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The Voyeur Next Door

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He lived next door. Alison Eckrich was an expert at being invisible. Having been raised by a mother who saw only flaws, she had learned long ago to watch and never participate. Until him. He was gorgeous from what little she could make out through his bathroom window and he awakened things inside her she had always been told was wrong. But she didn’t care. She was addicted. Gabriel Madoc was no stranger to the cold sting of betrayal. His broken heart had left him hard and bitter and that was how he liked it. Until her. She was a vision in the soft twilight. Everything about her called to him. It didn’t even matter he couldn’t see her face. He wanted her. The rules were No names. No faces. No attachments. They both had what the other needed so long as they never broke the rules. But what will happen when the mystery is unveiled and they both come face to face with the truth and each other? Is what they shared in the cloak of darkness enough to keep them together, or will reality tear them apart?

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 24, 2015

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About the author

Airicka Phoenix

61 books1,560 followers
Airicka Phoenix is a multi genre author of dark contemporary & dangerous paranormal romance starring sassy female leads and sexy alpha heroes.

For more on Airicka visit: www.airickaphoenix.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
2,596 reviews25.1k followers
February 27, 2016
4.5 STARS

Airicka Phoenix:

The Voyeur Next Door is by Airicka Phoenix. This is a stand alone book and is also my first book by this author.

I chose this because I thought the blurb sounded really interesting. I knew going in, or hoped anyway, that I would be getting a steamy, hot read. But what I didn’t expect was to feel the way I did about these characters. This is two people, both hurt by circumstances of their pasts, hurt in a way that changed and molded them in the way they were now. Made them withdraw from people, keep themselves guarded. They thought they found the perfect solution to their loneliness, a cyber sexual relationship, no names, no faces, just sex. But what happens when the veil is lifted and feelings enter in?

Airicka Phoenix:

Alison (Ali) Eckrich had moved back to Canada after finishing college. She hadn’t yet found a job and her savings was running out. Unforeseen circumstances led her to the garage that day and she was offered a job sorting out the office which contained the most chaotic mess she had ever seen. But the problem wasn’t the mess, it was the man that ran the garage, Gabriel. He was rude, infuriating, and made her feel things she didn’t want to feel.

peeking through the blinds:

Gabe doesn’t want Ali in his garage. She doesn’t belong there. Just who is this woman? And why can’t he stop thinking about her?

Ali doesn’t do well with people at all in person, but loves to watch the people across from her balcony in various apartment windows, watching and wondering about their lives. That’s how she first saw her new neighbor. She couldn’t see his face but she saw the rest of him perfectly well, and saw what he was doing.

“Sure I looked, but I didn’t stare. With him, I couldn’t look away.”

sexy mechanic:

Ali and her new neighbor begin a sexual relationship, over the phone and on the computer only, never revealing their identities. The relationship starts to break down their walls, especially for Ali, starting to give her back some of her lost confidence. But anonymity didn’t last. Identities are revealed. But now their lives are intertwined. Hearts have gotten involved. But are they ready for that?

A woman on the balcony:

First, this was truly a sexy, steamy read and I loved it. But these characters have suffered from the hands of others. Their lives were damaged. Together, although anonymously, they helped to rebuild each other but are forced way out of their comfort zones when identities are revealed. They must face their biggest fears if they want to find happiness. Can they do it? Or will they just go back to the way they were before? Can they go back to the way they were before? That is the biggest question. I really did enjoy this book and definitely want to explore more of this author’s work. So, if you are looking for a hot, steamy book with characters that are sure to win your heart, this one just might be for you.

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Profile Image for ✦❋Arianna✦❋.
790 reviews2,567 followers
May 30, 2015
3.5 Stars!!

description

“The Voyeur Next Door” was sexy, funny at times, entertaining read and my first book by this author. She can’t definitely write, so I’m sure it won’t be my last. Of course, what intrigued me was the blurb, so I’ve decided to give it a go. And I’m glad I did. I don’t know if the premise it’s original, but I have to say it was very sexy.

