Thursday, July 12, 2012

Review: My Life Next Door

Book: My Life Next Door
Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
Series: N/A
Release Date: June 12, 2012
Publisher: June 14, 2012
Pages: 395
Source: bookstore
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon CA | The Book Depository | Chapters
Stars: 4.95/5
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.


(summary taken from Goodreads
MY THOUGHTS: 

FACT #1: I'm not a contemporary girl. I love paranormal books way more than my realistic ones; worlds that don't really exist enthrall me way more than real ones do. Because those supernatural books are usually more badass, intense, and fun than everyday romances.

FACT #2: My Life Next Door totally voids the first fact!!

Where can I even start with how much I loved this book? How much it took me surprise, grabbed my heart, and wouldn't let go? This is NOTHING like your average contemporary read! It's still sweet and romantic and funny and brilliant. But I thought I had a good guess to what the huge plot twist would be, and boy was I wrong! I didn't expect it at all, which doesn't happen with me and contemporaries very often.

And the cast — I loved every single character! They were all so perfectly, brilliantly, wonderfully written. There's Sam, who I ached for, because she grows up with the pressure to be perfect from a mother who doesn't  know the definition of fun. Then there's Jase, and God, I loved him so much! He wears a leather jacket, drives a motorcycle, and is the boy next door... but he is undoubtedly the SWEETEST book boy I've ever met. Ever. I'm not even kidding!

(I already have our wedding colours picked out. He's seriously WONDERFUL!)

But I can't forget mentioning the entire Garrett family! Made up of eight totally individual children and two adoring parents, the Garretts are my dream family. Loud, fun, hilarious, loving. Obviously Jase is my favourite, but George — Jase's adorable 4-year-old brother who watches too much Discovery Channel for his own good — was a close favourite! :')

The humor! The wit! The complexity! This book was funny like I didn't expect, and heartwarming in ways I never imagined. The only reason (and I mean ONLY) that this book gets a 4.95 instead of a full 5 stars is because I felt like the ending didn't wrap up enough.

With one of the funnest contemporary casts of all time, an extremely sweet and beautiful romance, and a twist that will be a surprise, My Life Next Door is undoubtedly one of the best contemporaries of all time — and one of my all-time favourites as well!

BUY or BORROW?: Why are you even thinking about this question?? I bought this book on a whim and it became a favourite. Start saving up your change because this is WAY worth the buy — I'm actually a little tempted to buy two copies!

-Mimi

P.S. My older sister read this book in two days... and she hasn't read a novel in six months! Now try and TELL ME that the amazingness of this book is just in my head! x)

52 comments:

  1. HAHAHHAHA 4.95/5 STARS! LOL Have I told you how amazingly awesome and funny you are!? :D
    Awwwww the SWEETEST boy you've ever met? I WANT TO MEET HIM!!!!I've had my share of hot, sexy, funny, cold, brooding and otherworldly god-like guys, but SWEET? Not yet. I think that's my cue to log on to TBD and purchase it IMMEDIATELY! heheheee FANTASTIC review Mimiiii! I'd glad you liked this despite not particularly liking contemporaries :) hehee<3

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  2. MISS MIMI VALENTINE. I swear, if I didn't already own this book, I would buy it just because of your review!! <33333

    Holy crap, you did this book mega justice!! I gave this 5 full stars (OMG LOL your .95 is putting me in a giggle fit!) because I agree with everything you said: I didn't expect the twist; the Garrets were amazing; GEORGE ROCKS (I want one, Mimi!); and Jase is literally the most perfect book bf EVER! I was constantly dying from swooning on the floor. I kid you not, Mimi.

    Your review = perfection personified! And this is why I love you (x <333

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  3. *giggles* 4.95 Stars.... And ... a Wedding Dress is ordered? Ok I need to meet this boy! Just like you I dig more into paranormal stories, but lately I found more and more such great Contemporary Stories which I love so much !

    This is a awesometastic review and it tells me I need to read this book!!!

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  4. EEEEEEE Mimi! Hahaha, I LOVE how you give 4.95/5 stars for My Life Next Door! I REALLY LOVED MY LIFE NEXT DOOR! It's one of my fav contemporary reads this year. Jase and Sam's relationship was really AMAZING and sweet!

    Amazing review, Mimi! ♥ Glad you enjoyed it! :)

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  5. Great review.I plan on reading book soon!Sound like a kind of book I enjoy.

