My Life Next Door Review

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Visit the author's website.
Goodreads Excerpt:

"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

I bought this book from Barnes and Noble. Check it out on Amazon in paperback for $8.48 or ebook for $7.99 (9/13/13).

My Thoughts:
If you haven't read this one yet, PLEASE do it now! Make it your last summer read before delving into fall reads.

The pacing of this book is sluggish. Perhaps it is not a thrilling adventure or wild, steamy romance but this story is mad on it's characters.

Let's introduce Sam, our MC. Sam has grown up under a controlling, single mother and her rebellious, sexually active older sister. She, on the other hand, has no backbone and no direction of her own. Her fave way to relax and escape her mother's pressure is to watch the lives of her next door neighbor's unfold.

The Garretts are loud, noisy, and completely unruly. They are the complete opposite of everything Sam's mother strives for. Thus, Sam is forbidden to talk or interact with them.

Next let's take a long, long look at Jace Garrett........yup. Jace is handsome, young, and sensitive. He has dreams and ambitions to rise above his current lot in life. Sadly, I am not sure how completely realistic Jace is.  The thing I love about him the most was that he stuck with Sam through completely difficult Things, and never once questioned it. Super hot and awesome, but I don't know any guys inRL who would do that. Still, you will drool over him. Damp book pages.

Lastly, I will mention Georgie, Jace's younger brother. Maybe summed up in this quote from the book:

“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.” 

George is the comic relief and the glue that makes you truly fall for the Garretts.

But there is a host of loveable characters: Tim, struggling with addiction, his sister Nan who has her own problems, slippery Clay, and the loving, caring Mrs. Garrett.

Also, make sure you have your tissue box, in case of FEELS!!

I rated this book as 4.5 Stars. I recommend My Life Next Door as last summer read and to book lovers who adore great characters in a contemporary read.