“The Voyeur Next Door” tells the story of Alison ‘Ali” Eckrich, a young woman in her yearly twenties. She’s a loner and she has huge self-esteem problems. She’s convinced she doesn’t have the right looks to get men excited. She just moved back in Canada from States where she studied business administration. She moves to a new apartment and she’s looking for a job. Enter Earl, a sweet old man who wants to help Ali and offers her a job at his garage. Gabriel is Earl’s nephew and he's working at his grandfather's garage. He’s in his 30s and he dislikes Ali from the moments they meet. He seems to disapprove of all of her. Gabriel is haunted by her past and he doesn’t want to get involved with anyone. He thinks all women are a complication and Ali is the sort of woman he needs to stay away from.

Ali is a voyeur. She always liked watching. She likes to see people interact and she likes to wonder what they’re talking about or what they’re thinking. Gabriel apparently is the opposite. He is not in the habit of watching other people on a normal, day to day basis, because he’s not really a fan of them.

Everything change when Ali sees a man who...touches himself in his apartment, but without seeing his face. She starts to touch herself as well because of course she’s horny. She’s not sure if the man watches her, but next day she finds a note with the stranger’s number so they start to talk with each other on the phone every evening. They make a deal – to have some kind of ‘sexual affair’ on cam with no strings attached but without seeing each other faces. But what will happen when they will discover who they really are?

This was a good read, but unfortunately I wasn’t wowed. I liked the fact that it was both sexy and funny. There were plenty of moments when I laughed or smiled, so it was a very enjoyable read. The voyeurism aspect is sexy, erotic and sensual and I loved it. Both main characters are likeable and for the most part they felt real. Ali was a great heroine. She’s smart, kind, loyal and funny. Her self-esteem problems weren’t annoying and I’m really glad for that and I have to say I loved her sarcasm. What I also loved about her is how confident she becomes with Gabriel. Gabriel was a swoon worthy hero. He’s hardworking, he loves his family, he’s loyal, protective, sexy, intense at times and a little broken. Even when he was an a** he was a likeable character.

I liked the dual POV, it was very helpful at times in understanding the two main characters. Their interactions in their ‘real lives’ were entertaining to say the least and on the phone they were very seductive. Needless to say I enjoyed them all. The side characters were as likeable as the main ones. I really liked Gabriel’s sister and their banter.

For the most part I really enjoyed this novel, but I couldn’t understand how they didn’t recognize each other’s voices. I also couldn’t understand why Gabriel feels so guilty for some events in his past. Well...maybe it’s just me!

Anyway...overall this was a great read so if you're looking for something sexy and easy to read I recommend this one!
Profile Image for Sophie's Reading Corner .
858 reviews379 followers
December 15, 2015
3.5 "You're my kind of perfect" stars



Ali has just moved back to Canada and one day she helps an old man, named Earl, who in exchange offers her to work in his auto body shop. She's in need of a job, since she has a new apartment to pay for. The only problem is Earl's grandson, Gabriel. A cranky man who doesn't want her to work there and acts like an asshole to her.

Meanwhile, Ali has a really shy personality. She doesn't socialize much, but she has a hobby of watching people, observing them. Her favorite thing is being at her terrace and stalking her neighbours' lives. She calls herself an introvert or more specifically a voyeur.



I liked people. More importantly, I liked watching them... secretly... from a very great distance so as not to have to interact. People fascinated me.


One day, a new neighbour stands naked and he starts masturbating, so she can't help it and she starts touching herself, as well. The neighbor who also witnessed her, sends her a note with his number and asks for a repeat of the show. They start a routine, which slowly progresses, phone sex, cyber sex, watching each other from the terrace, but all that without actually showing their faces.

"Do you think the neighbors would notice if I were to fuck you right there?"
"I don't think I would care."
"You wouldn't mind if I stripped you naked, leaned you over those bars, and rammed my cock deep inside you?"


Also, the heroine had a really low self-esteem, associated with her past and I have to admit that I couldn't understand the extreme point of that, until it was explained near the end of the book. But Ali isn't the only one with a troubling past. There's a reason Gabe is that way and it belongs to his haunting past.

At the same time Ali starts getting close to Gabe, helping him with a couple of family issues and getting to know him better. She gets torn because even though he's still an asshole, she starts dreaming of him or thinking about him, even when she's having her sexy faraway encounters with her mystery neighbor.



