My Life Next Door Review and Giveaway

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
★★★★☆
Release Date: June 14, 2012
Publisher: Dial Books
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Family, Political, Love, Summer
Format: Hardback
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

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

"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.

This book served as an excellent summer read. I read it on vacation and couldn't have chosen a better book! It's one of those stories that would be perfect for a book club, it's definitely one to discuss with others. The thick plot and complex characters give you something to think about. It's more than fun and flirty, it delves deep into an evolving story about growing up.

The great thing about this book is that almost all the characters and likable, even the ones that your not supposed to like. Samantha is labeled as a rich girl used to getting what she wants, but she was so much more than that (and she was also nothing like that in her own eyes). She's worlds away from her own family and life. She's unhappy in the controlling environment and tired of straight lines and pressed clothes. Ever since she was young and the rambunctious-ever-growing Garrett family moved in next door she has been fascinated by them, and unbeknownst to Sam one of the Garretts' has also had his eye on her. Jase is an amazing book boyfriend. He's sweet, caring, and great with the little kids of his family. He's torn between being a man in his house and a child in his family. The responsibilities that fall upon all of the Garrett's are large and consuming, but he does a great job being a teenager as well. Just an all around excellent cast of personalities and minds!

I absolutely adored every member of the Garrett family, they all touched my heart. But, 4 year old George is definitely my favorite member!

“Is Jase already gonna marry you?”
I start coughing again. “Uh, No. No, George. I’m only seventeen.” As if that’s the only reason we’re not engaged.
“I’m this many.” George holds up four, slightly grubby fingers. “But Jase is seventeen and a half. You could. Then you could live in here with him. And have a big family.”
Jase strides back into the room, of course, midway through this proposition. “George. Beat it. Discovery Channel is on.”
George backs out of the room but not before saying, “His bed’s really comfortable. And he never pees in it.”

Family is probably the largest theme of this book. Two characters that I would love to read more about are Sam's older sister and Tim!

What begins as an easy going and relaxing Sarah Dessen-like beach read becomes complex and deep as the story progresses. Ideas of morality and owning up to your mistakes are constant themes as this young woman is tested and forced to choose between the love for her family and the love of a new one. This book is inspirational and beautifully written, unfolding with surprise favorite characters and friendships that were very unexpected. I took a lot away from this book and look forward to more by Huntley Fitzpatrick.

If you're looking for a book about first love with an emotional back story, family drama, and so much more then My Life Next Door will rock your world! When going through the goodreads page I realized that a lot of my friends have read this one and almost every single one gave it 4 or 5 stars! That's how great it is and it's not just me that thinks so!

GIVEAWAY

To celebrate summer I'd like to pass my hardcover copy onto a new reader!

This is a US only giveaway and you must be 13 or older to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Almost by Anne Eliot Review

Almost by Anne Eliot
★★★★☆
Release Date: February 3, 2012
Publisher: Butterfly Books LLC
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Summer, Rape, Love, Friendship
Format: e-book
Source: Bought
Buy it: Amazon

At a freshman party she doesn't remember, Jess Jordan was almost raped.

...Almost. Very nearly. Not quite. Three years later, Jess has managed to make everyone believe she's better. Over it. Because she is.

...Almost. Very nearly. Not quite.

Unfortunately, until Jess proves she's back to normal activities, her parents won't discuss college. So, she lands a summer internship and strikes a deal with hockey jock, Gray Porter: He gets $8,000. She gets a fake boyfriend and a social life.

Jess has no idea Gray signed on for reasons other than money. She also never expects to fall in love. But Gray’s amazingly hot, holds her hand all the time, and makes her forget that he’s simply doing his job. It’s like having a real boyfriend.

...Almost. Very nearly. Not quite.

Gray Porter is hiding secrets of his own. About Jess Jordan. About why he’s driven to protect her, why he won't cash her checks, or deny her anything she asks.

Jess Jordan's life has never been the same since freshman year when the unthinkable almost happened. Almost. Now in order to be normal, she's following a list created by her 8th grade sister and hoping to be allowed to go to college because of her actions. One of the items on the list? Get a boyfriend. Easy enough.

Jess is one of those girls who doesn't realize how beautiful she is, or doesn't pay attention to the fact. She's shut off and isolated and puts up a front to be this mean and horrible person, that deep down is not her, just to keep others away from getting to know her. The reader feels bad for her, because throughout the book she tries so hard to be something she's not and it's not helping her get over what has happened to her. Her story is depressing and uplifting at the same time.

From the very beginning it is so easy to see how much Gray Porter cares for this clueless girl. The author alternates point of view between Jess and Gray and at times it had me banging my head on the desk. The two play this game throughout the summer of being in a fake relationship when both of them want a real one, just can't tell the other. It's like a sick and sad cat and mouse game, it's one of those times when I wish I could jump in the story and shake the characters! But, it works for the story (no matter how frustrating it became).

It's a cute and sweet contemporary romance filled with drama and issues that make it an incredibly well-rounded story. The author put a lot of thought and consideration into Jess' story and it shows.

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