My Weekly Read (No. 1) ~ My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

It's the first week of 'My Weekly Read'!

'My Weekly Read' is a little series where I read a book between Monday and Saturday and then post a review for you all on the Sunday. I'm going to be reading books that I've never picked up before and are relatively unknown so I can introduce you all to some fabulous new books.

Today I'm going to be reviewing "My Life Next Door" by Huntley Fitzpatrick.

"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 everyday 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 awsomeness 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?

Where to I start with this book?

This book was practically impossible to put down. From the first line "The Garretts were forbidden from the start.", I was lost in the book, and this continued right up to the last word. This book is so beautifully written it's hard to believe that it is the author's debut novel.

The characters in this book are wondefully written, they're so realistic. I actually loved every single character, which I think is such a rare thing to find with a book. Samantha, the narrator of the story, is such a wonderful character. The way she describes her feelings for Jase, is so relatable, and there was so much to her character; she wasn't the stereotypical blonde American teen I expected her to be when I began reading. I have to admit, I have a bit of a soft spot for Jase, the Romeo of this novel. He's the perfect leading male character. Everything about him is so loveable: he's sweet, caring, funny and the way he is around his younger siblings just made me want to marry him. Is it possible to fall in love with a fictional character? I even loved the supporting characters, with Tim, the brother of Samantha's best friend and a thoroughly brilliant character, and George, one of Jase's younger brothers, being my two favourites.

One of my favourite aspects of this book, is that it wasn't one of those love stories where you have to wait until the very end of the book for the couple to get together. With most stories it's always a case of will they, won't they, but with "My Life Next Door" you get to spend time with Sam and Jase as they fall in love and their relationship begins to grow.

In this story the "twist" occurs in the last quater of the book. Unlike the twist in most stories, it didn't involve a whole load of drama between the couple, so we just get to see how they deal with it together.

There's honestly so much more I can say about "My Life Next Door" but I don't want to give everything away, as I really want you all to experience the magic of this book on your own.

"My Life Next Door" does include a small amount of swearing and it does explore some more 'mature' themes surrounding first love. Although these themes are explored tastefully, I think, because of this, this book would only be suitable for readers over the age of 15.

Overall, "My Life Next Door" is a fabulous love story and a must-read book that I know I'll be reading again and again. I'd definitely give this book a 5* rating and I honestly can't recommend it more.

Lots of Love

Chloe xxx

P.S: Have you read any books you think I'd enjoy? Leave a comment and I'll have a look.