What I didn't like in this book was that even though I liked it, there was something that seemed completely unrealistic to me. I also didn't get the reason the hero had blamed himself for what had happened at his past. In my opinion, he shouldn't feel guilty.

This was a really fun story to read. I really loved the writing, the characters, the banter between them, the lines & the dialogues/scenes with the neighbor were H O T. I also laughed at a couple of scenes and I appreciated the dual POV. It always helps me to get to know both of the MCs better. I think, overall, it was an interesting, fun & sexy read. If you like this type of books, this may be the one for you :)

PS: Guys who work in an auto body shop? Who doesn't want a visual like that? ;)

Profile Image for  Linathebookaddict  .
1,455 reviews392 followers
April 29, 2015
Another hit by Airicka Phoenix!!! Whenever she announces a new book I get so excited because I know it's gonna be awesome! This book was no exception. Actually, this book was one of the few I could totally see myself in the heroine. When you read it, you will understand what I mean and it will actually speak to a lot of people. Ali...was an amazing heroine. She was funny, witty, sweet, adorable, insecure but brave at the same time. She wasn't perfect but that was what actually made her...whole.
She has huge self-esteem problems and that is why she is more comfortable observing other people than being sociable and outgoing.
She moves to a new house and is in need of a job. That is where Gabriel comes in. His grandfather is the principal owner of the family's garage. Earl is an intelligent old man who immediately sees Ali's intelligence and wants to employ her.
Gabriel is a man haunted by his dark past. He is not a relationship guy and he takes an immediate dislike to Ali. He allows her to work at the garage though.
Their worlds collide. They are both lonely and tortured. Each one has their own secrets but they do see something in each other all the same.
Things become complicated when another man is thrust in Ali's life. Her neighbor. The man who watches her. The man she watches. The voyeur next door. They make a deal; a sexual affair with no strings attached. The passion is undeniable and it builds even as their faces remain unseen. Where will this affair lead Ali? Will it be enough? What is that little something that Gabriel has that makes her so drawn to him? Will she act on it or will her insecurities become an obstacle?
Airicka Phoenix is an amazing author. I said it before and I will say it again; her characters are real. They make you feel, they make you laugh and cry. Each page is to be savored and her male heroes! Oh dear Lord! They make amazing book boyfriends. This is her best book in my opinion....Well, at least until the next one comes out! Her writing skills are incredible.
You don't want to miss this book.
5 Voyeuristic Stars from me!


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BLURB:

He lived next door.

Alison Eckrich was an expert at being invisible. Having been raised by a mother who saw only flaws, she had learned long ago to watch and never participate. Until him. He was gorgeous from what little she could make out through his bathroom window and he awakened things inside her she had always been told was wrong. But she didn’t care.

She was addicted.

Gabriel Madoc was no stranger to the cold sting of betrayal. His broken heart had left him hard and bitter and that was how he liked it. Until her. She was a vision in the soft twilight. Everything about her called to him. It didn’t even matter he couldn’t see her face.

He wanted her.

The rules were simple: No names. No faces. No attachments. They both had what the other needed so long as they never broke the rules. But what will happen when the mystery is unveiled and they both come face to face with the truth and each other? Is what they shared in the cloak of darkness enough to keep them together, or will reality tear them apart?



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*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
Profile Image for Dilek VT.
1,545 reviews1,508 followers
December 2, 2017
This was a different read but lacking in some aspects...
All in all, it was just "meh"!

3 out of 2,5

*********************************************

Alison (Ali) is a 23-year old woman with self-esteem problems. Because of her mother’s comments, she believes that she is not attractive enough. That’s why she’s a loner with no friends.

Her lonely life and introvert character makes her a voyeur. She likes watching people and trying to guess who they are and what they are doing or thinking. She has made it a habit to be home at 6 o'clock no matter what and watch people from her flat when they come home and turn on the lights.



Ali had only one boyfriend but nothing was good enough in that relationship and when she wanted some kink in their relationship, he ended it. So she hasn't been with anyone else for 4 years.

*********************************************

The hero in the book, Gabriel, is a man at the age of 35. He hasn’t been with any woman for 6 years after his one and only girlfriend of 10 years left him and got killed a few years later.

They had an unusual relationship. They used to go to underground clubs and try every kinky thing. He even shared her with his friends when he saw that he wasn't enough for her.

