bought, adding a serious message to the hilarious plot.
The writing is great, but quite different to what I read by Ali Vali before as well as the plot - one could say - being in a dfferent universe, even. Add on top the character of Haley, her boss and her best friend, add PITA Blanche, her aunt and her posse and we have a right comedy of errors, that made me laugh out loud at times while smiling practically all through the book.
The best actually might be the sub plot, that runs through the story, giving the history of the former owners of the house Wyatt has bought, adding a serious message to the hilarious plot.
April 19, 2022
Ali Vali can write in many genres but I love when she writes about writers. Her love of language and the written word shines. In this book Wyatt is a successful mystery writer who has writers block. To change up her life she buys a run down house in New Orleans and moves from NYC. To keep her anonymity she goes by the name of Joe and tells some tale tells at the neighborhood diner. Wyatt (Joe) hires help but works along side the men improving her house. Next door neighbor Hayley is an editor for a small publishing house. She is talented and enjoys her work. She is femme and can’t help but admire her new butch neighbor.
Oddly, the two don’t actually speak to each other until over half way through the book. That doesn’t mean they don’t see each other and interact. I’m not sure if there wasn’t enough story with the two MC’s but instead the book gets filled up with quirkiness including; neighborhood gossips, vigilantes, and Hayley’s boss and staff. Another side story includes journals found in Wyatt’s house. To build the heat between Hayley and Wyatt there is some voyeurism. The first time is accidental and which I found funny. Afterwords it felt odd to me because this is a neighbor you haven’t officially met or spoken with. Some will find it erotic but I would gladly have traded some of those scenes for getting to know you conversations with the main characters. It seems like they are barely together before there is a misunderstanding (showing how little they know and trust each other).
It feels like I’m pointing out only negatives in what is an entertaining book. I just wanted more of Hayley and Wyatt and less of the quirky side characters. But when the two are together they are sizzling hot. Vali is am amazing writer and I can’t wait to see what adventure she takes me on next. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Oddly, the two don’t actually speak to each other until over half way through the book. That doesn’t mean they don’t see each other and interact. I’m not sure if there wasn’t enough story with the two MC’s but instead the book gets filled up with quirkiness including; neighborhood gossips, vigilantes, and Hayley’s boss and staff. Another side story includes journals found in Wyatt’s house. To build the heat between Hayley and Wyatt there is some voyeurism. The first time is accidental and which I found funny. Afterwords it felt odd to me because this is a neighbor you haven’t officially met or spoken with. Some will find it erotic but I would gladly have traded some of those scenes for getting to know you conversations with the main characters. It seems like they are barely together before there is a misunderstanding (showing how little they know and trust each other).
It feels like I’m pointing out only negatives in what is an entertaining book. I just wanted more of Hayley and Wyatt and less of the quirky side characters. But when the two are together they are sizzling hot. Vali is am amazing writer and I can’t wait to see what adventure she takes me on next. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2022
Hayley Fox’s career is on track – she put her time in as a grunt in a NYC publishing house which helped land her a plum spot as the lead editor at a prestigious small publishing house in New Orleans where she will stay only long enough to land the job of her dreams in a major NYC publishing firm. Her career plans do not include settling down. Who has time for that? Then the eye-sore house next door to hers sells. Unbeknownst to Hayley, the new owner is best-selling author Wyatt Whitlock. Wyatt has crippling writer’s block and has run away from NYC to get away from her pushy, crazy editor and to decide what she’ll do if she can no longer be an author. Hayley, who has refused to put curtains on her windows, is fascinated by her butch next-door neighbor.
Vali has written a fast-paced romance featuring two strong women each of whom knows what and who she wants. She has added several secondary characters, including Hayley’s best friend, Wyatt’s self-absorbed and more than a little crazy editor, Hayley’s strange neighbor, George, the town gossip who isn’t bothered by not knowing the truth and makes things up as she goes about spreading rumors and inuendo, and Wyatt’s contractor, DJ. The storyline has enough twists and turns to make it impossible for the reader to put the book down for longer than it takes to make another cup of tea. Vali does not use angst as filler because her writing doesn’t need it. Oh, and the intimate scenes are hot enough to make you wish you had one of those little portable fans.
If you’re already a fan of Vali, you’re going to love this book so put it at the top of your to-be-read list. If you moved away from reading Vali, this is the book that will put back in the fold of readers who anticipate the arrival of the author’s next book. If you’re new to Vali, this book will make you a Vali-follower faster than you can say “fangirl.”
My thanks to Bold Strokes Books for an eARC.
Vali has written a fast-paced romance featuring two strong women each of whom knows what and who she wants. She has added several secondary characters, including Hayley’s best friend, Wyatt’s self-absorbed and more than a little crazy editor, Hayley’s strange neighbor, George, the town gossip who isn’t bothered by not knowing the truth and makes things up as she goes about spreading rumors and inuendo, and Wyatt’s contractor, DJ. The storyline has enough twists and turns to make it impossible for the reader to put the book down for longer than it takes to make another cup of tea. Vali does not use angst as filler because her writing doesn’t need it. Oh, and the intimate scenes are hot enough to make you wish you had one of those little portable fans.
