I usually love Ward’s books. But the dialogue and the POV inner monologue was just so stilted and unrealistic that it continually pulled me out of the story, and I reluctantly decided to DNF. For example: “Thank you for sharing all this with me.” This conversation had changed the way I viewed people with special needs. I find it pretty implausible that a 29 year old man raised in the Midwest would respond with “Thank you for sharing. Only my friends who have grown up in California and had therapists speak that way. And it’s certainly plausible that a one-minute conversation or testimonial would *begin* to change the way an individual thinks about a group of people. However, it is a very trite, implausible and reductive “telling not showing” narration for a character to immediately observe that his viewpoint has changed for all individuals with special needs. Don’t get me started about a text conversation between a 24 year old and a 29 year old that includes: Deacon: How’s the first day of training?   Carys: It’s going great. I’m so glad I was able to make it. I have a lot to learn. But I’m feeling optimistic that I can handle it. Sigh. It is very nice to have a plot about a sweet single mother and a hot single guy who’s not an alpha-hole, but this needs a reality check.

The best book I have read in awhile. So much heart and so funny and loving at the same time. Couldn’t stop until I was finished. Loved everything about it. It’s a must read. A huge Fan, Michelle in California

I loved the story of this book. It was a great depiction of how we limit our lives based on our own faults. Just the right amount of steamy!!

What a wonderful story. Great characters and a twist I didn’t see coming. ❤️

Wow. This story was so unexpected. I absolutely loved the characters of Deacon and Carys. And of course Sunny. It was really quite beautiful and touching. I highly recommend it.

Awesome from beginning to end. I would definitely recommend you read it. 🙌

Penelope Ward has done it again! Her characters reach in and grab your heart! Carys is a single mom with a baby. Deacon is a single guy banging his headboard against her shared wall. When these neighbors become friends, can it lead to more? Deacon becomes a much more layered character and steps in for Carys when she needs it the most, including the dreaded diaper duty! This is a must read! 5 amazing stars

4.5 Stars The Anti-Boyfriend is the latest stand-alone novel by Penelope Ward. I was completely wrapped up in this fictional world from the very beginning to the end. I honestly could not put it down. This sweet, charming, friends to lovers story was everything I thought it was going to be. From the get-go I loved both Carys and Deacon. As next door neighbors they really didn’t know each other but when Carys hears him in the throes of passion, she decides she can’t not say something. That one event changes everything and a friendship is born. It seriously felt like I was watching them in a movie and watching their relationship progress. The way Deacon was made me love him all the more. Overall, The Anti-Boyfriend was a great read. Ward proves time and time again what a gifted writer she is. Highly recommend reading this book!

This is definitely one of my favorite books by this author. I absolutely loved Deacon and Carys. Friends to lovers romance. I loved the writing style and the characters. It pulled me in from the very beginning making me feel like I was right there with them. Well done Penelope! Another amazing read! Definitely a must read! Loved it!

This is definitely a top favorite from Penelope. Carys (like Paris) and Deacon have phenomenal chemistry in this friends to lovers romance. Carys is a single mom who has trust issues with men and with good reason. Deacon and Carys share a similar history that intensifies their bond. Their journey to rediscovery is so well written, I fell in love the characters immediately. When children are involved, I’m usually quick to scream stranger danger and my inner momma bear comes out. I didn’t think anything of the sort when Deacon came to the rescue to babysit. I was rooting for him, for them. The ending surprised me, and I love seeing the journey to self discovery for multiple characters. The neighbor was a hoot, she made me laugh out loud every time. Very nicely done!