Now Gabriel feels guilty for her death for reasons I really think do not make sense. Haunted by his past, he’s closed himself to any possible relationship.

*********************************************

One day, from her apartment, Ali watches a very attractive and sexy man who is naked and she touches herself at the door of her terrace. She doesn’t know he is also watching her. She doesn’t know he is Gabriel, her boss!

*********************************************

Gabriel doesn't like interacting people in real life so the idea of a "no identity - no strings attached" affair seems attractive to him. The next day, Ali finds a note from him that says he wants to do this regularly and he has written his phone number.



These two start a weird relationship based on sex that includes each of them talking on the phone and watching one another on Live Chat. They put a rule not to include faces so they just watch each other’s bodies.

Neither of them recognizes the other’s voice on the phone. That was strange as they talk in real life every day at work. I am not convinced that it would happen.

Also, I couldn’t understand how they watched each other from one terrace to another without recognizing faces.

And they both live on the 6th floor and never come across each other while going to work or coming back home. Strange!

*********************************************

When their mutual attraction in real life collide with their voyeuristic one, realizing who they have been all along creates great shock. As Gabriel is not ready for a real relationship, he stays away from her for a while but then, the classical “being jealous of the others who want her" trope makes Gabriel make his move.

*********************************************

If you ask me, this book had the potential with its different plot but with the plot holes and incredibility of some situations, it felt inadequate to me.

I can say that it is not "hot enough" either, not as hot as it promises. Neither the voyeurism aspect of it nor their real life affair felt satisfying to me. Neither met my expectations. The book promises something in one chapter but it never happens in the following chapters. Very disappointing. You think something will happen but it doesn’t.

Also their relationship lacked emotions and the way it was based on only physical attraction and sex made me question the future of their affair.

*********************************************

The book is written in dual point of view and it has some fun and interesting moments as well as some steamy scenes but let me reiterate that all aspects of it felt lacking to me.
Profile Image for Sylvia .
435 reviews118 followers
May 6, 2015
4.5 Combustible Stars! and I swear to you I was completely breathless in anticipation and needing to cool myself down on every page. Whoa!

Although I know of Airicka Phoenix and have quite a few of her books, I never have had the chance to read any of them. So when she messaged me asking if I wouldn't mind reading her book The Voyeur Next Door I was completely thrilled and I want to thank her for providing me with a copy to read and review.

The blurb intrigued me and I was curious. I wanted to discover more about the taboo subject of voyeurism and how it played out within the story. You know, to be honest, we all have this desire to peak at others, going by their day to day lives. I mean, come on, who hasn't watched reality t.v. or stopped to look at a couple arguing, for example? I know I would be the first to put my hand out. It's only normal that we would be interested, just a little. But let's take it to the next level, say someone like one of the main characters, Alison Eckrich. Being a loner is the only way she has known to survive and she strived on watching others from a far. She observed everyone around her and avoided people as much as she could. At night, she would find herself standing out on her patio, watching her adjoining neighbours across the street. She wasn't a pervert i.e. never got turned on by anything they did. In fact, when by chance she stumbled upon anyone doing anything sexual she would stop and leave the patio. This was not what she was into. Or, at least she didn't think so.

Enter, the new stranger across the street, Q aka Gabriel Madoc. One moment of weakness between the two of them and she became the The Voyeur Next Door. But, their relationship was more than just the physical need to release. It just wasn't about sex. It was more about discovering things about themselves and the reasons as to why they could only interact with one another in such a taboo way. I understood it. I understood why this was the only was they could function in the world. And, I admit, the scenes between them were making my heart pound and squirming, in a good way, of course *wink wink!* But, the more I read on, the more I wanted them to just finally admit how their connection was unique yet necessary. They needed one another more than just what they were getting. I was cheering for them to be each other's champions and when everything came out, I was desperate for them to not fall apart. I needed Ali and Gabe to be as one. Whether they did or not, is something all of you have to find out for yourselves.

The Voyeur Next Door is a book I highly recommend to those that love a sexy read. This has more going on then just the desire to sate someones fancy and appetite. It's about real connections and the want to be an important someone to another human being. Thank you Airicka Phoenix for letting me peak into your mind.
Profile Image for Tarsis.
1,100 reviews87 followers
May 24, 2018
Basicamente, no fue lo que me esperaba.

