Publication Date: June 14, 2012
Format: Hardcover, 395 pages
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a beautifully told summer tale of first love, family and morals.
That makes it sound pretty boring, huh? But there’s nothing boring about Samantha and Jase’s first love. We’re talking smoldering, kids. Even The Atlantic Wire has this on its list of books that are sexier than Fifty Shades of Grey
Ok, synopsis: Samantha has always watched the huge, rambunctious Garrett family since they moved in. Her mom, a state senator, has always implicitly forbidden her to do so because the Garretts seem uncivilized to her – unlike Samantha’s perfect-looking home, the Garretts’ lawn is always unmown, and the kids seem to be running wild. But Samantha loves the look of that house…or rather, the people in it.
One night, Jase Garrett climbs up and begins talking to Samantha. From there on in, things get messy – in a good way. Jase introduces Samantha to a open, more-loving way of life. At the same time, things with her mother’s re-election are heating up. and Samantha is forced to act less and less like herself by her mother’s new campaign manager.
I won’t get into any more details than that, because the build-up to the climax of this book is such a wonderful, slow burn. I honestly didn’t see it coming because I was so enamoured of Jase and Samantha and too busy enjoying their romance. Huntley Fitzpatrick does an amazing job of describing how first love feels.
She also gives secondary characters the attention they deserve – each of the Garrett siblings are adorable and three-dimensional, and even Samantha’s mom and the campaign manager are more than just villains. I liked the fact that this book focused on a lot of the things going on in Samantha’s life, not just the romance. Tim, Samantha’s best friend’s brother, was a particular favorite of mine (he’s totally swoonworthy in a Marcus Flutie kind of way, I swear!).
Overall, I really enjoyed My Life Next Door and I think it’s great contemporary YA with a lot of heart and depth. My only reason for giving it four stars instead of five would be the ending – I just wanted a little more digging into what happened…and I wanted more of Jase and Samantha! As an adult, I wanted one more love scene to seal their fate. But obviously, the point wasn’t the sex (I just wanted more of it!).
Have you read My Life Next Door? What did you think of it?
This book looks awesome! I've seen it all summer and fall, and never got a chance to pick it up. I usually don't like contemporary novels, but there's been a burst of contemporary novels out in Young Adult lit, and so I've been reading more and more, and enjoying it more and more! Judging from your review, this book is worth reading. I will be sure to look for it at my next trip to the public library! *dreads hauling many books from the librar* lol. Great review!
This book sounds great, I like books with developed characters 🙂
I LOVED this book! But, like you, the ending was a little to flat. I think it could have been expanded on a little more and it would have been a perfect 5 star. The characters absolutely made this book for me. I loved each of them, even the ones that I hated. Great book!
Gotta admit I wasn't aware of this book but definitely adding it to my wishlist.
I haven't read the book yet but it's been on my TBR pile for quite some time. I might read this book before the year ends. Anyways, great review.
wow great review and ilove totell the story fo book i read
This looks like a great contemporary ya romance.
Nice review! I have read the book and enjoyed it a lot. 🙂
It has been so long since I've read this book I've forgotten what happened. Now reading your review makes me what to read it again. I love books like this, full of teenage romance. It makes me sad that I didn't have a life next door and a swoony guy to go with it. Thanks for reminding me why I need a re-read.
This looks so good! i'm going to buy this one as soon as I can! 🙂
I've had this book on my TBR list forever. I've yet to see a negative review. I really need to move this up my list. Thanks for your review.
Very nice review