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Oak Creek #1
The Nerd and the Neighbor
an alternate cover edition can be found here
Meet the Crawfords: brilliant in business, lousy at love
Hunter Crawford is a grumpy astronaut who's fallen from grace. The brilliant scientist knows everything…except how to relate to other people. When his career comes crashing down, Hunter loses his stoic calm and flees to his hometown to wait out the media frenzy.
Abigail Baker needs a fresh start. Floundering in her father’s construction business, struggling with a boyfriend who terrifies her, Abigail takes off. She comes across a help wanted ad and heads east to see if Oak Creek holds the key to her happiness.
In the small college town, Abigail carves out an unlikely friendship with her landlord. Blunt, and brooding, Hunter just wants to lick his wounds, but his new tenant gives him other ideas for his tongue.
In a town full of nosy neighbors, hilarious antics, and Autumn Apple festivals, the unexpected lovers explore their budding passion. Will they overcome their baggage and find true love?
The Nerd and the Neighbor is the first book of the Oak Creek series. If you like small-town characters, a family who won't butt out, and scorching hot love scenes, then you’ll devour this sizzling next-door romance by Lainey Davis. Buy it today and fall in love with Oak Creek.
Meet the Crawfords: brilliant in business, lousy at love
Hunter Crawford is a grumpy astronaut who's fallen from grace. The brilliant scientist knows everything…except how to relate to other people. When his career comes crashing down, Hunter loses his stoic calm and flees to his hometown to wait out the media frenzy.
Abigail Baker needs a fresh start. Floundering in her father’s construction business, struggling with a boyfriend who terrifies her, Abigail takes off. She comes across a help wanted ad and heads east to see if Oak Creek holds the key to her happiness.
In the small college town, Abigail carves out an unlikely friendship with her landlord. Blunt, and brooding, Hunter just wants to lick his wounds, but his new tenant gives him other ideas for his tongue.
In a town full of nosy neighbors, hilarious antics, and Autumn Apple festivals, the unexpected lovers explore their budding passion. Will they overcome their baggage and find true love?
The Nerd and the Neighbor is the first book of the Oak Creek series. If you like small-town characters, a family who won't butt out, and scorching hot love scenes, then you’ll devour this sizzling next-door romance by Lainey Davis. Buy it today and fall in love with Oak Creek.
129 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2019
563 people are currently reading
1118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
June 10, 2021
2-3 stars
I didn’t realize until now that this is technically a novella; that explains the writing. I really liked the premise, but pretty early on it started to read/feel like a poor imitation of Penny Reid!?! 😬😬😬😬
The only thing I liked about this story was the premise - the actual story itself was quite lacking (in every way). The characters were pretty one-dimensional, the plot weak, and the writing stilted. Didn’t love it but didn’t completely hate it either.
I didn’t realize until now that this is technically a novella; that explains the writing. I really liked the premise, but pretty early on it started to read/feel like a poor imitation of Penny Reid!?! 😬😬😬😬
The only thing I liked about this story was the premise - the actual story itself was quite lacking (in every way). The characters were pretty one-dimensional, the plot weak, and the writing stilted. Didn’t love it but didn’t completely hate it either.
June 23, 2022
Cute little quick read! The storyline was quick and to the point, but what can you expect with so little pages.
January 7, 2021
I was initially interested in reading this because of the neurodiversity representation. I thought the representation was done well, but I can't fully speak on that. I did love Hunter and his own interpretations of grand gestures (chickens). However, the writing felt stilted and awkward. I wish the characters and the plot were more fleshed out.
February 14, 2019
Love, loved this story. It was a smile wide can not put down, laugh out loud story.
Abigail a communication specialist, leaves the family business do to her boyfriend being abusive and takes a job in another town.
Hunter my god, what can I say. He is priceless. A geeky scientist that has no social skills, comes home when funding is pulled from his project when he returns from 6 months in space. To find out his wife has left him and filed for divorce.
These 2 strike sparks in each other and the fun begins, you must read their story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Abigail a communication specialist, leaves the family business do to her boyfriend being abusive and takes a job in another town.
Hunter my god, what can I say. He is priceless. A geeky scientist that has no social skills, comes home when funding is pulled from his project when he returns from 6 months in space. To find out his wife has left him and filed for divorce.
