Review: My Life Next Door

Title:  My Life Next Door
Series:  My Life Next Door #1
Author:  Huntley Fitzpatrick
Published:  June 14, 2012 by Dial Books
Source:  Bought

"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.

My Review:  My Life Next Door is a book that completely took me by surprise and blew me away.  When I opened it up, I was expecting a cute, light, romantic read but instead I found a story and a group of characters that utterly stole my heart.  This novel is one that will tug on your heart strings when you see the familial bonds between the Garretts and the contrast with Samantha's own family.  

I felt for Samantha a lot in this book.  Her world was so sterile and cold.  She lived with her mother who is very busy with her political endeavors and her older sister who wasn't around much at all.  Her entire life is ruled by the desire to present to the world a good image.  Her life has been structured and planned out for her but that plan is thrown out the window when she meets Jase Garrett.  I loved seeing the way she and Jase molded so seamlessly together.  Their relationship was neither insta love nor insta hate and that was refreshing. Every moment they spent together made me want to clutch my chest and aww.  They were absolutely adorable together and complimented each other very well.  I liked that neither of them were perfect and their relationship and the steps they took were believable and realistic - even awkward at times but always very sweet and heartwarming.  Their constant support and loyalty to the other kept a huge smile on my face as I read.  

Possibly my favorite part of this book was the Garretts - Jase included.  Their family was amazing.  I could feel and see the love they held for each other as I read.  Each and everyone of them was unique and stood out from the page, a feat considering how many of them there were.  I appreciated the fact that they were introduced slowly enough that it was easy to keep them all from mixing up.  I was never confused when it came to figuring out who was who.  I don't think I've ever experienced a family in a book that I love more than them.  They were all so entertaining and fun while still holding close their loyalty to each other.  Also, little George was absolutely hilarious and amazing.  He had such a great personality!  He stood out from the rest of the Garretts, and that's really saying something.   

This book was one that made me feel all sorts of happy.  I loved every single character and all the beautiful, wonderful moments we see between Jase and Samantha.  Its easily become one of my favorite books of all time and I know I will eagerly come back to reread it as soon as I get the chance.

Five Cards