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2026 Book 3 - Next to You by Hannah Bonam-Young

 I liked the book, but I didn’t absolutely love it, and I’m not sure why. Lane struggles with anxiety, and feels like her friends all have their lives together, while she’s bumbling along. Her dad’s death when she was young has made her fearful of falling in love. She feels undeserving of love as well, so she keeps everyone at a safe distance. On a whim, she decides to buy a bus and renovate it into her new home. 

Matt is a mechanic and overall handyman, and he helps Lane turn the bus into a home. They are part of the same friend group, so even though they’re attracted to each other, they agree it’s best not to jump into a relationship. The friendship is too important, so of course they decide to just hook up, which is not the brightest plan. He’s too good to be true, and she’s struggling with a bus load of emotional baggage. The side plot of her sister’s upcoming wedding and relationship woes felt choppy and unfinished. At times it was a slog. There were also some really good moments, and I’d still read another book from this author. (7)

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