These 2 strike sparks in each other and the fun begins, you must read their story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2021
This novel was written by a former student of mine who is doing quite well for herself publishing her books independently, and I couldn’t be more proud. This one is like a racy Hallmark Christmas movie, just what I was in the mood for—something to make my grandma blush. I also thought her depiction of a neurodivergent character was quite well done.
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April 28, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/4/2019)! 🎁
May 31, 2022
4⭐️
2🌶
Abigail Baker has an overbearing boyfriend she doesn’t love and is working for her father. A place she doesn’t want to be. One day after A fight With her boyfriend she leaves. She ends in A little town that hunter has returned to. They end up Sharing A duplex that Hunter owns.
This book is definitely grumpy X sunshine. Hunter isn't sure how to socialize and make contact. He's horrified that the one he has to share the duplex with is a woman. And also an attractive woman.
Abigail is new in town and receives a very friendly welcome. She immediately feels welcome and immediately finds a job. What she really likes.
Abigail gains confidence and feelings for Hunter.
A wonderful, fun, emotional and funny book that I recommend if you want to read something quickly
2🌶
Abigail Baker has an overbearing boyfriend she doesn’t love and is working for her father. A place she doesn’t want to be. One day after A fight With her boyfriend she leaves. She ends in A little town that hunter has returned to. They end up Sharing A duplex that Hunter owns.
This book is definitely grumpy X sunshine. Hunter isn't sure how to socialize and make contact. He's horrified that the one he has to share the duplex with is a woman. And also an attractive woman.
Abigail is new in town and receives a very friendly welcome. She immediately feels welcome and immediately finds a job. What she really likes.
Abigail gains confidence and feelings for Hunter.
A wonderful, fun, emotional and funny book that I recommend if you want to read something quickly
May 16, 2022
Trued it cause it was free
I may have finished this, but the whole time I wanted it to be over. Hunter is likely autistic but it’s never mentioned (like it’s a bad word) and the author writes him like a complete robot. In the worst way.
Abigail is okay, and I acknowledge that domestic abuse, no matter how small, is wrong. But he tugged her ear (which is literally the weirdest thing?) once. I’m proud of the author having her flee at that first aggression but she had like, full PTSD and triggers from it and it just felt… off.
Also I feel completely gaslit about the pages. It’s at least double what it says. Granted none of flowed literally at all so that could have co tributes. But no way it was less than 175.
There are MUCH better options out there, maybe skip this one.
I may have finished this, but the whole time I wanted it to be over. Hunter is likely autistic but it’s never mentioned (like it’s a bad word) and the author writes him like a complete robot. In the worst way.
Abigail is okay, and I acknowledge that domestic abuse, no matter how small, is wrong. But he tugged her ear (which is literally the weirdest thing?) once. I’m proud of the author having her flee at that first aggression but she had like, full PTSD and triggers from it and it just felt… off.
Also I feel completely gaslit about the pages. It’s at least double what it says. Granted none of flowed literally at all so that could have co tributes. But no way it was less than 175.
There are MUCH better options out there, maybe skip this one.
May 22, 2019
This was a good read. Hunter and Abigail both are trying to deal with the mess they call their lives. Neither is looking for romance. However, things don't always go the way you want. Hunter was a difficult person at times but he was able to adapt and make it work. I was happy for them in the end.
March 27, 2022
dnf- i am in a reading slump and i think this book just made it worse.
the writing was boring and just cringe, but then again so was everything else about this stupid book.
it’s clear the author has never heard the phrase „show don’t tell” because she practically spelled out every minute character detail and uneccessary plot point for the readers.
one of the mc’s is a scientist, yet he has got to be the most scientifically uneducated characters i’ve ever encountered. his thought processes and lines of dialogue gave me pure brain damage.
at one point he goes to kiss the other mc and she happens to recoil from him, and to this he blurts out „i apologize, abigail. i misinterpreted your biophysical signals”. biophysical signals?? really? in what world would someone immediately react with the phrase biophysical signals??
initially i was going to tough it out and try to finish this book, but honestly this line alone made me realise that hey, maybe it isn’t even worth it!
it is no wonder that the book was free on kindle, because i would not want anyone to have to pay a cent to read this piece of garbage.
honestly i wish goodreads had negative star ratings, because that is what i would give this book. 1/5
the writing was boring and just cringe, but then again so was everything else about this stupid book.
