A Beautiful and surprisingly mature NA read
929129
I don't often share or provide reviews unless a story completely captures my imagination.  I stumbled upon this book while browsing yesterday and decided to take the chance and purchased it.  I'm happy to say it is the most mature story of all of the "NA" or new adult stories available out on the market.

The story takes the reader on the emotional journey of the two main characters, Rocco and Alyssa, who are college students.  Without giving anything away, let's just say the heroine has more than her fair of drama at such a young age.  Rocco isn't w/o his drama either.  This story is about two young adults finding their way in life and ending up with one another.  Rocco and Alyssa have a group of friends that were merged together once they became a couple, who provide the love and support needed on their journey.

This story provides romance, drama (two exes, one crazy and in denial, the other needy and in denial) and a HEA.  Just make sure you have the Kleenex near when reading.

Would I re-read this again?  Yes.

This book was a nice break from an over saturation of MC reads, NA/contemporary reads, paranormal read, erotica, etc.  You get the idea.
1052153
A mature, beautifully written novel, with a wonderfully diverse cast of characters that are real and not the standard southern stereotypes. The romance between the couple in their 50's is clean, sensual and believable without being overtly sexual. The conclusion left me satisfied yet wishing for more. Please don't miss a truly fascinating story.
15009
As a young avid reader who can admit to sometimes judging a book by its cover, I came across Dunant's The Birth of Venus and found the cover really pretty - so I read it. This was one of the books from which I recieved so much pleasure in reading.

In this novel, Dunant almost paints the story into the reader's mind, engraving our imaginations with colorful and intricate details  with such emotion and conviction that I couldn't help being drawn into the life of Alessandra Cecci, the charmingly precocious herione of this story.

It is set in the Renaissance with fourteen year old Alessandra who cannot seem to belong in her own family. She starts off with her innocence and unbounding curioisty for her city, Florence, wishing to one day explore the beauty of her homeland. Unwillingly, she is thrown into a series of obstacles that she must face alone; only with the occasional help of her profoundly loyal black servant, Erila. First, she must deal with family problems, having always been overshadowed by her older siblings and at last wanting some glimpse of glory of which to make her family proud. Then she is forced into a marriage with a much older yet charming man but which ends up being a plotted attempt to hinder a forbidden secret that could ultimately cost her husband's life. Within the marriage, she struggles with herself as she soon discovers the intimate pleasures of her blooming body, all the while trying to suppress her growing desire for the strange yet captivating young painter whom her father had brought with him from the North.

And as if this was not enough for a young girl of seventeen, Alessandra has to deal with the violence and corruption that is steadily taking over her beloved city. Savonarola, a fundamentalist monk, is preaching to the people of Florence and polluting their minds with words of falsity and vulgarity. Soon, dead bodies are being found and the life Alessandra has been so accustomed to all her years is suddenly falling apart.

The story goes on and into so much more than I could ever try to describe in this review and of course, I also do not want to spoil anything for those whose minds I might have managed to convince of the beauty of this remarkable novel.

As for Alessandra herself, it is difficult not to read her life and not feel something for her. Personally, I found her journey to be short yet great with more love, death and resurrection than I could ever imagine for myself.
711467
I felt immediately attracted to this book, because of the title, the cover, and the description, and I turned out to love it even more than I had expected. I'm not a big fan of thrillers or mysteries, but this is both and neither, and in addition, there are vivid characters and really beautiful yet simple prose that transcends genre literature. The novel has tiny chapters, and I read a few at a time, and it was always such a comfort to return to the lull of the road, and Ben's narration. I didn't want it to end, and will now definitely get my hands on the prequel.
I had one problem, though. Not for the life of me could I understand what happened in the end with the child. I understood who the belt belonged to, and I understood what Ben hints at, but how was this all possible?! I'm stupid like that sometimes, but it seemed a little too neatly folded and not explained enough for idiots like me. I think this may be a thing for the editors to consider as they prepare the book further? I'm a pretty careful reader with two MFAs, I'm pretty sure if this was an issue for me, it may be problematic for others, too.
446473
Although this is definitely a book I should have read when I was younger, I feel like this was also a great book to read for the first time as an adult.  Because Anne's character is so bright and full of life, and that's something I wouldn't have appreciated as much when I was younger when I wouldn't have recognized how important it is to have that zest.  It's sort of remarkable how much Anne's character fills up the narrative.  It's glorious really to immerse yourself in this story and feel like you are in Avonlea with the beautiful scenery and these characters that feel so real and familiar.  This was a beautiful story, with so many poignant, funny and heart-warming moments.

