3.75/5
CW: emotionally abusive parent
Given that I am a decade later than everyone else to reading this book and that contemporaries by their very nature are meant to age quickly, I'm actually impressed at how well this holds up. Whether it is because we are suspended in the little bubble of this one summer and (for the most part) these two houses, or whether it's something else, I can't tell, but if it works it works! A fun, lighthearted summer romance with some substance. I loved it!

I had recently heard another, very different audiobook using this narrator which meant it was difficult to get into at first. Once I was used to this, the story was engaging and you were keen to find out what happened to the two modern-day Romeo and Juliet main characters. The story works well as an audiobook as the chapters are not too long and it is easy listening. It was good to follow the characters through the story as they overcome challenges that many teenage children will encounter themselves. It lends itself to a sequel which I would read/listen to to find out how the character's lives continued. Thanks for letting me listen to this book.

"It's as though I don't make a ripple and drop out from the face of the earth"

The story of two neighbours who have never been on such terms with one another. But this summer, there might have just been a spark of interaction starting with these people- who are poles apart. A romantic journey of 2 people who don't feel they deserve each other, with sidelines of friendships, school life and town mayor drama. The story was a light read but still held some solid plot and well-thought-about characters.

Now this is a kind of romance I don't mind reading once in a while! There was enough going on in the lives of these 2 people to keep the readers engaged. The author has shown how they fell in love with all those cute little window moments. ( unlike some books which just tell you rather than show you). There were some realistic decision-making shown in the book, which ticked another box for me. In a contemporary book, I do prefer having believable incidents that don't make you feel ' yeah like that would ever happen. Now I understand this is romance so there are bound to be intimate scenes. But it was subtle and not all that smutty in your face. Overall I had a good time reading this and I think it was a fair one-time read.


Genre: #contemporary #ya #romance
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️

Thank you @netgalley @harpercollinsuk and @huntleyfitzpatrick for the Digital ARC book.

#MyLifeNextDoor #NetGalley

Unfortunately this book wasn’t for me. I dislike the narrator which makes it difficult for me to enjoy. However worse than that I didn’t find the characters very likeable. I also didn’t think Samantha sounded anything like a teenage girl.

I loved the energy of the Garrett family in this book even if I never quite got a solid grasp on all the different kids but it was a lot of fun peeking into their chaos through Sam’s interactions with the family. This book seemed like a sweet YA romance between Sam and her neighbour Jace and their relationship was sweet and explored teen intimacy well but there was a pretty wild plot twist in the second half of the book that put a much darker spin on the book and was pretty stressful. There were several key threads in this story that I felt didn’t get any closure. Considering the slower pace of the start of the book, the ending seemed pretty rushed and left me a little confused and wondering what happened. I would have liked to have had a little more time spent on the ‘revelation’ at the end (the emotions, the decisions) and for the storyline of Clay being a master manipulator and a creep to be tied up or acknowledged and finally the relationship with Sam’s best friend got pushed to the background.

All that being said, it was a good summer read and I liked Tim’s character arc and how supportive Mr Garratt was of him, as well as the interactions between Sam and Jace and all the family.

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

4.5⭐️ rounded up.

<i> 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. </i>

This is an absolutely lovely, moving story, filled with a surprising depth as you’re drawn further into it.

The audiobook is perfectly narrated by Amy Rubinate.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio for providing this ALC for review consideration. All opinions provided are my own.

This is an audio book I thoroughly enjoyed. For teenagers and YA readers a story of first loves, mistakes, friends, family and growing up. For those a bit or considerable older - oh to be young again, relive your teenage memories! Thank you to Harper Collins UK Audio and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

This was beautiful. A definite YA novel, but the nostalgia of first love and finding your own way in the world was strong. The writing is fantastic, the characters are wholly formed. It has all the stereotypical little rich girl and boy from the wrong side of the tracks trope going on, but the wrong side of the tracks is right next door in a family so full of life and love that is the polar opposite from Samantha’s life as the senators daughter.

Loved it, reminded me of discovering the joy of reading. Therefore gets all the stars ⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK Audio for the ARC of My life next door by Huntley Fitzpatrick.

Such a lovely feel good YA story. I so enjoyed listening to this. Perfect to pop on while sat lazing on the sun.

This book is described as children's fiction, and yes, I would characterise it as YA, but it does deal with some adult themes and issues.
It is the story of Samantha and her boy next door. We get to see Samantha experience her first love while navigating friendships, family and becoming an adult.

I loved how the book did not gloss over Sam's mom's political career and her flaws. Any younger readers could appreciate the complexity of the issues raised but it did not get so complicated as to deter you from wanting to read further.

It was a sweet read which had me grinning at times.
My favourite character was George with his endless questions but I loved the mature relationship between the main characters.

Overall a lovely read which I would recommend to anyone but most especially anyone looking for a new YA option.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK Audio for the ARC!