it’s clear the author has never heard the phrase „show don’t tell” because she practically spelled out every minute character detail and uneccessary plot point for the readers.
one of the mc’s is a scientist, yet he has got to be the most scientifically uneducated characters i’ve ever encountered. his thought processes and lines of dialogue gave me pure brain damage.
at one point he goes to kiss the other mc and she happens to recoil from him, and to this he blurts out „i apologize, abigail. i misinterpreted your biophysical signals”. biophysical signals?? really? in what world would someone immediately react with the phrase biophysical signals??
initially i was going to tough it out and try to finish this book, but honestly this line alone made me realise that hey, maybe it isn’t even worth it!
it is no wonder that the book was free on kindle, because i would not want anyone to have to pay a cent to read this piece of garbage.
honestly i wish goodreads had negative star ratings, because that is what i would give this book. 1/5
May 25, 2021
1⭐️
DNF at 36%
LOL, I’m just laughing at how cliche this book is. Hunter is a selfish all about himself guy and it’s clear that Abigail is an act on impulse type of gal.
When Abby’s boyfriend becomes physically abusive, Abby’s first thought is to escape; which is quite obvious. But instead of going to her parents for help, she decides to just get a job in a completely different town and restart her life like nothing or no one exists 😂
Hunter only cares about himself and quite literally no one else and he can’t be bothered by the fact that he let his marriage fail. But then oooooh, Abigail comes along and it’s alllll about her and how dare other guys look at her!
Maybe if this book had been taken the time on and if it were actually realistic... it could be better.
DNF at 36%
LOL, I’m just laughing at how cliche this book is. Hunter is a selfish all about himself guy and it’s clear that Abigail is an act on impulse type of gal.
When Abby’s boyfriend becomes physically abusive, Abby’s first thought is to escape; which is quite obvious. But instead of going to her parents for help, she decides to just get a job in a completely different town and restart her life like nothing or no one exists 😂
Hunter only cares about himself and quite literally no one else and he can’t be bothered by the fact that he let his marriage fail. But then oooooh, Abigail comes along and it’s alllll about her and how dare other guys look at her!
Maybe if this book had been taken the time on and if it were actually realistic... it could be better.
June 9, 2022
3.5/ stars
"I never imagined bringing a woman into the lab before."
If you are a fan of The big Bang Theory, this is the perfect book for you, because the main character is Sheldon Cooper. I was laughing the whole time, becuase it was really as if I was reading sheldon´s life jajaj.
It was such a cute book, short, steamy romance that was perfect to pass the time.
The main character falls so hard for her, that it was adorable, it was impossible to put the book down, from beginning to ending that book deliver and it was great.
It is important to mention that are delicate topics throughout the book, so if want to read it, make sure to check the TW.
"I never imagined bringing a woman into the lab before."
If you are a fan of The big Bang Theory, this is the perfect book for you, because the main character is Sheldon Cooper. I was laughing the whole time, becuase it was really as if I was reading sheldon´s life jajaj.
It was such a cute book, short, steamy romance that was perfect to pass the time.
The main character falls so hard for her, that it was adorable, it was impossible to put the book down, from beginning to ending that book deliver and it was great.
It is important to mention that are delicate topics throughout the book, so if want to read it, make sure to check the TW.
January 24, 2022
not bad, this book surprised me. i was looking for a quick read and i got that. the characters are likeable. the tropes are are pretty basic but that’s what i was sort of expecting. it was a decent book!
July 30, 2021
2.5/5
June 19, 2023
cute & spicyyy book!! some scenes were a bit awkward, but in general, very good! 3.5 ⭐️ tiny book also, very easy and fast read :)
May 24, 2021
This is another book that I quite enjoyed and had me smiling. Hunter Crawford is an astronaut who has just returned to earth after a stay at the international space station. While he was off in space working on scientific experiments his wife left him. And she left him with nothing. Then he loses his job. He heads back to his small town to lick his wounds and start over again.
Abigail Baker is our heroine. She has an overbearing boyfriend she doesn’t love and is working at her father’s construction company, a place she doesn’t want to be and is surrounded by, let’s just say unenlightened men. One day she ups and leaves and ends up in the same quaint little town that Hunter has returned to. They end up sharing a duplex that Hunter owns.
