REVIEW: House of Cards by Courtney W Dixon (Not in the Cards #1)

HOUSE OF CARDS

Not In the Cards - Book One

by Courtney W. Dixon

Release Date: March 16, 2026

Review

Such a lovely story. It’s a break from some of Courtney’s darker, bloodier works (which I also love), more reminiscent of the first books that brought her into my life.

Sarcastic, hardworking and hardplaying Cal is a committed bachelor and childphobic. However, his next-door neighbour is Seth, gentle, kind single father of three.

They annoy each other!

Then one day, everything changes for Cal and Seth is there to help him through it all. And trust me, a man who can show vulnerability, adopt a kitten for a grieving kid, and love kids that aren’t his, is hella attractive.

I love the slow burn of grouchy neighbours, to friends, to lovers path that they take. It’s a great story.

Word of warning - there is a number of deaths discussed and dealt with.

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Synopsis

"I never wanted nor was I supposed to be a father. Now, I'm having to foster a 14-year-old grieving boy."

Calvin Abernathy

Life is good. It’s exactly how I want it. No relationships. No kids. I own a business, and I have a nice home. I can do whatever I want and sleep with whomever I want. To make life even better, I have a hot neighbor that I love tormenting. His annoyance gives me great pleasure because he’s cute when he gets flustered. Too bad he has so many kids and a new boyfriend.

When my perfect life turns on its head after my friends die in a tragic accident, I end up with their teenage son in my care. To say that I’m freaking out is an understatement. I have no idea what the hell I’m doing. So, with my tail tucked between my legs, I ask for Seth’s help. Now, our growing friendship has me wondering if having a relationship would be so bad.

Seth Griffin

My neighbor, Calvin, is a jerk. He’s always making fun of me and turning my kids’ toys left in his yard into these totems. Weirdo. He’s annoying, and I hate that he’s hot. However, when he comes to me after becoming the guardian of a teenager, I decide to help him—just for the boy’s sake. Eventually, a close friendship develops between us, and feelings arise, but I shouldn’t want my neighbor.

I’m finally dating again after being abandoned by my ex-husband. While I would never cheat, this friendship with Cal is getting complicated, and I need to decide what to do about it. Then, my new boyfriend’s red flags are revealed, making my decision easier. It’s Calvin I run to now. It’s Calvin I want.

About Courtney W. Dixon

Courtney W. Dixon loves to write erotic romance. She writes both m/f and m/m stories all in one series to add a variety to her characters. Though there are erotic elements to her stories, they are rich with relationship growth. Even those enemies to lovers, a favorite of hers. Her characters are filled with deep POVs with trouble pasts, full of depth and emotion. She tries to give them complexity and growth as their stories move. And her favorite is to break her main characters down to lift them back up in order to give them their HEA's.

Courtney is also a mixed media artist who's primarily been focused on writing lately. You can find her working in Central Texas with her husband, two boys and two crazy dogs, none of whom know how to knock on a door while she's working.

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