The book is made up of a series of events in Anne's life as she's growing older.  It seems like she does grow up so fast too - I felt just as affected by it as Marilla.  It's powerful writing when such a seeming simple story can be so moving.  The setting is such a strong character in itself too.  Anne's descriptions and her enthusiasm for Avonlea makes the place come alive.  As does the author's way of painting a character's portrait in well chosen words that show off particular character traits.  While the story is a simple coming of age tale, it's the brightness of the setting and the characters that sets off the imagination and really makes you fall in love with the story.  I'm so glad I finally read this book!
2335054
Heidi Heiligs gorgeous YA fantasy debut, THE GIRL FROM EVERYWHERE, follows 16-year-old Nix Song as she travels across time and through mythology. Nix lives on an enchanted pirate ship, The Temptation, that can sail to any place for which a map existsno matter what time period its from or what kind of reality it depicts. Captained by her father, the ship has taken Nix to a grand variety of placesfrom the land of One Thousand and One Arabian Nights to modern-day New York City. But though he could go anywhere and anytime, Nixs father only seeks one location: Hawaii in the 1860s, when Nix was born and when her mother died. The only way he can get there is by obtaining a map drawn of that era and in that era, and hes so hell-bent on going back in time to save his wife that he never pauses to think about what this might mean for his daughter. Nix, on the other hand, is all too aware that his actions could erase her lifeher dreams of captaining her own ship, her friendships with the crew (particularly the charming Persian thief, Kash), any hope for a future.

The bulk of the novel takes place in 1880s Honolulu, where Nix, her father, and the crew chase yet another lead for the map Nixs father wants so desperately. Funnily enough, this is actually the era Nix would have lived in if she hadnt spent her life on board a time-hopping barge. Its here that Nix meets Blake, a kind-souled American boy who offers, for the first time she can remember, a reason to stay in one place. There is a bit of a love triangle between Nix and the two boys in her lifeKash and Blakeand honestly, I didn't know who to root for. Both love interests are charming, though in very different ways, and both seem to genuinely care about Nix. And I loved reading her dialogues with each of them the characters really came alive for me, and I found myself more invested in them than I meant to.

The romance is just a small part of the story, though. The plot follows Nix in her efforts to both obtain the map for her father and discover her own pastwhich, it turns out, is much more complicated than she imagined. THE GIRL FROM EVERYWHERE is a wonderfully imaginative and refreshingly unique book with fantastic world-building and truly memorable characters. The settings really come to life and, in a way, they're characters in the book as well. I loved how Heilig explored places that aren't often seen in books, adding something different and lovely to the world of YA. Nix is an intrepid and sympathetic heroineone whos fearless in her actions yet whose emotions fill the page with relatable vulnerabilityand I really enjoyed the combination of wit, snark, and rawness in her voice. Also, it was great seeing a hapa girl get the spotlight for a change.

One of the real highlights for me was when Nix ended up in the fantastical necropolis of a ruthless Chinese emperor, Qin Shi Huang. This is part of a history and mythology Id grown up hearing snatches of, but never really seen depicted in fiction (unless you count the third Mummy movie, which... meh). The vivid descriptions, the sense of a lost world come to life, the meticulous research that clearly went into writing about this place actually, these things apply to all the settings.

Anyway, THE GIRL FROM EVERYWHERE is a truly enjoyable fantasy adventure with characters I couldn't get enough of. I was listening to the audiobook version while on an 11+ hour drive across half the country, and that drive went by way too quickly. The narrator does a beautiful job of bringing Heiligs words to life in a way that feels genuine and inviting. I highly recommend it to anyone whos looking for something magical and different, something with writing that really pops and sparkles.
2208775
When all else fails, especially when it comes to reading, Im a sucker for a good young adult story. The coming of age, navigating their high school and often early college lives, along with the relationships that come along for the ride with all of that, I eat it up.

This story was no exception. In fact, it gave me more than I was expecting heading in.

Ive read stories by this author before, so I knew there would be issue whatsoever with her writing style, whether it was based on the younger set or not. I wasn't even worried about having characters with meat on them. Ones that read very real in a world where its fictional. I got that, but I also got characters in situations that aren't talked about enough.

