I dug The Girl Next Door out of my deep, far back TBR pile and I'm so glad I did. What a fantastic character study of a reforming rich-white boy who's learning to become a man in his own right and finding his work, passions, and relationships along the way. Cash could have been such a BRO but he's very cognizant of his privileges, and is very open about both his desires and wants. He's been pining for the one who got away, his friend Steph, who introduced him to many desires he never even imagined for himself. And now Steph has moved back to Chicago, and they reunite and resume their casual 'friends with benefits' arrangement, even if they are afraid they will both get hurt again.

From the SURPRISE threesome, the delicious sexy times, Cash's sweet nature especially as he tends to the youth he coaches soccer for and his recently out cousin, this was super great. I do wish we had gotten a Steph POV, or at least a bit more with Steph, as she remained an enigma for me, and only centered in Cash's POV.

That said, this was great. Highly recommend.

Content notes; biphobia (countered), homophobia (countered, secondary character's parents concerns), drinking