Their neighbors the Garretts are pretty much the opposite in every respect. Her mother is happy to finally have teenagers because as much as she loves her daughters, she’s never been a fan of children. Samantha’s mother is a senator, her family has always been well-off, and her mother is very much about maintaining appearances and status. I really loved the differences in families in this book. (I mean, ANNA and ON THE FENCE handle these things too but… you know what I mean. It showed positives and negatives in a more contemplative manner and it was so much more overall than just the romance. MY LIFE NEXT DOOR is less fluffy and more… I wouldn’t say serious, but I guess realistic. Nothing really led me to believe this aside from the cover and blurb but it was a bit hard to shake when I first started reading! I’m really glad I didn’t let my preconceived notions get in the way because this was really a beautiful book. MY LIFE NEXT DOOR was actually really different than what I thought it would be - not in a bad way, but I was expecting it to be a light and fluffy contemporary, leaning more towards the feel of ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS or ON THE FENCE. When I heard about Penguin Teen’s “ The Blog Most Likely To…” promo, I knew the time was absolutely perfect to start it and yes, the stars aligned! I’m SO happy that I finally read MY LIFE NEXT DOOR! After promising to read it last summer and allowing other plans to come first, I knew I wanted to make the time to read it this year. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?Ī transporting debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.Īs 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. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them. The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. 'One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. Title: My Life Next Door (My Life Next Door #1)įind it on the web: Buy from Amazon // Goodreads Date Completed: June 18, 2015

The life next door