{Review} My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Posted by Donna
Release Date: June 14th, 2012
Finished Date: July 20th, 2014

Publishers: Dial Books For Young Readers
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback

Pages: 394

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

"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, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.

As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase's family embraces Samantha - even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A transporting debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another.

The Review: My Life Next Door has been high on my TBR list forever! For some reason I just never found the time to read the book but thankfully that time came, and it was just as good as everyone told me it was it. 

Samantha Reed comes from a very conservative family. Her mother is running for Major of the town and her older sister is living her life at college. For Samantha, her life is okay but she can’t help wish for more. What Samantha’s mother doesn’t know is Samantha watches her crazy next door neighbours – The Garretts. Samantha’s mother would go mad at her but watching them as become a nightly ritual and it gets even harder when one night Jase Garrett joins Samantha on her rooftop perch. From there out Samantha’s life in entwined with the Garretts because of Jase and their growing relationship. But when something happens Samantha stands to lose everything she loves. 

Aw, this was so good, really good, amazing even. I don’t know what I expected before I went into this story if I’m honest. It was such a long time ago that I read the synopsis that I couldn’t remember what was going to happen and I didn’t re-read it which I usually do, but I’m glad I didn’t because I enjoyed it all the more going in blind. It’s not your typical romance story. It’s not full of drama over the main characters relationships, its more about the events that happen around the character that affects them and I enjoyed that. The story was unpredictable and very sweet oh and fun. I’d definitely say it’s for older teens because the characters were so mature for their ages, but again, I loved that. And of course, the main reason I loved this story was for the spine-tingling romance between Jase and Samantha and of course, the Garrett’s. The Garrett’s are such a lovable, fun, messy, compassionate family that I found myself wishing they were real. Even though their family is quite hectic, I loved them. I definitely think they are my favourite family in a YA contemporary that I’ve read. 

Samantha and Jase were just so cute together. They were great together and had such a strong connection. I appreciated that they had a patient relationship too; they didn’t rush and took their time in every decision they had to make because they were very responsible characters. The twist near the end of the story is a right shocker – I certainly didn’t expect it but it was so unpredictable. Simply fantastic!

The Garrett’s as secondary characters were amazing! I loved them all and again they were so welcoming to everyone they met. And I can’t forget Tim. I warmed up to Tim as the story progresses. He changes so much throughout the story and definitely becomes a better person but no matter what, he is so funny! I’m so thrilled he gets his own story soon and with Alice – I can’t wait! 

In all, My Life Next Door is the perfect summer read. I couldn’t fault it one bit except to say I wish I’d read it sooner. 

Favourite Quote: “You have to kiss me," I find myself saying. "Yeah." He leans closer. "I do.” 

A Review for My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Posted by Jess

Release Date:  June 14th, 2012

Finished Date: 1st August 2012

Publishers: DIAL

Source: Bought 

Format: Kindle edtion

Pages: 400
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US 

A gorgeous debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another

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“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.

The Review: Pretty awesome book.

I'd wanted to read it for a while and I finally got around to it a few weeks ago. It was a fantastic summer read. I absolutely whizzed through this book. I just couldn't get enough of it. It's a fabulous story with real life issues around our main protagonists Jace and Samantha.

Samantha is the rich Senators daughter, who live next to the big family called the Garretts. Samantha isn't supposed to talk to the Garretts....ever according to her mother because "they're not good enough" in her eyes. But that doesn't stop Samantha from looking over at them everyday for 10 years and finally striking up a conversation with the 3rd eldest son, Jace. Jace is amazing. He's so swoon worthy he makes you melt. Their relationship was beautifully written, starting out as a friendship which quickly bonded into romance. Both of these characters are very easily likeable and you'll be rooting for them from the get go.

The story is fast paced and won't leave you bored. Huntley inserts some real life issues into this story and has our characters handle it all very well. It was extremely well thought out, and it felt like a movie playing out in my head all the way through.

I can't say I cared too much for Samantha's mother. She wasn't a very likeable character but I think that was the point. I barely had any sympathy for her and most of the time I just down right wanted to hit her over the head! She was so up herself. I realise most of it was for show being the senator but the way she treated Sam and the way she judged the Garretts wasn't necessary at all. She's the downfall to this book. I generally prefer parents in contemp romances to be fun and kookie in some way. This parent...so wasn't. Pretty much where 1 star dropped for me.

I must just make mention of George and Patsy. The youngest (I mean like babies) of the Garrett family, they are like the CUTEST kids ever. I mean like ever in books I've read so far. I've always loved books where we have a younger sibling that's so fun and cute, but to get two? Simply awesome. They'll have you 'awwwwwwww-ing' in your seat.

This is one of the first books I've read by Huntley Fitzpatrick and I believe it's her debut novel, but I plan to read more from her when she publishes more. She mostly definitely has a knack for telling a good story with real issues, and making the guy completely drop dead gorgeous that you'll be sighing in your seat.

If you're looking for something fun that tackles with real issues then definitely pick this up. Simply wonderful first novel. I wish I could read more from the Garretts and Samantha.