Ali se encuentra con una dorable viejito en la tienda, el que le pide le acompañe a su casa ya que le duele la cadera. En la cocina de este adorable señor se tropieza con un enorme y sensual leñador, el cual resulta ser Gabriel, el nieto de este adorable señor. Automáticamente no congenian y comienzan a gritarse. Aún cuando ella termina trabajando para él siguen en lo mismo.

Es una historia basada en el pasado, en inseguridades. En esa búsqueda de amor, de alguien que te acepte y te complemente. Sinceramente, me reí mucho desde el inicio. Con Earl con sus planes de casamentero, o Tammy y su conducta adolescente. Incluso Gabriel con su terqueda y Ali con sus respuestas sarcásticas.

Pero pensaba que era un tema más dark y maso y nop, es todo rosa y lindo xd :3
Profile Image for L Cherry.
636 reviews16 followers
May 18, 2021
Unexpected laughter!!
The book opens with a steamy description that soon has you laughing so hard. The funny stuff that is sprinkled throughout the story is great fun. Then you have mister steamy, but grumpy that makes his way into the fray. I really enjoyed the different approach to the erotic side of the romance.
This was a great find from a friend review on goodreads.
Profile Image for Celestine.
952 reviews114 followers
January 12, 2016
The first few chapters of this book are definitely reminiscent of the kink and quirk one might find in a Charlotte Stein or Mary Ann Rivers book, but soon it veers into a more traditional romance. It also takes a cue card from some recent cable TV shows where all the nudity and heat are in the premier episode and then there is a slow simmer. Airicka Phoenix is awfully talented at writing the slow simmer.

"The anonymity is what gets us hot."

Protagonist Ali is geeky, introverted, repressed....and quick-witted, kind-hearted, and curious. I liked her in the beginning and continued to like her as her inhibitions relaxed and the story unfolded. It was refreshing that there was not a personality/background info dump in the first 10% of the book, and I luxuriated in discovering key things about the personal histories of the romantic couple halfway into the novel.

Lumberjack-sized Gabriel is harder to snuggle up to since he is mean and bull-headed.

"And in that moment I realized something; she made me feel young and not in a good way. She made me feel childish and petty. I wanted to stick my tongue out at her and that was just mortifying."

At least Gabriel owns his pig-headedness. Conversely, I loved how the possessiveness of his behavior regarding Ali hits him so suddenly and at inopportune times. These moments were some of the best scenes in the book.

Traditional side characters framed in decidedly non-traditional accoutrements enhanced my reading enjoyment. In addition, influences of the side characters (mainly Earl and Tammy) move the relationship between Ali and Gabriel forward in meaningful spurts. They also add the only tension plot points.

This well-written book was well on its way to a five-star rating from me until the very end. Ali shifted out of her introvert status a little too quickly, and it was clunky wrapping up all the loose ends in a neat little package. But for those of you who like a good epilogue, this one really ranks up there. VERY solid four stars. I will definitely look for more by Ms. Phoenix.
Profile Image for Fanny.
2,307 reviews54 followers
November 22, 2017



The Voyeur Next Door es mi primera lectura de la autora y narra la historia de Ali y Gabe.

Admito que lo primero que me animo a leer esta historia fue por el tema que trata, nunca habia leido ninguna novela que tratara el voyerismo y lo cierto es que nunca me habia causado curiosidad pero la sinopsis de este libro me parecio tan diferente que no me lo pense mucho antes de iniciarla.

Antes que nada tengo que reconocer que esta lectura no fue lo que esperaba, es cierto que no sabia muy bien que esperar pero definitivamente no fue lo que me encontre.

Se me hizo bastante largo para las pocas paginas que tiene, no se si fue porque la trama era bastante sosa o si fue porque la pareja protagonista no me convencio ( ni me la crei ) pero The Voyeur Next Door fue una novela decepcionante, ademas de tener una premisa un tanto engañosa, las escenas voyeur fueron pocas y muy simples, nada del otro mundo.