You know they happen, more than they should each and every day, but sadly, fear and stigma and the way people around you will look at you if you do stand up about something traumatic that happened to you, it often times keeps you quiet. It changes you.

And it did that with the lead character of Willow in this story. Along with the comfort that those tattered gloves of hers brought, she also became a shell of the person that thankfully, Sam, Addy and Allison saw in her. She balled herself up tight and it took a lot for her to open up. Thats the beauty of a well put together young adult book. Getting to see that, see what brings the character there but rejoicing along with her as the walls break down and the real girl buried so deep inside herself emerges.

Sure, there was romance here, and it was cute as hell as it unfolded, it really was, but this book was so much more than a romance. It was so much more than a teenage girl navigating her life. This was a girl, a lot like a butterfly, emerging from the darkness of the cocoon they built for themselves and entering the light. Realizing just how brave, how truly strong she was and facing the demons that have haunted her for years head on.

It was Willows journey as much as it was some of the other characters here and it was a journey that I am so glad that I got to be a part of. I cried with her (even when she couldn't but the pain was very real), I rejoiced with her in her strongest moments and I feel as though I grew right along with her as well and honestly, this was exactly the kind of book I needed right now.
345509
I gave this book 5 stars because it is well written, passionate and unexpected. On top of those things, the main characters are likable and relatable. I thought this story would just be about love between a girl and a boy, and I suppose it essentially is, but the story has much more depth than just first love between two adolescents.

Sky and Holder face a dark past that catches up with them, brings them together, and shows them that situations in life aren't always black and white. It's hard to say more than that without spoiling anything. So I'll just add that although this book is a young adult novel, it's on the mature side, and the reader should anticipate the characters handling very real issues. In my opinion, the raw and highly realistic nature of the story is the best part of this book.

I was immediately sucked into Sky's world. I felt what she felt as she felt it. So much so that I couldn't leave her to deal with everything on her own, so I read her story in one sitting and leant my shoulder for her to cry on as my eyes teared up with hers.

If you're looking for a dramatic contemporary novel that will make your gut wrench and strike you in your heart, then this one is for you.

Note: I got lucky and got this kindle book for free from Amazon.
652117
I have a confession. I totally picked this book based soley on the cover. I think its beautiful and I love it. I had not a damn clue what this book was about. Didnt matter because the book was pretty awesome.

I renamed myself Ari.
If I switched the letter, my name was Air.
I thought it might be a great thing to be the air.
I could be something and nothing at the same time. I could be necessary and also invisible. Everyone would need me and no one would be able to see me.

We are set in the late 1980s. We see Aristotle aka Ari who is a loner meet Dante. Dante who is very earnest, offers to teach Dante how to swim. And so a beautiful friendship begins.

We all fight our own private wars.

Ari is dealing with family stuff. He has three older siblings, like really older. Twin sisters and a brother who is in jail. The whole brother in jail is a really sensitive issue for him. Since it all happened when he was fairly young he doesnt know exactly what happened and his parents act like the brother doesnt even exist. But his parents are good parents. His dad is a little hands off. He is a vet of the Vietnam was and clearly is somewhat affected. His mom is a teacher and seems pretty involved in Aris life. She is worried he has no friends. So she is happy when Dante enters the picture.

Dante also has good parents. Great actually. They seem pretty perfect. They are involved, affectionate and sweet. Dante loves them so much and doesnt care if he shows it. It is so rare for a teenager to be able to express their love for a parent, especially in front of others, that it was refreshing to read. He also doesnt really have friends. He is definitely a unique kid and he knows it and owns it. I loved he was comfortable ( as much as any teenager can be) with himself.

One thing Dante did struggle with was not being Mexican enough. I thought this was so interesting because really it could be related to any ethnicity or what have you and the struggles to be what you think you are supposed to based on stereotypes and social norms. I think Ari helped Dante work through this at least to some extent.

Another secret of the universe: Sometimes pain was like a storm that came out of nowhere. The clearest summer could end in a downpour. Could end in lightning and thunder.

Their friendship develops really nicely. They both get to be themselves and learn and grow from each other. A major event, time apart and some self discoveries lead them to an even stronger bond.

I really loved the focus on family here. Both Ari and Dante aren't afraid to express their thoughts and feelings about family. We see not only the struggles but good moments shared.

