Thursday, August 30, 2012

Review: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Release Date: June 14, 2012
Publisher: Dial Books For Young Readers
Pages: 395
Genre: YA Romance
Source: Amazon Hardcover
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Haunt Author: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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.

If every contemporary book was this good I would change my blog to Some Like It Contemporary! LOL True this also had all the elements I love in a good romance, a boy next door, a truly good and sweet love interest with no games or bad boy crap and a nice relationship build with no insta-love or love triangle. Perfection in a book for me! SWOONS

Sam has lived next door to the Garrett's for a long time. Watched them from her balcony because they are one of those large fun families that sometimes we always wished we could be a part of. At least I know sometimes I always thought it would be fun to have a ton of siblings although now I know I probably wouldn't have liked that. lol I'm selfish. Her mom is a snobby politician and finds the Garrett's yard full of toys unsightly. One day Jase climbs onto her balcony and finally introduces himself.

Basically Sam and I are head over heels for Jase from there. Okay well no it was only insta-love for me! So it does exist in real life since I was hit with it! LOL Sam spends time getting to know Jase and his crazy family. Sam falls for the whole family especially his hilarious little brother George. Sam fits right in but Jase will always be part of the Garrett's and she worries her mom won't approve. Jase is the sweet perfect boyfriend every mom should wish their daughter had and heck I wish for him for myself. Totally kind, caring, considerate, hard working, ahhh I'm just in love.

Sam has a bit of a rough family life. Her mom is always gone working on her next election and with her new boyfriend. Sam's mom eventually does something really bad and Sam is conflicted. This part made me sad and mad but I could understand Sam. It is hard to turn against family even when you know they did wrong. Sam is scarred but eventually sucks it up and does the right thing. Sweet and swoon worthy boy next door love! This was such a great romance and I highly recommend it!


"You have to kiss me," I find myself saying.
"Yeah." He leans closer. "I do."

"So now you've met my mother," I say to Jase that night, leaning back on the roof.
"I sure have. That was awesome. And completely uncomfortable."

"I lie on top of him, skin to skin. He's tall, I'm not, but when we lie like this, we fit together. All the curves of my body relax into the strength of his."

"Do you know how many times I've read "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" to this kid? That is one fucked-up story. How is that a book for babies?"

"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."

Rating: 5/5

50 comments:

  1. He never pees in his bed! LOL! I like the sound of George. ;) I can't wait to meet Jase and Sam soon. This does sound like one of the more enjoyable contemporary books, especially for me, as the genre isn't exactly my favourite. Brilliant review, Jennifer! :)

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    1. This was one of my favorite contemporaries. I'm not a big fan but have found a few good ones lately!

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  2. Lol. George sounds so cute and adorable!!! I need this book. Contemporary has really got me this year.

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    1. George was hilarious! I don't like kids even but I enjoyed his character. I have found some good contemporaries this year. I rarely read them but have had some good experiences lately so will keep trying more.

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  3. I just finished reading this book couple of weeks ago, but haven't put up a review yet - because I am wondering how do I review it without having people want to kill me... :( Sadly enough I thought that this was just an average book.

    I would like to invite you to my Trivia Fun. Check it out at: http://b00kr3vi3ws.blogspot.in/2012/08/sunday-trivia-1.html

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    1. I want to kill you!!! LOL I loved this one but it just had things I really enjoy in books and that maybe you don't. It happens!

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  4. Great review, Jennifer! I cannot wait to read this! I've been holding off until the e-version becomes available, but you've just convinced me to purchase the hardcover copy! Squeeeee! Now, I just have to wait for it to be delivered :(

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    1. Kindle edition is available but maybe you have a different ereader. I bought the hardcover since the kindle price was almost the same. It was so good! I've been dying to read this one since I love boy next door books!

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  5. I am so glad you liked this one! It has all aspects that I look for in a contemp read and all my friends loved it too but guess who hasn't read it yet? Yep, me! It is one of those books that I have built up so high and am afraid it won't live up to it for some reason. But I WILL read it soon! Maybe in September! Great review!

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    1. I do hate when I build up a book so much in my head because I am usually let down lol But this one was great! It had everything I love so I loved it.

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  6. I've read nothing but great things about this book, I really need to get this book. Great review!

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    1. I was really excited for this one to release! I love boys next door and I was really beyond my expectations please. Hope you get it soon!

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  7. I loved this book, too! I'm all about the sweet boy-next-door type. :) And I completely agree...this book has made me pick up so many other contemporaries, where I had previously sworn I would have nothing to do with them because I like my books paranormal and full of supernatural beasties. :D Great review...you made me want to go read it again! And if you like this one, I think you should definitely pick up Meant to Be which comes out in November. SA-WOON! =D

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    1. I LOVE a sweet boy next door. I am so jealous of any girl who had a boy next door growing up. I always wanted one! hehe I love paranormal but this year I decided to try more contemporary and I have found quite a few good ones. Meant To Be did look cute. I was going to check that one out.

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  8. Yay -- so happy you loved it. This was one of my favorite contemporaries of 2012 so far!!!

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    1. Definitely one of my favorites! Along with Kody Keplinger's books that I just read not too long ago.

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  9. LOL at the parting line. Sounds so cute!

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    1. Yeah George had some great lines!!! He was a little scene stealer!

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  10. I really need to read this book. I think I would love it!! It sounds just like my type of read. Fabulous review chick!!

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    1. It was a great read for any contemporary or boy next door fan. SO cute! Hope you get it soon!

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  11. OMG, I LOVED this book! Jase was just awesome. I have to admit though that Tim was the one that totally sneaked up on me and stole my heart. The author actually wrote a book about him and is just hoping it gets picked up. I really hope it does. Awesome review! I forgot how much I liked this one.