This is a typical Grumpy/Sunshine romance and I really like it. Although not specifically mentioned, it seems like Hunter is on the spectrum and just doesn’t react well with people. He’s horrified that he has a neighbor, and a female one at that. So it’s fun to see him fall for her. And it’s equally nice to see Abigail welcomed so warmly in this town. She begins gaining confidence and starts falling for her rather unusual neighbor. This is another book I would read again and I’m pleased to recommend
Abigail Baker is our heroine. She has an overbearing boyfriend she doesn’t love and is working at her father’s construction company, a place she doesn’t want to be and is surrounded by, let’s just say unenlightened men. One day she ups and leaves and ends up in the same quaint little town that Hunter has returned to. They end up sharing a duplex that Hunter owns.
This is a typical Grumpy/Sunshine romance and I really like it. Although not specifically mentioned, it seems like Hunter is on the spectrum and just doesn’t react well with people. He’s horrified that he has a neighbor, and a female one at that. So it’s fun to see him fall for her. And it’s equally nice to see Abigail welcomed so warmly in this town. She begins gaining confidence and starts falling for her rather unusual neighbor. This is another book I would read again and I’m pleased to recommend
February 14, 2019
It's refreshing to have a book that is that bit different with very unique, odd & quirky characters. Hunter our H fits that description to a tee. He is so obsessed with his research & the fact that everything is assessed scientifically that his emotions have no place in his life. He's more oblivious to it than aware, so it makes for very humorous & out there moments.
I think Abigail is the only person in her new town Oak Creek that is perhaps normal but she has an abusive ex & overprotective family she is escaping from.
When these two become neighbours there is that instant attraction. He has to adjust to a normal person & she to his quirks. There were many times I felt like giving Hunter a hug just to mess with him.
Add in the rest of the Oak Creek residents & you're in for a very interesting journey with this one.
I received a complimentary copy for an honest review from Booksprout.
I think Abigail is the only person in her new town Oak Creek that is perhaps normal but she has an abusive ex & overprotective family she is escaping from.
When these two become neighbours there is that instant attraction. He has to adjust to a normal person & she to his quirks. There were many times I felt like giving Hunter a hug just to mess with him.
Add in the rest of the Oak Creek residents & you're in for a very interesting journey with this one.
I received a complimentary copy for an honest review from Booksprout.
June 5, 2019
A scientific approach
The first on the Oak Creek Series sees us meeting astronaut Hunter who is very much a mad scientist; analyzing the human body but unable to analyze and interpret human emotions and somewhat lacking in social skills. Having gone through a tough time after being in space, the only option was to go back to Oak Creek. Enter Abigail Baker, a girl with big dreams but somehow tied down to things that are convenient out of a misplaced loyalty to her family. When she finally gets a a chance at what she really wants, Oak Creek becons.
These two unlikely individuals analyze, navigate and explore a partnership that led to one amazingly unconventional love that even space will not be able to separate. A good introduction to the characters that we will most likely meet. Well-written that even the scientific words did not come off as nonessential and there are funny bits that will keep you entertained from beginning to end!
The first on the Oak Creek Series sees us meeting astronaut Hunter who is very much a mad scientist; analyzing the human body but unable to analyze and interpret human emotions and somewhat lacking in social skills. Having gone through a tough time after being in space, the only option was to go back to Oak Creek. Enter Abigail Baker, a girl with big dreams but somehow tied down to things that are convenient out of a misplaced loyalty to her family. When she finally gets a a chance at what she really wants, Oak Creek becons.
These two unlikely individuals analyze, navigate and explore a partnership that led to one amazingly unconventional love that even space will not be able to separate. A good introduction to the characters that we will most likely meet. Well-written that even the scientific words did not come off as nonessential and there are funny bits that will keep you entertained from beginning to end!
August 28, 2023
Oh my goodness!! This book made me laugh and cackle and cry and gave me all the feels.
So, having just got out of an abusive relationship, Abigail Baker makes a decision to step away from her job and the town she’s known her whole life and moves to oak creek.
Meet Hunter: an astronaut going through a divorce. Romance, small town feels & smut ensues.
This book was phenomenal and made me giggle. I believe that Hunter was meant to be autism representation, and I truly related to him and his journey. Abigail was patient and did everything write. It was truly amazing
Abigail went on a journey of self discovery and I loved that for her. She slayed, was such a Girlboss and was the most amazing girlfriend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars
So, having just got out of an abusive relationship, Abigail Baker makes a decision to step away from her job and the town she’s known her whole life and moves to oak creek.