I really enjoyed reading this. It was a really sweet coming of age YA book. I liked that it was set in the late eighties. It has a slight retro feel that was fun. Ari and Dante were likable, relatable characters who I was opting for. I think this is a must if you love YA and coming of age books.
2965976
I finished this book two days ago and I'm still mesmerized about how beautifully it is written. Before I started typing this review I was looking at all the quotes I highlighted (which was probably 20% of this book) and I just can't believe this book isn't more popular amongst my friends. This is one of those books that make you feel guilty giving other books five stars. This book blew me away.

This story starts out by introducing you to this sleepy little town in Oregon. In this town there is an isolated mountain, and on this mountain is a funeral home in which our amazing main character lives with her family. The background hooks you immediately and has a wonderfully eerie feel that reminded me of Experiment in Terror. There is no question that this story is going to be a darker read, and it would probably be best to just dive right into the story without knowing or expecting anything.

Calla is a wonderfully strong girl, that is living with guilt I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemies. I connected with Calla instantly. First, I admire her and her strength. Secondly, she talks a lot like me. A lot of the things she would say would give me an instant smile, because it reminded me so much of myself. Last, she a very well wrote complex character that is constantly struggling, but constantly growing. It would be close to impossible for me to not like Calla.

Finn is Calla's twin brother who has Schizoaffective Disorder. Most the town thinks he's crazy, and Calla thinks it's her job to protect him. Finn also loves Latin, so the chapter's numbers are in Latin and you also get a mini translation of certain words through the book. Obviously the title of this book is Nocte, which means by night in Latin. I loved and appreciated this little addition.

I would plunge to the bottom of the ocean for you. Id comb it for shells and make you a necklace and then hang myself with it. Because if you aren't here, I don't want to be either.

Then, of course, we have to have the perfect male specimen. Dare Dubray is the type of guy my eighteen year old self would have instantly fell in love with. Hell, who am I kidding? My twenty-seven year old self would too. The author does such a wonderful job making him one of the most swoon-worthy characters I've ever read about. The minor cliffhanger at the end of this book will be worth reading the next installment for just for Dare alone. I'm crushin' hard.

"He kisses me with abandon, like hes not afraid of the consequences, like its only him and me, and theres nothing else around us."

The whole plot is teasing you with secrets that all these people carry and Calla is trying desperately to figure them out. I normally pride myself at figuring out twists way before the author is ready to tell the reader, but this one honestly blindsided me. Me and my little fragile heart were not ready for it. Looking back, I'm not sure how I didn't see it, but I didn't. It was executed phenomenally and adds even more perfection to this beautiful story.

"After a minute, he smiles and I decide that his smile might be my new favorite thing. And then I promptly feel guilty for having a favorite anything."

This story also has a very therapeutic effect about death and after life. The struggle of living without a person you didn't think you could live without. It is handled really well, and would definitely be helpful to read for someone who is dealing with the loss of a loved one.

This book really spoke to me. This book has the darkest and most beautiful quotes I've read in a long time. I love books that talk about balancing your light and your darkness. This book is heavily overlooked, but is a masterpiece that will make you feel thing s you didn't know were inside you.

"Grief is an unpredictable thing, and honestly, I don't think it ever really goes away. I think we just learn to manage it."
3475185
I think I might have mentioned that I haven't read a lot of YA M/M before. But I was introduced to this genre when I read a great book as a reviewer and blog host for someone's blog tour. I thought 'Wow' this is pretty good stuff and decided to add another bow to my string as a reviewer. And once again, I'm pleased I did. I like a well written, well structured story as much as anyone else.

'On the Right Track' is a wonderfully written love story between two young men that as a mother myself, made me want to scoop both of these young men into my arms and simply hug them both.

Adam Corbin is sixteen, a track team star , definitely not out. He's shy, quiet and a little confused about his sexuality and how to manage it. He tries hard to fit in with his school and team mates and Adam doesn't want to show himself as different.

Seventeen year old Ru Nakimura is a boy band star, former song writer and vocalist for 'Vocal Growth'. He was outed publicly and disgraced in a case of double standards in the music industry he works in. He also had his heart broken when he found the man he thought was his boyfriend being unfaithful. Ru is starting to build a new career for himself but it's tough going.

The two teenagers meet in a crowded library when they share a glance. Adam is smitten with Ru's dark haired, blue eyed visage and the sheer exoticism of Ru's looks. Ru finds Adam's pale blonde hair and delicate features something beautiful. For the first time Ru feels the stirrings of hope in his being that perhaps he can have someone special in his life. When the two young men get together for the first time for pizza and movies, Ru is determined to take it slow. He's much more experienced than Adam and the last thing he wants to do is scare this amazing young man away.