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    1. Tim was cool. I was a little worried it would turn love triangly but Tim was just a great friend to them. I was happy with his development! I should have mentioned him actually but I am just so in love with Jase! I do hope Tim's book gets picked up!

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  12. I love a good swoon worthy contemporary. I have a copy of the book (staring at it right now) but I have not got round to reading it yet. Thanks for the review.

    Becky @ A Reader’s Devotion

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    1. Oh you must read it soon! I definitely skipped some review books to fit it in and I was so glad I did. A very swoon worthy romance!

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  13. Awwwwz.. this sounds super good. Maybe it's time for my contemporary fix :)

    Okay, totally off topic, but I'm amused by something on your blog. The little upcoming tour banners on your sidebar... the top of the Toxic and the bottom of Valkyrie Rising looks like one body cut in half. lol. Sorry, I distract easy sometimes :D

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    1. A great contemporary fix. I was in the mood for a cute romance.

      LOL Don't make fun of my quick ghetto tour banner. I'll fix it someday. I just need them up right away otherwise I forget and overbook myself all the time hehe But I'm easily distracted as well.

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    2. No I'm not making fun! lol. It's just funny because they would match-up perfectly if put closer together. :)

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    3. You can make fun of me if you want! Actually I hadn't noticed it till you said something and now I keep laughing!!

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  14. I've been meaning to pick this one up. It looks like such a fun summer read and I'm so glad to hear it's swoon worthy.

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    1. Very nice summer read! If only I had a Jase to spend the summer with. Hope you enjoy it!

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  15. I have this and cant't wait to read it! Insta-love, huh? You caught the bug? Happens to the best of us! LOL

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    1. haha yup I got the dreaded insta-love bug!!! I think you will love this! Hope you read it soon and meet Jase :-D

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  16. GAHHHH....I can't wait to start this! It's been on my shelf for a couple of days now...but I keep getting side tracked! LOL ;p I can't wait to start this. Your review totally made this my number 1 priority! And Jase, insta-love you say.....I'm sorry to tell you Jennifer but Jase has been living with me for the past how many ever days! So, HA! *sticks out tongue* LOL ;p But since you're a friend I'll lend him to you on weekends! *wink*

    AWESOMESAUCE REVIEW! I'm sooo happy you enjoyed this! :D

    ~ Maida @ Literary Love Affair 

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    1. Ohhhh....and love that last quote! HILARIOUS! :D

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    2. YAY! So glad you will be reading this soon! And noooo Jase is with me always! George is hilarious! I can't believe some of the things he says. Can't wait tot see what you think of it.

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  17. gr8 review . I love contemp and i agree i wish all contemp were gr8 . i hope i get it soon

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    1. I love contemp sometimes but lately I have read some great ones. I hope you get to read it soon!

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  18. Gah. I want to read this so so bad. I'm going to preorder MLND right now. Thanks for giving me the extra push I needed!

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    1. YAY! Glad I pushed you! I think you will love it. Such a cute romance!

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  19. I have been really wanting to read this one. I tend to like most genres, but have a soft spot for contemporary. I will HAVE to read this one! Great quotes, they make me want to read it more! George sounds like a super cute kid!

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    1. George was something else! You definitely HAVE to read this especially if you are big contemporary fan. It was just so sweet and perfect!

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  20. This is a book that people either love or they hate it. I really want to check it out for myself! Quit being a floozy and cheating on Adrian...tsk tsk no falling in love with other book boys!

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    1. I've mostly seen love but yeah sometimes not every book is for everyone. I was really impressed with it! The romance was just my thing though. I love boys next door. I am a big floozy but Adrian knows he will always be my number one! He knows I'm planning a big party and event for him for when his new book releases. He will continue to get lots of love from me!

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  21. Haha, I loved the opening about changing your blog name, I am so glad you enjoyed this contemp! I have a brand new copy just waiting to be rad, I'm going to try and get to it soon - great review, hun!

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    1. haha Yeah this was that good! I'm not much of a contemp fan but I have been pushed to branch out by other great contemp reviews. I've found a few I've really enjoyed! I just love boy next door romances but they can be cheesy but this one was just perfect! Real and adorable! Hope you enjoy it!

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  22. "His bed’s really comfortable. And he never pees in it." hahahaha I LOVE IT <3

    Oh my gosh. This book. I am DYING to read it!!! Everyone has been raving about it, it kind of feels like all the buzz that surrounded Anna and the French Kiss which I stupidly ignored for a few weeks. Then finally read. And FELL IN LOVE. I feel like the same thing is going to happen with this. I KNOW I'll love it. The characters all sound amazing and oh... the romance... *swoons* So happy you loved it! Enough to almost be inspired to change your blog name :P hehe. Brilliant review! <3

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    1. I actually wasn't too into Anna and the French Kiss **hides** But I LOVED this one and Lola and the Boy Next Door as well. I just love a next door romance! :-D It was so cute and sweet and yes if every contemporary was this good I just might become a fan!

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  23. I so want to read this book, it just sounds like such a lovely read! and i love a book that can make me swoon. It looks funny too :) Contemporary YA is my fav genre at the moment. I am getting this book for my birthday and i cannot wait :) x Great review! x

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    1. Very swoon! And lots of funny parts with Jase's siblings. I hope you enjoy it!

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  24. Had really been looking forward to your full review on this one!

    I can't believe I haven't gotten my hands on this one yet! Must read it! Loved the review!

    PS: 3 older brothers here. Believe me, you do NOT want a bigger family. I'm also too selfish :33

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