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  6. You finally wrote your review ! :D I've been waiting for it since you finished the book.

    I love how you wrote it. LOL, Mimi. You're still 15, you need to finish school before you get married to Jase. ;) Meanwhile, I'll have George for myself, as little brother of course.

    Jase was a total sweetheart. Awww, reading your review makes me want to read the book all over again.

    Beautiful review, Mimi ! <3

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  7. My invite is in the mail, right Mimi (to the wedding). Brilliant review, although, I quite liked the old one too. :)

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  8. I love George! When I read this book, I was grinning from ear-to-ear whenever George's around. :) And I really love Jase and Tim too. :) Great review! Your review is more accurate than mine. LOL! :P

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  9. Oh my goodness! I've been reading amazing things about this book. DESPERATE to read it! <3 Oh if only my TBR pile could die in a hole right now... ;) Putting it on my "READ ASAP" list for December! Fantastic review. *fangirls*

    Lisa | Read Me Bookmark Me Love Me

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  10. I've had my eyes on this one for a long time now so I'm so glad you loved it, Mimi! I ordered it from BD 2 weeks ago so it should arrive next week. I can't wait!

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  11. I adore how you gave this book 4.95 stars, you seriously are the cutest, Mimi <3 I'm so glad you loved this contemporary novel even though you're not usually a fan of them! I love contemps so if you enjoyed reading this, I think I will too!

    So this Jase... he's the sweetest guy ever?! I'm gonna HAVE to read this book just for him >.< And then we can gush together and since you 'met' him first, you can marry him - only if I get invited to your wedding, of course!

    This sounds like such a fun, witty, romantic read and it ticks all the boxes for my perfect book, plus you ADORED it so my wishlist is getting another addition! <3

    Amazing, PERFECT review, Mimi <3

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  12. I love that this book got 4.95 stars! :D

    Like you, I'm not much of a contemporary reader either. I love my paranormal romances over realistic reads any day. The fact they you enjoyed this gives me high hopes that I will too! I really love the sound of the Garretts and can't wait to meet them. This sounds like a super fun book! Amazing review, Mimi! :)

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  13. Wonderful review Mimi! I seriously LOVED My Life Next Door - I drove my husband crazy every time I stopped reading to tell him something sweet and funny! Jase is definitely book boyfriend material (when is the wedding? :p) and George is sooo adorable! This is one of those books once you stop reading you want to start from the beginning and consume it over and over - at least I did!

    Thank you for sharing Mimi and have a great rest of the week! <3<3<3

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  14. You’ve picked out your wedding colour scheme?! YEAHOKAY THIS BOY IS SERIOUS! I previously had absolutely no intention of reading My Life Next Door, but now... ORDERED! READING IT!

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  15. Yes, please! I just read some fairly negative reviews of this one, so I was thinking of maybe not reading it after all, but you've definitely convinced me to read it anyway! Fingers crossed I'll love it too!

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  16. *giggles uncontrollably* I miss your enthusiasm, Mimi-doll! Hehe, I can see how much you love this book! Aww, a bad boy next door? Call me next time you meet one because I need new address ASAP! ;) It's AWESOME that your sister read this after such long hiatus in reading! Sounds like a great cure for reading slum! x)

    Beautiful review like always, Mimi! <3 I adore how much you adore this book! ;)

    PS: I'm veeeery sorry I haven't commented on your blog lately! I got sick. :(

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  17. As always fab review, Mimi! I've heard some great things about this book. Sounds like a really fun read too!

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  18. I've had to put book buying on hold for a couple of special events I have planned so I wasn't able to buy this one but my library finally bought it so I will be reading this soon (fingers crossed). I bet I'll love it as much as you since I already adore realistic fiction!

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  19. YES MIMI!!!! I loved this one so much too! You and I are definitely on the same page - I'm not a contemporary girl either, give me paranormal all day long, but I couldn't have fallen any more in love with the Garrett family if I'd tried. I kind of want to marry Jase even though I'm already married. Hm. Slightly problematic, but I love him just the same:)

    I wouldn't mind if we got a whole other book featuring the Garrett family! Lovely review my friend <3

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  20. Fantastic review, Mimi! If I didn't already want to read this book, I would want to read it after reading your review. Since I already do want to read, now I want to read it even more. Unlike you, I am a huge fan of contemporary YA, and it is actually my favorite genre, so this book sounds right up my alley. I really need to go get a copy so I can meet Samantha, Jase, and the Garrett family.