En fin, el libro no me impresiono, fue demasiado superficial y plano, aunque admito que el comienzo fue muy gracioso y tenia potencial pero por desgracia quedo como una historia mas, no destaca en absoluto.

2.25 Estrellas!
Profile Image for ⊱✿⊰ Alicia ⊱✿⊰ .
552 reviews451 followers
September 17, 2015
This got 4 stars from me as I loved the original concept of the story line. There were some LOL moments and I really liked the female lead and her sarcastic rambling in her head. Still not sure on the male lead but overall it was a quick enjoyable read with some laughs :).
Profile Image for Cristiina♡Reads.
578 reviews3,436 followers
August 3, 2016
It’s another day, and another book review welcomes us! This time around, thanks to the “read” list from Carol’s Goodreads I stumbled upon The Voyeur Next Door by Airicka Pheonix, and let’s just say that this is the very first book that is considered part erotic and part contemporary that actually made me laugh! Ali, the protagonist of this story is beyond funny. Her side kick protagonist, Gabriel is a dream boat! Gosh! The way he is described, it’s as if someone took pieces of Henry Cavill, Jai Courtney, and Ian Samerhalt into one…

Full review with the link down below:
https://dailyreadersblog.wordpress.co...
Profile Image for Angie H..
212 reviews
March 3, 2016
"Then he’d gone and combed all that thick, silky hair back from his gorgeous face and I was weeping. Only the tears were running down my legs in streams of hot arousal." This book is cracking me up! Some of the quotes are a riot!

I loved this book.
Profile Image for Kimberly Schaaf.
126 reviews24 followers
April 21, 2015
I waited for this book. The teasers, the teasers, the teasers. And, oh my goodness, Airicka did not disappoint.

The Voyeur next door centers around the “relationship” between Ali Eckrich and Gabriel Madoc. Thrown together as co-workers, and – unbeknownst to each other – brought together as secret lovers. But not in the way you think…you see – as lovers they’ve never met face to face. (WHAT – you say?!) Yeah, how hot is that?!

This book is going to speak to everyone’s fantasy. Watching…being watched (and if you say that you don’t SECRETLY want that…you are so lying!!!) The sense of freedom that Ali gets from her interactions with her voyeur next door, I think that deep inside every woman wants that kind of freedom for themselves. Gabe (Q) speaks to Ali (Aoife) in a way that is dominating, emotional, seductive as hell, and just plain sexy.

But, as we’ve come to know and love about Airicka’s books, it’s never JUST about the sex. Ali was such an awesome character. Her quirkiness and snarkiness worked together in a way that only Airicka can write. They complimented each other without taking away from one another. Her intensity and her shyness…just a perfect balance. And her backstory totally justifies all of the fears that Ali has about herself and relationships. Airicka gives Ali an outlet (therapy if you will….) to help her see and finally realize just how amazing and beautiful she is.

Now, as I have finally semi-calmed myself down, I think I can openly speak about Gabe. Gabe… I don’t even know where to begin. He’s strong, dark, brooding – but broken and gorgeous and just absolutely damn sexy. I love that Airicka writes such strong male characters…so protective of their women, so emotionally attached without being total douches, just so F*$&worthy!!

And, as we have grown to love about Airicka, she can’t let her characters have it easy. Oh no no no, she has to pick them up high – you think you’re in the clear – and then slam them down into oblivion to the point where your heart is literally hurting and breaking for them. The Voyeur Next Door is no exception.

I didn’t want this story to end. I wanted more Ali, more Gabe, more more more. I totally just loved every aspect of this book. So get it, read it, love it, review it.
Profile Image for Yvonne .
187 reviews109 followers
April 30, 2015
Also posted on: The Shadow Realm

So obviously this book was awesome. It is by Airicka Phoenix after all. Everything that woman writes I love and this one was no exception. While it was more along the erotic side than I usually read, it still had a great story line with a fantastic cast of characters.

The main thing I absolutely adore about Airicka's books are her snarky characters. They always make the most interesting reads. Ali and Gabe have an instant disliking to each other and the hostility between them was brilliant. I love the hate-to-love stories cause they are always so much fun. Ali was very likable and was easy to connect with. She was funny, witty, insecure but brave. She had a really tough childhood that has followed her to adulthood and as such she is a bit of an introvert. The anonymity of voyeurism appeals to Ali (Aoife), and even if the "relationship" she begins with Gabe (Q) wouldn't necessarily be something I would do, we all have a little voyeurism inside of us. That's another thing that makes Airicka's books great. There is always something relatable to be found in them.

