Review: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Release Date: June 14, 2012

Publisher: Dial Books

Rating: YA 14+

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Realistic Fiction

Pages: 395

“One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.”

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. 

As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over.

**An Advance Readers Copy was provided by the author (thank you so much!)**

This book was just the type of book I needed. Something I could fully immerse myself and get lost in. Let's just say, that my visit next door? Isn't one that I'll be forgetting about anytime soon. 

While I love Contemporary novels, at heart I'm a Para girl. Hand me a book with werewolves, vampires, and things that don't exist, and I'm a happy camper! With Contemps, though, I'm super picky. They have to be really good for me to like them! 

My Life Next Door was so much better than your average Contemporary read. Romantic, funny, witty and sweeter than PINK Cotton Candy (YES, that good), it tugged on my heart strings and captivated me till the very end. But I'm making it sound like this book was full of (admittedly yummy) FLUFF. But it wasn't just light and happy and all, there was some serious stuff going on! There was major suspense and drama and mystery. I had no idea it would end the way it did! I didn't expect it at all---and that's über rare for a Contemporary read!

You've definitely probably heard me say this, but a good book is only as good as it's characters, right? Well I loved every single one of the characters in this book! From the goofy Garretts, to the stoned yet lovable Tim, I fell head over heels in love with all of them. Especially Jase, the sweetest bad-boy I have EVER met. He has a leather jacket! Nuff said! Seriously, guys, I think I can hear wedding bells chiming in the distance...

And Sam, our sweet and quirky MC was a perfect narrator. I really felt for her! Guys, I think I can say, without any hesitation, that her mom was really messed up. All her mom cared about was winning the darn elections! I mean, she just had no clue what was going on in her daughter's lives, and she was dating a really cheap slop. Thank doodles Sam had the Garretts!

But I can't stand not mentioning the whole Garrett family, made up of eight children and two loving, affectionate parents. Loud, affectionate and messy, the Garretts were a stark contrast to Sam's family. And while Jase was definitely my favorite Garrett, George, Jase's five year old brother (who watched too much Discovery Channel for his own good) was a close runner-up! You have not truly understood pure cuteness until you meet George. So what are you waiting for? Go and read this amazing book! And give George a big huggle for me!!

My Life Next Door, while a fairly light and SUPER fun read, is also full of serious choices, suspense, and surprising edginess. Hands down, my favorite Contemporary read of 2012 so far!

If you like this, try:

Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry

Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

The Thing About the Truth by Lauren Barnholdt