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  21. Oooh. Books that you want to buy two copies of are definitely AMAZING. This book sounds adorable, Mimi! yay for plot twists in contemporaries that you don't see coming! I love contemporary YA and this sounds so great. I cannot wait to meet the Garretts! Lovely review, Mimi <33

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  22. Two days. Six months? You have me excited for this one, Mimi! I admit, I shy away from contemps, mostly, but I think I need a heartwarming read that will leave me smiling. Great review!

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  23. GREAT review!!! Mimi, if I was excited about this one before, I'm definitely HYPERINCREDIBLYDYINGTOGETMYHANDSONIT excited now!!! :) Jase, wow - he sounds amazing!! And I can't wait to get to know the Garrett family, the MC, and see this unexpected humor, and the heartwarming tale that is inside these GORGEOUS covers!! :D

    Thanks for such an awesome review, darling! :D

    Sierra @ Yearning to Read

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  24. I am glad to see this was a spectacular read for you, Mimi. I picked up a copy and then got discouraged after reading some negative review, mostly the reviewers did not like the female protagonist and her decisions. I am going to read it for myself. What you sister is not a reader?

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  25. LOL, I love how this got 4.95 stars! It's so annoying that this book was THAT close to a full 5 stars for you, but how amzing is it that the ending was the ONLY let down?

    Okay, Jase sounds beyond amazing. Is he Alex's worthy [Both Alex from Delirium and Alex from Hunting Lila]? Because if he is, then... Wow. I need to meet this guy.

    Another LOL at your 'buy or borrow' reply... And your P.S! Haha, super cute review, Mimi. Have a wonderful day.(:

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  26. Congrats on the wedding. ;-)

    I love books with families, so this sounds like one that I really need to get my hands on. I'm actually a bit contemporary fan too, so I think I might just fall in love!!

    That is awesome that your sister read this one so fast. That really does say a lot.

    -Lauren

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  27. Lisa finished this just two days ago and she, too, singled out George as totally hilarious. I have a copy, of course, and I can't wait to read it, even though I'm not usually a contemporary fan, just like you aren't.
    Wedding colors?! Gosh, I totally laughed out loud at that part. What are they? Hopefully not seven shades of pink.
    Gorgeous review, my love. I can't wait to meet Sam and Jase and the Garretts. <3 <3

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  28. I've always wondered what it would be like to grow up with a whole bunch of siblings like The Wayans family. Sounds like another winner of a story. I actually really like contemporaries as well so this one seems like a great summer read.

    I wonder how Sam relates to the family next door, and what happens to blow her world all apart. Glad you were able to meet and love yet another book boy! The sweet ones are so hard to resist!

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  29. WOW! I could tell how excited you were for this one just by reading your comment on Goodreads but after reading your review I seriously understand how much I need to read this book! It sounds like a great summer read and the characters sound fabulous! I can't believe Jase is chooseweddigcolourASAP worthy! Did you like him as much as Etienne from Anna and the French Kiss? Because he sure sounds like a sweetie! Great review Mimi! Just after reading the first fact of your review I could tell this book is buy-worthy! Time to start saving up ;-)

    SeeitORreadit

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  30. So, are you saying that Jase can give Cricket a run for his money?! That just blows my mind, Mimi. LOL

    The Garrett family sounds completely amazing. I think I would love to hang out with them and eventually convince one of the brothers to marry me and make me a Garrett. We are talking fiction here, so it could happen. And yes, it does say a lot that your sister speed through the book after not having read anything in a while.

    Like you, I consider myself a paranormal lover, but ever now and again, contemporary really surprises me and I'm like, where have you been all my life?!

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  31. SEE WHAT I MEAN ABOUT THE BOTTLING OF THE ENTHUSIASM?! *squeals at your review* A friend had completely sold me on this book and now coupled with your review, I DON'T KNOW HOW I'M LIVING WITHOUT A COPY IN THE HOUSE.

    Hahaha, I hope you're planning to invite us all to your wedding ;)

    Oh my gosh, this book, the characters, the FAMILY, the EVERYTHING! It's clearly one of THOSE contemporaries.... like you, I much prefer my paranormal/fantasy/dystopian, etc, but so often when I read contemps, I LOVE them. And there are really special ones (like Anna and the French Kiss!) that blow my world away and become absolute favourites. I can already tell this has the potential to do that! AMAZING REVIEW.