As always, Airicka has written a swoon worthy male lead in the form of Gabriel. The man was intense, domineering, brooding, broken, and so very very hot. I may have liked for there to have not been as big of an age gab as there was, but I let it slide. The connection that "Q" and "Aoife" share was great to read about and I loved that not all their interactions were about sex. Even though they made a deal to form no attachments, that's just what they did. They became so much more to each other.

I'm not really sure what else I can say. This was an intense, sexy, heartbreaking, funny and all around amazing read. I highly recommend it!

*I received an ebook copy in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for S.M. Koz.
Author 4 books225 followers
July 17, 2015
A friend recommended this author to me and while I don't typically read erotica, the cover and synopsis for this book caught my eye. I loved the mystery and intrigue she was able to impart with both of those.

Once I started the book, I was immediately drawn in by Phoenix's writing style. She has a beautiful way with words, describing sights, sounds, and emotions in colorful and unusual ways. As much as Ali was a silent observer in the book, I have to think Phoenix may have her beat by the subtle, honest, and unexpected ways she described some of the most ordinary things. She painted a vivid picture in my mind, scene after scene.

As far as the plot, I really enjoyed it. This is a character-driven book, which can sometimes be hard for me to get into, but wasn't the case here at all. I think the reason for that is these characters felt real. They had flaws (some major), but also redeeming traits. Sometimes I hated Gabriel for the way he acted, but I never stopped rooting for them to be together. They both had a lot of baggage to work through and each needed the other to do that.

The other aspect of the book that I really enjoyed was how Phoenix was able to show the conflicting emotions these characters had. Sometimes, that can be hard to convey in books and the characters just come across as fickle or, even worse, inconsistent. Phoenix did it in such a skillful way that I, as a reader, totally understood where they were coming from. In fact, many times, I felt my emotions swaying by what happened, right before we learned that the character's did as well.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others who like steamy (i.e., graphic), character-driven stories. I'll definitely check out more by this author in the future.
Profile Image for Janey.
1,298 reviews
May 24, 2015
4.25 sounding like Antonio Banderas stars

A new author to me, this was a great surprise starting with sexy sniggers, which turned into more.

Ali Eckrich enjoyed her concealed life. She was used to her own company, and loved nothing better than getting home, stripping off and indulging herself in delicious food, whilst watching the reality of life through her neighbours antics.

”Window two, second row:Slutty Blonde with copious number of lovers.”


Until one night, a previously unoccupied apartment revealed its new occupant, and Ali found a compelling draw towards this window.

Gabriel Madoc was a mechanic, embroiled in the family business. He had been living half a life since a previous relationship had left him fragmented. He had recently ventured out from the flat above his workplace into an apartment a few blocks away, in an attempt to re-establish his life. He became aware of being watched, one night on the balcony, and he decided he liked it.

This mere introduction to set the scene doesn’t do it justice. I’m not going to say any more, but suffice to say that this grew into an engaging, playful, seductive, and at times, sentimental account of two souls lost in the aftermath of their past.

The characters scored highly on likability, where Ali’s kookiness blended exceedingly well with Gabe’s intolerance. Their exchanges were vintage, with each other and the other colourful characters.

All in all, a delightful gem <3
Profile Image for Claire Phoenix.
Author 12 books36 followers
June 26, 2015
description

Ali is a watcher. She likes to watch people around her. She is an introvert in every way. However, she is also odd, eccentric, and snarky. She loves people and is a genuinely nice person.

Gabriel is an asshole. Honestly, the biggest reason this isn't a 5 star is because I didn't connect with Gabriel. The writing is great but he and I just were not seeing eye to eye.

So back to the story, when Ali and her secret new neighbor catch each other's glances through the windows, without being able to see each other's faces, they come up with an anonymous arrangement to satisfy them sexually.

The only other reason I opted not to give this one a five star is

The writing is very good, and is written like a voyeur in the sense that it is extremely descriptive.