I just loved Ru's friend Tommy and the wonderful out and open Bas, friend of Adam. Adam's parents were incredibly supportive too and I'm sure every teen who dreads coming out wishes they could have the same reaction Adam had. Alas, we all know that's not the case. This book deals with the issues faced by the LGBT youth. It's a sobering reflection on the way things are but it's also a story of hope and triumph over adversities. Of course, this is a fictional story about a young man who leads an ordinary life being catapulted into the life of his boyfriend rock star, and in some ways, this is a fairy tale that not many young people will get to experience, but this book tackles issues and emotions that are relevant and topical despite this fact. After all, that's what fiction is all about.

The inter play between these two young men, the patience Ru had with Adam and Adam's sweet, trusting nature (although he was feisty when it counted, believe me!)was a pleasure to read, as they developed their relationship with all its up and downs. The supporting characters of Bas and Tommy were well rounded and added a lot to the story. I found it a very entertaining read and one where I wanted to turn the pages faster to find out what happened next.

I'd definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to read an emotional and uplifting story of two people finding love. I look forward to reading more books by Sam Cadence.
931748
Beautifully written, poignant, and at times downright heart-wrenching, this is a lovely story is appropriate for all preteens, teens and adults. Even though it delves into gritty, real-life issues, it sits firmly on the Clean and Wholesome shelf with no sex scenes and no bad language. The romance progressed at a satisfying rate, both characters underwent self discovery and self improvement, the hero was swoon-worthy, the heroine was likable and relatable, and it had a perfect, happily ever after ending.
269337
I haven't read a mature love story this satisfying since Cal Bonner's parents in Nobody's Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. The situations, time periods and sub-genres couldn't be more different: historical romance in medieval England at the time of the Norman Conquest versus romantic comedy with a sports theme in 20th century Appalachian Mountains. What they have in common is an older couple with certain regrets having a second shot at happiness, but expectations keep getting in the way.

Lady Anora has been holding off the Norman siege at her castle for seven weeks. The Fitzgillen men wonder at the nature and might of the widowed lady able to command the keep under long duress with war engines at her gate. Young Gryfton Fitzgillen teases that she might be "a beautiful maiden, fearing for her virtue at the hands of the barbaric Normans." His dour older brother Royce says, "Stupid woman should have surrendered when offered the chance." Their wiser father Rosard says, "There is much to admire in a woman who withstands the siege of a seasoned warrior." The three maintain their perspectives of Anora throughout the book - Gryfton with humor, Royce with scorn and Rosard with admiration. Their expectations are colored by their perceptions and drive the plot forward in interesting ways.

It is obvious that Rosard is already inclined to at least respect Anora, but once he sees her mature beauty and love of her people, his feelings rapidly evolve. For her part Anora is smitten, too. "His voice curled around her name and a wave of warm contentment washed over her." The patient Rosard is a bit of a bard - the way he speaks to Anora is calm and beautiful and heartfelt. Some of the best passages in this book are his words of regard for the lovely and brave Anora.

The villain of this book if full of smarmy melodrama. He occupies a place of trust with the Fitzgillen men, so his duplicitous behavior witnessed by the Saxon Anora is regarded with suspicion. Hate and mistrust are the children of blindness, and there are more than a few blind people running around Fairhurst Keep mucking things up for the mature and steadfast Anora and Rosard.
3955224
Fifteen-year-old Pearl DeWitt has never thought much before about the migrant workers who flock to Fallbrook, CA to find jobs on the farms. Then she sees Amiel, a mute worker, and Pearl insists her uncle hire him. She begins to spend time with Amiel, even falling in love with him, and then, like many parts of CA, Fallbrook is endangered by wildfires, and Pearl knows that Amiel's only chance to learn of the evacuation order is if she goes to find him herself.

Not that I'm ever wonderful at summaries, but that one is really pathetic, but then, DARK WATER is one of those books that can't really be summarized in a paragraph. It's a coming-of-age story, really, a timeless one. It's set in the present day (or close to), and you know that because Pearl has a laptop and works at Subway, yet it feels like it could be set in the past as well. It's a quiet read, one that doesn't rush along, but it's not boring; McNeal's lyrical writing draws you. Unlike many YA narrators, Pearl is more introspective and not in a sarcastic way. Her voice is more poetic, but it never seems like McNeal is trying to make her writing gorgeous. In fact, the writing is effortlessly beautiful.

