Another Christmas from Hell has arrived in R.L. Mathewson's Neighbor from Hell series, reviewed by IndieReader. The New York Times bestselling author's latest romantic comedy centers on Cayley, who loses her job and apartment in a single day, courtesy of her best friend, forcing a move across the hall from a man who isn't happy to see her.
At a glance
- Author:** R.L. Mathewson, New York Times bestselling
- Series:** Neighbor from Hell
- Format:** Romantic comedy
- Tone (per IndieReader):** "disturbingly funny"
- Hook:** Forced proximity during the holiday season
What the setup actually is
IndieReader's synopsis lays out the premise cleanly. Cayley, left homeless and unemployed in one swift move, takes the only available apartment—which happens to be directly across from Bryce, who has spent years avoiding her. His plan upon her return: break her heart before she breaks his. The book promises this will be "the worst Christmas ever."
There's also an ex-fiancé in the mix, determined to win Cayley back. The synopsis notes that Cayley "could handle" her best friend's sabotage and her ex's persistence—but Bryce presents a different problem. He is "willing to do whatever it took to let the past destroy them both."
The "disturbingly funny" framing signals the tone: chaos is the point.
Our analysis
Forced-proximity romance is a well-worn setup, which means Mathewson is working with familiar material. Her edge here is track record; the Neighbor from Hell series has sustained multiple installments, and Mathewson has reached the NYT list. That credential suggests confident execution of the trope rather than debut-level experimentation.
Two things worth noting. First, the IndieReader review describes this as a continuation rather than a standalone entry. The synopsis assumes readers already know what "Neighbor from Hell" means. Newcomers can likely follow along—the premise is self-explanatory—but the author's returning audience gets the most out of it. Second, "disturbingly funny" is a deliberate signal. Readers expecting pure cozy holiday warmth should note the qualifier; this is snark-first territory.
If the book lands, Mathewson's back catalogue on her author site is likely substantial. IndieReader's review focuses on this single installment, but bestseller-caliber authors often have a deep catalogue that doesn't fully surface on retail bestseller tables.
Who should care
| Reader type | Should you pick this up? |
|---|---|
| Series fans already reading Neighbor from Hell | Yes—this is the next installment you've been waiting for |
| Mathewson fans from other series | Likely yes; the author's comedic voice tends to carry across projects |
| New to the author, looking for holiday rom-com | Sample first; the "disturbingly funny" label is accurate, not decorative |
| Cozy-only readers expecting warm holiday vibes | Skip or preview; this skews snark and chaos |
Bottom line
A holiday rom-com built on forced proximity, mutual avoidance, and a promise of holiday chaos. Mathewson's NYT bestseller status is the quality signal the available coverage rests on. If the premise appeals, your expectation should be sharp comedic timing and friction-first romance—not gentle holiday coziness.
Key takeaways
- IndieReader reviewed the book favorably for the romantic-comedy audience.
- Mathewson's bestseller status is the primary quality signal in the available coverage.
- The "disturbingly funny" label is literal; expect snark, chaos, and friction over sweetness.
- New readers can likely follow the premise, but returning series fans get more from the setup.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to read the rest of the series first?
The synopsis frames this as a continuation, but the core premise (neighbors forced into close quarters) is self-explanatory. New readers can follow along; series fans get additional context from the start.
What is the genre?
Romantic comedy with a "disturbingly funny" tone, per IndieReader.
Who is the publisher?
The reviewed source does not name a publisher. Check retailer listings for this information.
Is this a cozy holiday read?
The "disturbingly funny" framing suggests otherwise. Readers wanting pure coziness should preview before purchasing.
Where can I find more books by Mathewson?
Mathewson is a prolific author with multiple series. Check her official author site for the full back catalogue, which may not be fully represented on retail bestseller tables.