If you’re already a fan of Vali, you’re going to love this book so put it at the top of your to-be-read list. If you moved away from reading Vali, this is the book that will put back in the fold of readers who anticipate the arrival of the author’s next book. If you’re new to Vali, this book will make you a Vali-follower faster than you can say “fangirl.”
My thanks to Bold Strokes Books for an eARC.
April 12, 2022
I wanted to like this story, I really really did, but I honestly found it quite bizarre. The story was steamy, but even those parts seemed bizarre and didn’t fully make sense. I felt like with every page the storyline stepped more and more into bizarre-o territory. I couldn’t even classify this as a RomCom because the story and the humor was so out there. The best way to describe it would be if Adam Sandler did RomCom and they masturbate a lot.
I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. All opinions are my own.
I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. All opinions are my own.
April 17, 2022
Ali Vali does not disappoint in this romance between Wyatt and Haley.
As Wyatt's new neighbors gossip about what she's up to Haley watches with wonder and lust from next door.
Wyatt's writers block has her seeking new surroundings in New Orleans and she's working on a fixer upper she bought with years of local history including journals she found from the woman that lived there previously.
Haley admirers the view as Wyatt works to make this a place she can be comfortable.
The sparks are going to fly.
Another steamy romance by Ali Vali you'll enjoy.
As Wyatt's new neighbors gossip about what she's up to Haley watches with wonder and lust from next door.
Wyatt's writers block has her seeking new surroundings in New Orleans and she's working on a fixer upper she bought with years of local history including journals she found from the woman that lived there previously.
Haley admirers the view as Wyatt works to make this a place she can be comfortable.
The sparks are going to fly.
Another steamy romance by Ali Vali you'll enjoy.
June 29, 2022
Brilliant!
Wyatt Whitlock has writer’s block and decides a change might help her get back to writing. Heading out to an old house in New Orleans, she finds the renovation project and the neighbour next door might just be what she needs. Hayley working in publishing is on a mission to help get herself into the bigger publishing world in New York, only she is completely distracted by her new neighbour, however getting to know her isn’t as easy as it seems.
Absolutely great! A totally unexpected story filled with a touch of erotica, a hidden gem, and a scenario so brilliant I had no idea what would happen or how the story would turn out. I was so excited to read this, then when I started I couldn’t believe how addictive it was, nor how clever it was all going to be. With a bit of mystery and two wonderfully deep characters, I was fascinated with whether Wyatt and Hayley were ever going to actually act on their secret attraction of one another.
It’s difficult to say too much about this story without giving away too many spoilers, so you are going to have to read it and have this amazing experience for yourself. Individually we get to known both Hayley and Wyatt quire well, as they display insecurities and vulnerabilities, desires, fears, and so much more. As a reader you can really relate to each of them, whether you have been in their shoes or not, so it’s such a privilege to get to experience all they are going through on their journeys.
It was also filled with so many funny moments, a real comedy in places with scenes that had me crying with laughter. The place in which Wyatt and Hayley find themselves is brimming with such characters that make the story just that bit more. You could never imagine a place like this outside of a movie, and yet you know there are places and people like this. It’s surreal, but so much fun to be there with them, and really gives the story a special quirk.
A fantastic story that I couldn’t put down and cannot recommend enough!
Wyatt Whitlock has writer’s block and decides a change might help her get back to writing. Heading out to an old house in New Orleans, she finds the renovation project and the neighbour next door might just be what she needs. Hayley working in publishing is on a mission to help get herself into the bigger publishing world in New York, only she is completely distracted by her new neighbour, however getting to know her isn’t as easy as it seems.
Absolutely great! A totally unexpected story filled with a touch of erotica, a hidden gem, and a scenario so brilliant I had no idea what would happen or how the story would turn out. I was so excited to read this, then when I started I couldn’t believe how addictive it was, nor how clever it was all going to be. With a bit of mystery and two wonderfully deep characters, I was fascinated with whether Wyatt and Hayley were ever going to actually act on their secret attraction of one another.
It’s difficult to say too much about this story without giving away too many spoilers, so you are going to have to read it and have this amazing experience for yourself. Individually we get to known both Hayley and Wyatt quire well, as they display insecurities and vulnerabilities, desires, fears, and so much more. As a reader you can really relate to each of them, whether you have been in their shoes or not, so it’s such a privilege to get to experience all they are going through on their journeys.
It was also filled with so many funny moments, a real comedy in places with scenes that had me crying with laughter. The place in which Wyatt and Hayley find themselves is brimming with such characters that make the story just that bit more. You could never imagine a place like this outside of a movie, and yet you know there are places and people like this. It’s surreal, but so much fun to be there with them, and really gives the story a special quirk.
A fantastic story that I couldn’t put down and cannot recommend enough!
May 24, 2022
What an interesting read and totally different from this author. The read was light, fun, goofy, and entertaining. As I read, I was chuckling and laughing out loud at the absurdity. As the read unfolds, the reader is introduced to Wyatt Whitlock, successful mystery writer and Hayley Fox, book editor. Both women are likeable and talented at what they do. How they meet is quite what shall I say, sexy maybe? This messy story with wacky and busy body characters just gets funny and weirder until clarity appears. Though different, unusal and a head shaker at times it was still enjoyable.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
August 8, 2023
Got this one because of the goldies. And erotica…it was just weird with slowww pace and weird characters. I liked the old story told through the letters, but there was just a disconnect all around. Same with the mains.
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