I loved Ali and I loved the story but it just wasn't quite a 5 star for me.
Profile Image for Alba M. .
1,710 reviews142 followers
March 26, 2023
A Ali le gusta observar a la gente desde que es pequeña y se convirtió en un fetiche ahora de adulta. Cuando un pequeño encuentro con su vecino de al lado la lleva a explorar más este lado se encuentra disfrutándolo al máximo. Pero cuando descubre quién está detrás de su misterioso amante, los negocios y el placer se mezclarán y eso nunca fue bueno verdad? Y las inseguridades tan enraizadas de Ali tampoco ayudan...

Pues la verdad lo elegí a dedo este libro. Hice un desliza y para con el dedo en mi lista de libros y me salió este y estoy un poco decepcionada. No me ha gustado mucho la historia, los personajes no me enamoraron, la historia no me enganchó sólo sentí un poco de pena por el pasado de Gabriel y aún así también sentí repelús con eso de sus dos mejores amigos. El tema del voyeurismo no va conmigo pero el pasado del Gabriel tampoco me hizo mucha gracia. Creo que entre eso y que las charlas sucias no eran muy buenas acabó por dejarme fría con el libro. Le doy dos estrellas porque me gustó mucho Earl el abuelito ❤️ y porque el libro tiene final feliz. Por lo demás para mí el libro no ha sido nada excepcional y muy plano, es más a penas tiene drama. No sé, os lo dejo a vuestro criterio.
Profile Image for Gabba.
303 reviews25 followers
August 17, 2016
3.75

Eeehh... bastante bien. Empecé a leerlo casi con desconfianza, pero me enganché. El final fue medio insulso... no sé, no me convenció. Apresurado, tal vez.

Ah, si lo leen... van a encontrarse con mucha tensión sexual, con diálogos fluidos y muy amenos. Capaz sea eso lo que me cautivó, y querer saber (por momentos con demasiada ansiedad), qué iba a suceder. Ali es divertida, tiene sus altos "mambos", pero no agobia. Genera simpatía. Y el protagonista, Gabriel, un papurris que 'tá 'pal coito. Ambos hacen un lindo combo.
Profile Image for parizad.
106 reviews11 followers
December 7, 2017
2 HATEFUL HERO STARS

The heroine's craziness was the only interesting things about this book. Their weird, kind of crazy relationship turned out to be disappointing and stupid! It wasn't even hot:((
Profile Image for Helena Rizzuto.
106 reviews14 followers
May 1, 2015
The Voyeur Next Door by Airicka Phoenix

So, let me start off by saying I have never read this author before but after reading this... This blogger one clicked like a mofo!



In what I'd category deem the Genre Busting book of all books, Ms. Phoenix blew me away with this story! I experienced a plethora of emotions and feelings that I was in sensory overload! From laughter to sensuality, from anger to warmth. This book has it all and I guarantee you will absolutely love it!

Let's start with Alison. She's a greatly written heroine who gives as much as she gets. She's snarky, humorous and has the heart of gold. Everything she felt, I was right there with her, including her annoyance with Gabriel! I absolutely feel that the author did a great job in writing her character. She was relatable and someone I could easily put myself as in this book. Oh, and did I mention she's one sexual woman? Because, Ali certainly lit it up!

Gabriel is the man of men! He's big (in all parts we ladies require) but he's a bit of a..... Woman hater. I felt like he was so well written that I could easily picture him as someone I know (or am currently married to) I love that she gave him a softer side, especially when it came to his grandfather. It's not often that an author is capable of relaying a characters true feelings for someone NOT a main characte, but Ms. Phoenix did just that.



Over all the sex was hot, both physical and visually. I found myself panting right along with Gabe and Ali! (kudos Airicka!) The storyline was greatly written and really, just flowed well. I liked that each character was flawed and again, very much personable and relatable. So it is with great pleasure that BOMBB gladly gives this book 5 Quacks!!
April 25, 2016
Book Facts: The Voyeur Next Door

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Part of a Series/Installment:
Standalone/Cliffhanger:
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc:
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex in The Book:
Overall Steam Factor/Chemistry:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Any Triggers/Warnings:



My thoughts:

Overall Rating: 3.75
Do You Recommend This Book: Maybe
ReRead: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Maybe
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