The characters are also well-drawn and flawed. They're people that you could know, and Pearl's relationships with them are believable, especially those with her mother, a stressed substitute, and her slightly older cousin, Robby (who is convinced that his father is cheating on his mother with a much younger woman). And even her distancing relationship with her best friend is well-drawn. In truth, the weakest relationship and part of this book is Pearl's relationship with Amiel; although DARK WATER kind of seems billed as a romance, it's not. McNeal doesn't spend an exorbitant amount of time building up a romance between the two characters; instead, Pearl seems more fascinated with Amiel.

So if you're looking for a romance book (especially a forbidden romance), look elsewhere, but if you're looking for a beautifully written book that touches on so many worthwhile things without seeming like it's trying, look no further than DARK WATER.
2008120
This is a fantastic debut.
Nan is a gifted storyteller. I love how she develops her characters and how I was drawn into feeling everything right along with Violet from being drawn to Oliver and her love for Wade.
I'm not always a fan of stories that travel back and forth between the past and present but Nan uses it well here to tell a genuine and lovely story.
2215604
From the title, you can guess that I'm not all that deep of a person. I generally like to read fiction as an escape. I don't like mean characters (hence, my dislike of most great literature). And I generally like happy endings.

This is a recipe for me not liking this book.

But oh my goodness this book was fantastic. The characters are prematurely mature - they quote things that most college students can't. And yet, it doesn't seem far fetched to me. It fits the mood of the book. The snappy, sarcastic, intellectual tones that lay over an emotional cauldron - first love, true love, and death.

There are so many intriguing sound-bite philosophies in this book: from time being a slut (people are forgotten after they die), to different kinds of infinities, to treading lightly vs heavily on the universe. Big, important concepts encapsulated in witty quotes by dying teenagers.

I absolutely loved every second of this book. I knew how it would end almost from the beginning, but it still didn't prepare me for the tragedy. And still, no regrets. It's a great book.
1392363
Im 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. When I heard about Penguin Teens The Blog Most Likely To promo, I knew the time was absolutely perfect to start it and yes, the stars aligned!

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. 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! Im really glad I didn't let my preconceived notions get in the way because this was really a beautiful book. MY LIFE NEXT DOOR is less fluffy and more I wouldnt say serious, but I guess realistic. It showed positives and negatives in a more contemplative manner and it was so much more overall than just the romance. (I mean, ANNA and ON THE FENCE handle these things too but you know what I mean. Just totally different feel.)

I really loved the differences in families in this book. Samanthas mother is a senator, her family has always been well-off, and her mother is very much about maintaining appearances and status. Her mother is happy to finally have teenagers because as much as she loves her daughters, shes never been a fan of children. Their neighbors the Garretts are pretty much the opposite in every respect. The family is big, the house is messy, the atmosphere is warm, and everyone is free to be themselves, appearances be damned. It was really interesting to see what Samantha and Jase learned from each other and what their families learned from each other as well. Each family felt so real and true to themselves  even Mrs. Reed with her need for order and tidiness  and I loved how I could witness Samantha and Jase really discovering new things about each other and at the same time, growing themselves.

The romance was also so adorable. I wasn't sure how I felt about it at first because I was expecting the book to focus more on the development of the romance and the tension leading up to the two characters being together, but the focus was much different than that. MY LIFE NEXT DOOR reminded me what young love is like but it also gave me glimpses of true and unconditional love (which were not the same for me in my life but what I saw with Sam and Jase). It was so touching to see so many sides of their relationship develop and strengthen and it felt real and raw and true.

The friendships and family dynamics are pretty spectacular too, and not all of them turned out the way I though they would. I was so annoyed with Tim and ended up falling in love with him maybe even more than Jase?) and I really enjoyed watching Samanthas various degrees of friendships with Jases siblings. Not everything was a happy friendship or ended as best friends forever but it all felt so real and touched on something that I went through in my life as well. The families felt so real and I really enjoyed that not everything had a Full House finish. Sometimes families are messy too and things don't always wrap up neatly.

I guess you could say that I had an idea of how MY LIFE NEXT DOOR would go but it really took me by surprise and Im so happy that it made me feel so many different things! I would have been happy to read this as a stand alone but Im SO excited that it has a companion now and I cant wait to read THE BOY MOST LIKELY TO!