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  32. Yay, Mimi! =) I have been dying to read this book forever and I am so glad to hear that you loved it so much. I also am more of a paranormal girl, but I am always on the search for a good contemporary and this sounds like it is it. And I love how you have your wedding colors picked out (Jase must be amazeballs, haha).

    Awesome review, Mimi <3 It was a lot of fun to read! :)

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  33. Aaaaaaaaaaaa Mimi!! So happy that you liked this book so mucH!! :) :) I want to read it too <3 <3 And I will :P Happy that your exams are over ;) Hope you did well. Scratch that, I KNOW you did well ;) <3 Hope everything is fine ;)
    I have 2 jobs now, so I'm pretty busy and it sucks :S
    I've missed you sweetie <3 ;)

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  34. Mimi! *sighs happily* I'm SO excited to read this one. Your love for it shines through so clearly in this review. You did a brilliant job of highlighting the reasons you enjoyed it, PLUS you made me fall a little bit for Jase, even though I've yet to meet him. This is one of my MOST anticipated summer reads so I officially now cannot WAIT to get to it. Hopefully next week. *wibbles*

    Molli | Once Upon A Prologue

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  35. hehe I LOVE HOW MUCH YOU LOVE THIS BOOK! It's such a swoonworthy book and I totally agree, Jase really is the sweetest boy I've met in YA so far. It made me laugh out loud too and lakmdsg, it's such a perfect summer book. I wish there was more from the ending too, when it was over, I was like "THAT'S IT?!?" But overall, hearts in my eyes for this book!

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  36. Gah! Your enthusiasm over this book got me want to read it SO badly! It suddenly looks SO inviting sitting there on my shelf :P Great review Mimi! :D

    Fara @ Tumbling In Books

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  37. Hahaha, you are such a sweety, giving this book a 4.95 stars. You made me laugh about it :p I don't read a lot of contemporary like you, but if this book could dazzle you, perhaps it can dazzle me too! Well-written review, like the enthusiasm ^^

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  38. Great review! You had me laughing as I read through your review but this book sounds so amazing. I've been wanting it for a while but now I want it even more.

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  39. I *adored* this book sooo much. And like you, I'm not usually into contemporary novels, but the ones I've picked up so far this year have all been pretty phenomenal. Great review!!

    New follower. Love the blog. I've seen you around, but I've just been lurking until now. :P

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  40. I started the book yesterday, and it's already AMAZING. But it's even more so that it could make someone who hasn't read a book in 6 months devour it.

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  41. Normally, I'm not a reader of contemporaries - I like a little monster in my book (and in mah man...rawr). BUT I've heard great things about this one, and now you've given it your seal of approval, too? Well, that's all the convincing I need. Wonderful review, love!

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  42. I have been really wanting to read this book, I think I might HAVE to now..lol Darn TBR lists, constantly growing! grrr

    Great review Mimi! I'm gald you loved it! It does sound really funny!

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  43. Wow! Now THAT is an AMAZING review! I've heard lots of good about this one and I MUST get my hands on it!

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  44. Mimi! So glad you enjoyed this book, I have this too waiting to be read, and I am really hoping that I will love it too like you did. I have a thing for contemporary books and this one sounds like for me. Amazing review Mimi! <3

    Ƹ̴Ӂ̴ƷFICBOOKREVIEWSƸ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ

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  45. I've been so excited to read this book. I think I'm actually becoming a contemporary girl. I used to not even look at these books but then I started reading a few and now I find that I tend to enjoy them more than fantasy books. I'd love to see the dynamics of the Garrett family. Big families really do have more fun!

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  46. Mimi, I want to read this now!! A boy with a motorcycle?! Yes, please!! Gah, I cannot wait until I can finally pick up my copy and devour it! Great review! :)

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  47. Lol, I so love you have your wedding pictures picked out. ;) I'm saving, Mimi, I'm saving! No, but seriously, this definitely sounds like a fantastic read. I keep hearing such great things about it!

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  48. THIS JASE. HE'S EVEN SWEETER THAN ETIENNE ST.CLAIR AND CRICKET BELL? OMFG. MIMI. MY TEETH HURT O___O

    Oh goodness, I absolutely CANNOT wait to read this now! I was going to, before... eventually. Now you have me rushing off to get it from Book Depository! Mimi! Your review, your enthusiasm! You kill me! Perfect! ♥

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  49. Oh, I have wanted this book for so long! Now, now I want it even more! :)

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