The Boy Next Door by Kate McMurray is a homoerotic contemporary romance.

Lowell never thought he would ever return to his home town, but his mother needs him now. He never got along with his father and things got worse when he admitted he was gay. The verbal and physical abuse escalated as his father's drinking got worse. Even his best friend Jason went his own way in high school leaving him alone. He purchased a home not realizing that Jason is still living next door with his daughter Layla. Jason was Lowell's first crush in high school, but he lost touch with everyone when he moved away. Jason's life didn't turn out as he planned and his breakup with his wife Karen was just one more failure. When Jason arrives home, he is surprised to find out that Lowell has moved in next door. Jason is stunned by the immediate and almost overwhelming attraction he feels for Lowell. Karen calls trying to spend time with Jason, but he remembers all the broken promises she has made to Layla. Jason invites Lowell over for dinner and Lowell's feelings for Jason return like no time ever passed, but the complication of being responsible for a child is one that Lowell never expected. Will Jason and Lowell have a chance to explore their growing feelings towards each or are the obstacles too great?

Ms. McMurray has written an interesting story that brings to light the contemporary issue of children in a gay relationship. Many people, like Karen and her parents, feel that children of gay parents are endangered. Somehow they relate being gay with being a pedophile which is far from the truth. Jason loves his daughter and would never let anyone hurt her in spite of what they think. Lowell showed a depth of feeling he never expected when Layla became as important to him as Jason was. It was sad to learn the possibility that Lowell's mother might have Alzheimers, a disease that strips people of every memory and ability they have ever learned, but with modern therapy many people with Alzheimers live productive lives. The love between Jason and Lowell was beautiful and as difficulties between them unfolded the reader was drawn into their lives as they experience the emotions that impacted the characters. Many issues remain unresolved and I for one hope their story isn't over yet!

Reviewed by: Teresa