Meet Hunter: an astronaut going through a divorce. Romance, small town feels & smut ensues.
This book was phenomenal and made me giggle. I believe that Hunter was meant to be autism representation, and I truly related to him and his journey. Abigail was patient and did everything write. It was truly amazing
Abigail went on a journey of self discovery and I loved that for her. She slayed, was such a Girlboss and was the most amazing girlfriend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars
May 1, 2020
Plot Summary: Abigail leaves her abusive boyfriend and annoying family and ends up in small town Oak Creek with its somewhat quirky inhabitants. She meets Hunter, an ex-NASA scientist.
This could have been better. Hunter comes off as being on the autism spectrum. This could have been just poor writing.
Issues: I'm not convinced Abigail needed to come from an abusive relationship in order to make this change in her life. This could have been more interesting. The ending felt rushed... that it takes Hunter to explain to them what Abigail couldn't was unsettling for me. The whole thing with Hunter's ex wife was cliche and overdone.
This could have been better. Hunter comes off as being on the autism spectrum. This could have been just poor writing.
Issues: I'm not convinced Abigail needed to come from an abusive relationship in order to make this change in her life. This could have been more interesting. The ending felt rushed... that it takes Hunter to explain to them what Abigail couldn't was unsettling for me. The whole thing with Hunter's ex wife was cliche and overdone.
February 18, 2019
If you are looking for something fun to read that is full of sweetness, love, character growth, and family, look no further this is the book for you! This is book is amazing and so well written it will leave you feeling book-satisfied – almost like the satisfaction you get after eating your favourite meal. The characters are loveable, realistic and have depth. The ideas are well-developed and there is enough drama that will keep you reading. Definitely recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2022
Such a good read
I took a chance on a new author, and I am thrilled I have!
This was such a great story, about a brilliant guy who is clearly on the spectrum, and the woman who is perfect for him.
I was unsure with the first few chapters if I would enjoy it enough to finish it...but I was soo wrong!
This one is totally worth your time...
I took a chance on a new author, and I am thrilled I have!
This was such a great story, about a brilliant guy who is clearly on the spectrum, and the woman who is perfect for him.
I was unsure with the first few chapters if I would enjoy it enough to finish it...but I was soo wrong!
This one is totally worth your time...
June 11, 2021
Very quick short review on this one as it was quite disappointing.
The writing was not good, the plot had seriously great potential but the style of writing was lacking and hard to get through, glad it was a novella.
The cover could have used some work to reflect what the book was about to make it look more appealing.
Trigger warning: domestic abuse
The writing was not good, the plot had seriously great potential but the style of writing was lacking and hard to get through, glad it was a novella.
The cover could have used some work to reflect what the book was about to make it look more appealing.
Trigger warning: domestic abuse
July 30, 2022
It’s short, sweet, and fun!
A lot of this is not very realistic, but that’s part of the fun for me. I really enjoyed both our main characters. I laughed a lot at their antics and am excited to continue with the series!
A lot of this is not very realistic, but that’s part of the fun for me. I really enjoyed both our main characters. I laughed a lot at their antics and am excited to continue with the series!
January 2, 2023
Definitely was not the best book i’ve read. The writing was a little all over the place and confusing at the beginning, after a few chapters I realized what was going on. Overall a cute small-town romance book.
February 4, 2023
Super cute book that me smiling throughout. I think I could have used one more editing pass to catch a few typos but all in all a fun read. I liked that the MMC showed traits of being on the spectrum but I wish they would have embraced it and said it outright.
March 9, 2021
On Kindle Unlimited this book was called The Nerd and the Neighbor
anyway this book was fine, nothing super memorable, but an ok quick read
anyway this book was fine, nothing super memorable, but an ok quick read
April 24, 2021
I struggled to connect with the characters at times, but I did finish. I liked the premise to the story.
May 3, 2021
An extremely odd hero. Supposedly highly intelligent but one who doesn't understand human emotion (?)
June 2, 2021
Cute and Quirky
This was a fun read! Some was over the top quirky, but overall, I liked it. Recommended for quick, low
Cognitive demand entertainment.
This was a fun read! Some was over the top quirky, but overall, I liked it. Recommended for quick, low
Cognitive demand entertainment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews