Melissa Ferguson’s new novel proves that good fences make good neighbors–and that sometimes love and hate share a backyard.Bree Leake doesn’t want to be tied down. She’s had more jobs than she can count–and the next stop on her journey is The Barter, the nation’s oldest live performance theater in Abingdon, Virginia. But just when it’s time to move on again, Bree’s parents make her an offer; … parents make her an offer; hold steady in Abingdon for one full year, and they will give her the one thing she’s always wanted–her grandmother’s house. Her dreams are coming true . . . until life at the theater throws her some curve balls.
And then there’s her new neighbor. Chip McBride.
For the first time in her life, she’s met the person who could match her free-spirited air–and it’s driving her to the ledge of sanity. She would move heaven and earth to have him out of her life, but according to the bargain she’s struck, she cannot move out of her house and away from the man who’s making her life miserable. So begins Bree’s obsessive new mission: to drive Chip out of the neighborhood–and fast.
Bree isn’t the only one who’s a wee bit competitive, and as Chip registers what Bree’s up to, he’s more than willing to fight fire with fire. But as their pranks escalate, the line between love and hate starts to blur.
In Melissa Ferguson’s latest rom-com, two enemies find something they never expected in one another–taking “all’s fair in love and war” to a hilarious and heartwarming new level.
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A rom-com that will make you laugh until your side hurts!
The Cul-de-Sac War was one of the funniest and charming contemporary romance novels I have read all year! Clean and full of spirit, the characters were hysterical, and the plot a perfect pick-me-up! If this were a movie, it would be my choice for a girl’s night or lazy day!
Bree Leake has never settled or known what she wanted. Having adorned many hats, it’s not until her grandmother leaves a part of her house to Bree that she starts to dream of a stable future. With a job at the local theatre, Bree’s life finally feels like it is falling into place, that is until she meets Chip McBride. While sparks flew at their meet-cute, things take a fiery turn when Chip moves into the fixer-upper next door. Caught in a war where both parties will go to the extreme to win, nothing is out of bounds; however, when their jobs and relationships are put in jeopardy, one of them will have to call a truce, but who will be the one to raise the white flag?
With the classic love-hate relationship, The Cul-de-Sac War meets How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Bree’s quirky personality — which reminded me a lot like Louisa Clark’s from Me Before You — and Chip’s fierce competitive yet charming nature creates a match made in heaven.
At first, I didn’t think I would like this book as I felt like the hate-to-love scenario had already been done so often; however, I was hooked by the end of the first few pages. Laughing my way through each chapter until the wee hours of the night, I think this was the fasted book I’ve read all year, and honestly, I already want to reread it!
Side note: Is it strange that I pictured the characters speaking with British accents? Probably… Nevertheless, an author can only do so much to create a fictional world; it’s up to the reader to fill in the pieces and use their imagination to interpret each scene in their mind.
This was my introduction to Melissa Ferguson, and it will not be the last book I read of hers. In a year surrounded by disappointment and uncertainty, this book’s publication couldn’t have come at a better time! If you’re searching for a novel that will make you swoon, laugh, and feel as though you’re watching a movie, The Cul-de-Sac War is perfect for you!
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a pre-release copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!
The Cul-de-Sac War met all of my expectations for pranking an unwanted neighbor. Those funny moments, particularly with Russell, left a smile on my face far longer than it maybe warranted. The romance, however, is light and I wanted just a little bit more. I would have liked to see as much of Bree and Chip falling head-over-heels as hating each other. There isn’t a big moment that gets the warm fuzzies going.
Chip seems to have his life mostly together and his ambitions are what I want to see in a hero. Bree, on the other hand, is a mess and directionless. Her epiphany of self-discovery is a little flat but her support system is pretty fantastic.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Melissa has a flare for the dramatic and the threads of humor throughout are more than amusing. I enjoyed seeing the cameo appearances from The Dating Charade cast.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
When Bree first meets Chip he seems like the perfect guy… until he doesn’t. Until he turns out to be the world’s worst neighbor, with a perfect girlfriend, and a large, slobbery dog that seems to have it out for her. That’s when the cul-de-sac war starts, where the two begin an escalating series of pranks while simultaneously struggling in their professional lives–Bree as a theater actress and Chip starting his own construction company.
This book was cute. It had some highly amusing moments (I don’t want to spoil any of Chip and Bree’s pranks, but I’m particularly fond of the one with the Christmas trees), but it was otherwise devoid of any real plot. Thankfully, I had been warned before reading that this book wasn’t really a romance, so I knew what I was getting into and I think it helped me enjoy it more. So, reader, this is your warning–THIS BARELY QUALIFIES AS A ROMANCE. Okay, now go forth and read. Really, this is more about the struggles of Bree and Chip, as we learn more about Bree’s struggles at the theater and Chip’s with his construction business than any semblance of spark between them. I should also note that fore like 75% of this book both Chip and Bree ARE SEEING OTHER PEOPLE. There is no cheating, but this was a huge turn-off for me, because while they were with other people, I couldn’t even HOPE for something to happen. So there’s no tension. I wish they had dumped the fringe earlier in the book.
I also didn’t love Chip and Bree as people. They both seemed a little bratty, and I found it deplorable that Chip had a trained dog (we find out he’s trained) that he was LETTING injure Bree (who was actually injured). Even if Bree wasn’t injured, even if she was just scared, that’s despicable and a lawsuit waiting to happen. Some people have genuine fears of dogs and it’s not funny. We were also continuously told that Bree was fun-loving and easy going with everyone but Chip, but we never really saw it.
This book was on the short side (it flew by) and maybe if more time had been taken to develop these characters and the romance, it would have been better. I think there were gems of ideas and humor there, and the writing isn’t bad, it just didn’t quite live up to its potential for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for my eARC in exchange for an honest review!
4 stars – 6/10
The Cul-de-Sac War
By Melissa Ferguson
Rating: 4.5/5
Who doesn’t love a good rom-com? This book is pure joy and fun! Having read the author’s previous work, I was excited to jump in and read this new one that casually mentions previous characters. The story can be read as a stand-alone though.
Bree Leake hasn’t quite found where she fits in career-wise. She’s tried so many different jobs but never quite found one that stuck. After moving away from home, Bree tries her hand at acting in the nation’s oldest live performance theater, The Barter. While she still feels restless, her parents’ offer to give her their part of grandmother’s house if she stays put for one full year is something that she cannot pass up. She loves the house and all the memories. However, her new neighbor might be the one thing that she can’t stand despite his handsome face. Chip McBride is striking out on his own as a contractor and is eager to show that he can make it without being part of his father’s family company. He wants to make a name for himself and remodeling the Barter might just be his ticket to recognition. He also enjoys antagonizing his new next-door neighbor who happens to be an actor there. Bree and Chip won’t stop until it goes too far and they can’t help but constantly be thinking about one another every day. Pranks ensue while these two duke it out.
You won’t stop smiling and laughing throughout this book. There are a couple more serious parts (don’t get me wrong) but the chemistry between the two characters is undeniable and the author portrays their relationship beautifully. I really enjoyed this “enemies-to-lovers” type of romantic comedy and it ends up being an entertaining read full of spunky characters who you may have read about previously.
Highly recommend for those who enjoy romantic comedies.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
I am so glad Bree got her own story after the Dating Charade. This was quite an interesting story. Their meet cute was fun and very refreshing. Too bad it took a turn for the worst fairly quickly. Poor Chip had no idea what he was getting into. There were times the book kind of dragged on and I wondered when, if ever things would change. I personally wish it had happened sooner so we could have had more time enjoying their relationship instead of all the angst. I’m glad though that they finally figured it out and the epilogue was fun and a little crazy, just like the rest of the book.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest review.
Bree and Chip might have an adorable meet cute, but that warm fuzzy feeling in Bree’s chest disappears as soon as she arrives at her home. Plus, that drive is one of the funniest scenes in the book (and the ones with the dog).
Misunderstandings ensue culminating in a bunch of juvenile pranks these two neighbors pull on each other. There is a definite slow burn to this romance and if you’re reading just for the pure enjoyment of a romcom, The Cul-de-Sac War might fit the bill.
The description of the book is a little misleading as we’re almost halfway through the book when Bree’s parents make her the offer of the house. I would have appreciated more concentration on the turnaround of enemies to romantic interest, but overall, the story met the criteria of a romcom with a fun, feel-good story with a happy ending.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
So, I have been listening to the Cul-de-Sac War on my nightly walks, and I’m glad I haven’t passed many people. They would think I was deranged with all the snickers, snorts, and evil laughs they would hear. Kate Rudd does an amazing job with this narration. I had very little trouble distinguishing between the characters, and her comic timing is excellent.
Bree Leake is a struggling actor, always a bit player, never the lead – and she likes it that way. When her costume malfunctions right before her one line in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Chip McBride comes to her rescue with a roll of duct tape – camo duct tape, which just happens to match her forest fairy costume. She is smitten, until she realizes he is there with a date. Her disappointment turns to horror when she learns he’s bought the wreck of a house next door to hers, and his giant mastiff loves her so much that he tackles her every chance he gets.
Chip McBride has lived in his father and brother’s shadows most of his life. He had a successful business in another city, but moved “home” when his mother had a health scare. Now he’s expected to take his place in McBride & Sons Construction but he wants nothing more than to be his own boss and tackle his own projects. Unfortunately, when his dad and brother look at him, they see the baby brother not the man. Can Chip prove his worth as a businessman to his toughest critics – his own family?
When his next door neighbor starts challenging him on a nearly daily basis, he begins doing things to tweak her temper, just because she’s fun to rile. Her responses make it obvious that war has been declared. Can Chip and Bree ever see past their antagonism to the friendship they had started outside the theater that night?
If anyone is looking for a romance with lots of laughs, this is definitely the one to pick up! Bree and Chip are fun characters, trying to find their place in the world. They play off each other, with just enough snark to elicit giggles.
I definitely recommend the book, and listening to it makes it even more fun.
The Cul-de-Sac War by Melissa Ferguson is a light-hearted, sassy romance. If you enjoy witty banter, laugh-out-loud scenes, and copious amounts of dog slobber, then this story is for you! Bree and her hot mess of a life will catch and hold your attention from the first scene. When her serendipitous meeting with Chip turns into a prank war between unlikely neighbors, things really take a turn for crazy town.
While I enjoyed watching Chip and Bree make each other squirm (especially in front of Bree’s parents–they are hilarious!), some of the pranks were a bit over the top for me (trees) and more mean than funny. But still, I liked getting to know Bree and her restless, wanderer’s heart. And I enjoyed the development of her relationship with Chip from frenemies to friends to more. All the sarcasm and devious plotting faded into a genuine and deep connection–one that will make your heart feel warm and fuzzy!
I also enjoyed Chip’s backstory and his struggles with his family. It ended completely differently than I thought it would, but the conversation between him and his dad at the end brought tears to my eyes. You will appreciate the life lessons as well as the spiritual ones.
Fans of contemporary Christian fiction will enjoy this light-hearted, rom-com-style romance.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The Cul-de-Sac War
By Melissa Ferguson
Sometimes Love and Hate share a backyard
Bree Leake’s first introduction to Chip McBride is when he comes to her “rescue” when her costume for A Midsummer Night’s Dream has a wee problem. They just seem to click. But then life gets in the way and it is all-out war as Bree tries to force Chip to move out of the house he’s just bought – the house next door to the one that belonged to her Nana.
It’s not that there is anything wrong with Chip, other than the fact that he has a monster killer dog that has taken an obsessive liking to Bree. Bree can’t see how being tackled and drooled all over is proof of like and she is not putting up with it.
This is one Cute Meet doomed 30 seconds after it began. Or is it? As the neighborly pranks escalate Bree and Chip find themselves caught up in something neither expected.
With her job on the line, Bree is going all out to get a role in the upcoming production at The Barter. The very theater that Chip is hoping to win the reconstruction contract for. But to get his foot in the door means that Chip needs Bree’s inside scope on how to get a foot up on the competition – competition that includes his father and older brothers.
The Cul-de-Sac War is a change of pace read for me. This is a contemporary read with a rom-com thread running throughout. Chip and Bree are both carrying the pain of family loss and the need to prove themselves. After a first meeting that offers the potential for something more, everything between them swiftly goes downhill faster than a downhill skier chasing a world record. But their neighborhood war is soon the fodder of neighborly gossip. If you are looking for a fun and diverting story that will take you out of your day-to-day, look no further. This is my first time reading Melissa Ferguson and after this delightfully amusing read, I’m sure it will not be my last.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
BTW – After the opening scene it is a little slow but at the halfway point the story picks up.
An excellent, funny and heartwarming story! Ferguson is the kind of author where you simply can’t wait for her next book to come out and the moment it does, you devour it! Can’t get enough of her rom-coms!
This was a perfect romantic comedy! I have read many rom-coms, and this book had the best meet-cute I have ever read. I laughed throughout the book at the “war” between the protagonists, Bree and Chip. Lately, I have gotten to where I haven’t read many rom-coms because I hate the formulaic, cheesy writing most seem to have become, but this is definitely not the case with The Cul-de-sac War. The hilarious, laugh out loud antics of Bree and Chip kept me turning the pages just to see what they would come up next. Along with the perfect ending, this is romantic comedy at its best. I could definitely see this book turned into a movie. I look forward to more books by Melissa Ferguson, who has become one of my favorite authors of this genre.
I just finished the Cul-de-Sac Wars in one day. When you read this book I guarantee you will do the same. This book is first hilarious. Chip and Bree are one of the best characters I have ever read. Both hate living next to one another, and trying to out do each other with the pranks they pull. I have to say my favorite is the dog. Every ti8me Bree is around the dog he tackles her. I hate to say I look so forward to that dog getting Bree each time! I have no idea how Melissa Ferguson came up with the pranks they do to each other! When you read the book and you will see Bree last prank, you will agree it is a classic! I can relate to Bree not being able to keep jobs long enough, because that’s me!! The author did such a great job making these characters relatable. There is a story line that is emotional too. This book is priceless. I loved it from the first page to the last. If you are wondering if you should read this book, do and don’t worry if you haven’t read the first book The Dating Charade because you don’t nee to read it to follow this wonderful book to understand this one. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. This will go down to my favorite Rom Com of the year!!
Great comedic timing!
Bree and Chip’s initial meeting actually went quite well. Considering she was running for help due to a costume mishap during a performance and smashed him with the door. But, after he saved the day for her, she was a little smitten.
Until …
Until the first misunderstanding. But Bree was livid and determined to get revenge on her arrogant, insensitive, huge dog-loving neighbor! Who just happened to be the guy she thought she connected with on the steps of the theater.
My husband was chuckling at my laughter as I read. I try to restrain myself and keep my giggles inside while I’m reading but sometimes it is just not possible. And it seems like it is impossible while reading Melissa Ferguson’s books to hold back the reactions. I mean, really! My favorite was the deal they made about the invisible fence and the deadline. What a riot!
And then Bree’s roommate’s response to the loss of water in their house for that week. Oh my! If Chip was trying to drive Bree crazy, he couldn’t have done it better than that.
Chip was so much fun – his delight in the battle of wits showed his great sense of humor. And that was despite his struggles with starting a new business – one that was in competition with his own family’s business. But wasn’t. He had such struggles with a sense of being inadequate for his family. That they viewed him as being incapable of doing things on his own.
As with life, The Cul-de-Sac War was not all fun and games. Bree was dealing with grief over the death of her Nana and fear over the potential loss of her job. She, also, struggled with thinking she wasn’t enough as she sought to find her place in the world. And the pressure her parents put on her didn’t help! Nor did the fact that when they met her handsome neighbor, Chip, that they loved him and decided he would be perfect for Bree.
I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful story. Though I wouldn’t consider it Christian or even Inspirational fiction. God and church are mentioned yet in such a fleeting manner, it falls more under the category of Rom-Com and Clean Romance.
Read my review of The Cul-de-Sac War by Melissa Ferguson at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
I read The Dating Charade, the debut novel by this author, earlier this year and I loved it. I knew the Cul-de-Sac war was a must read of 2020 for me and I was not disappointed. This story follows Bree, the best friend of the main character from The Dating Charade. Bree has moved and is working at a theater in Abingdon, VA while living in her grandmother’s house who recently passed away. The fun begins when Chip moves in next door in order to renovate it. Saying they don’t exactly hit it off might be putting it mildly. Let the prank wars begin!! Some readers might feel like some of the pranks got a bit extreme, but as a reader I got lost in the story and the pranks kept me in stitches. The romance is a bit light in this book, but is the appropriate level due to the development of the relationship between Bree and Chip. One thing I really appreciate about this author is her ability to write banter and antics that make me laugh out loud while also delving into heavy issues such as sickness, loss, grief, job uncertainties, and family expectations. I am looking forward to many more books by this author in the future!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
In this second release from new author, Melissa Ferguson, readers will get a rom-com book at its best! The book description, “All’s fair in love and prank wars” vividly explains the hilarious story between the two main characters of this book. This book focuses on Bree who is a wonderful person, but she just doesn’t want to commit to many things. She has generally gone from one thing to another, never settling down. However, the previous year has shaken her some due to a couple of things. She is currently living in her grandmother’s house with a friend, but trying to decide what she wants to do with herself. After some persuasion from her parents to commit and follow through, she has to discover if she can make some changes to stay in one place for a year. Around the time she learns of new information regarding her job and the conversation with her parents, she gains a new neighbor in her cul-de-sac. Chip has left the family business to venture out on his own, because he has set out to prove himself to his family. Currently over his head, he has bought a house to fix up. Unbeknownst to him, he will be living next door to Bree, a woman he met in a chance encounter. Once they meet again, each has their own agenda of wanting to get rid of the other person. This leads to an all-out cul-de-sac war! This book was absolutely hilarious at times! I highly recommend this book! If you like rom-com’s, then this book is for you! I know you will not be disappointed!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.
3.5
Bree Leake has always been one to go with the flow. She’s held at least half a dozen jobs over the last few years, always happily moving along with they eventually don’t work out. She’s preparing to do the same thing when it comes down the grapevine that The Barter – the theatre company where she currently holds the role as a background fairy – is cutting back on company members for its Fall show. Except things have been different since her grandmother passed away a few months ago, and when Bree’s parents offer her everything she’s dreamed of – namely signing over her grandmother’s house – Bree wants to make things work. Her parents have given her a year to keep her life and living situation steady. Now, Bree is focused on nothing except acing the upcoming audition. That is, until a new neighbor moves next door.
Chip McBride has finally moved out of his family’s shadow by opening his own construction business much to the chagrin of his father and siblings. He’s determined to make his business a success and opportunity strikes when word of The Barter renovation gets around. Chip knows it’s the perfect project to gain some good attention for his new business. He’ll have to dedicate long hours to working up the perfect bid, that is, if he can work around the sounds of tap dancing coming from the neighbors next door.
The blurb really drew me into the story. I liked the idea of these rival neighbors starting out with animosity and and the hijinks that ensue with they keep trying to one-up each other again and again. It made for some pretty laugh-out-loud moments. And I liked how this slowly progresses into something more between Chip and Bree even when they’re not ready to admit it yet.
In this regard I felt like the narrator, Kate Rudd, did a great job of pushing that emotion into each character’s narration. She did a great job of highlighting the funny parts but really bringing out the heart when the scene called for it. It’s a roundabout great narration.
But as I look back upon the book for review, I kind of don’t really remember what the end goal of it all was. I think it’s because there was too much separation between Bree’s goal and Chip’s goal. While they do intersect – both dealing in with The Barter – they are very singular. Then you add the neighborly war on top of it all, and I just feel like there was enough cohesion between the two. Now, if Bree and Chip were fighting for the same job, say, and they happened to also be neighbors and this prompted the titular Cul-de-Sac War, I think it would have melded together better.
As it stands, while I enjoyed the story and the characters, as I think upon them more, I don’t really feel the turnaround for Bree. I feel like the transition from being a go-with-the-flow to a steadfast type of person just didn’t come across very well. Yes, I understand her motivation, but it’s almost like she turns on a dime from not really caring if she has to get a new job (even though she’s currently living in her grandmother’s house so she should care) to suddenly being dedicated to keeping her job. I think it doesn’t help the fact that I never felt as though she actually liked her job at all. It would be different if I felt like it was her dream job, but she’s kind of meh about the whole thing which gets me to thinking about the person whose dream it is to be apart of The Barter and who might possibly lose out if Bree gets the job.
On the other side of that you have Chip whose dedication and love for his job is palpable throughout. Who is trying to branch out despite how easy it would ultimately have been had he stayed at his family’s company. I almost felt like the stakes were higher in Chip’s case seeing as how he was literally going up against his father for The Barter job.
Overall, it’s a quick, light, fun, and often funny read. Despite not feeling the depth of Bree’s commitment to what she wants out of life, I was definitely kept entertained and interested throughout.
I haven’t read this author before and was looking forward to some romantic comedy. However, I just couldn’t get into this book. I guess that’s why it took me several days to read it. I usually read a book in 2 days max. I just couldn’t get very excited to go back and read it each day. I never connected with the main character, Bree. She seemed immature even though she was older. She could never decide what to do with her life and just kept skipping along from job to job, never really deciding what interested her until her parents put a “condition” on her in order to keep her grandmother’s house. Her inner thoughts were all over the place. Then she starts a “war” with her neighbor, Chip, which was very adolescent (he was a willing participant though) and on her side, she was a little more mean, I felt. I just didn’t like her. I liked Chip, the other main character better, although he did some childish things too, to get back at Bree. For one thing, he didn’t keep his out-of-control dog in check! I’ve been bitten by a neighbor’s dog before so I know how scared Bree was by Chip’s overly enthusiastic dog! Both Bree & Chip did things that were a little unrealistic so it was hard for me to find this story even partially believable (Bree be in a drama production that she wasn’t qualified for and get a part that she only practiced for a handful of times and Chip think he could compete for a huge remodeling project of a large drama theater when he had a small construction company). Also, how does a small town have this lavish theater and drama production with wealthy donations? The whole book was just didn’t add up to me and the romance was very rushed at the end so that even wasn’t believable!
3.5
This book had a really good plot: two next door neighbors in a cul-de-sac warring about the construction the one is doing. The one who has an enormous dog who just happens to think the other is his favorite person. I enjoyed it a lot, especially the wit. I enjoyed how they eventually began to fall for each other. It was a fun book to read. I was a bit disappointed at the absence of a faith element, as it’s marketed as Christian fiction. But it was a good book and I can recommend it.
*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion here is my own.
Oh, My Goodness! This story was such a delight to read! It was funny, quirky, yet, heart touching, and sweet!
I loved hearing Bree’s story. She has a hard time knowing what her life purpose is all about. From the very first page of this story, we are taken on a ride into her crazy unpredictable life. Also, in the first pages, we are introduced to her nemesis. Chip is just trying to make a life for himself, but things seem to get in the way. The two butt heads in more ways than one and things get crazier and crazier. I never laughed so hard while reading a story. It was truly fun to see what each of them would do. Oh, and the tension between them was unbelievable. They seemed to feed off each other.
Melissa Ferguson has such a fantastic way of writing bizarre and crazy things. I wonder where she comes up with all the things these two main characters did to each other. So entertaining! I would love to see this as a movie, I know it would be a hit!
Woven throughout this book there are bits of sweet moments in these two characters’ lives. We see things in their lives that are very relatable to us as readers. The relationships with friends and families are so real. When we can put ourselves in the character’s lives and understand the pains and joys, that is what makes a book great! This author has done that!
I was given this book by the publisher and NetGalley which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.