Author: Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Dutton Books
Published: 29 September 2011
Summary:
Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit — more sparkly, more fun, more wild — the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighbourhood.
When Cricket — a gifted inventor — steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.
My Review:
I’ve been waiting for this book since I read Anna and the French Kiss earlier this year. Not so much a sequel but a companion, we meet Lola – an effervescent 17 year old with an unconventional family and a passion for fashion. Add to that an older rockstar boyfriend who her parents absolutely don’t approve of and you’d think her life would be quite peachy if not a little rebellious. And apart from the excruciating brunches that said rockstar boyfriend has to go through, I’d say Lola’s life is pretty much great.
Until… her old neighbours move back to the lavender house next door bringing memories of pain and hurt and worse of all, unrequited love.
What follows is a story where Lola’s heart begins to tear in two. Does her loyalty lie with bad boy Max? He’s everything that’s wrong in a boyfriend which makes he every bit exciting; or does she lean towards good guy Cricket? Adorable geek whose brilliant mind suffers against his (not-very-nice) twin sister’s brilliant talent?
I could go on and on about this book but I don’t want to give away any spoilers. What I will say is that I was drawn in from the very first chapter and could feel Lola’s heart split in two while she tries to work out which boy is for her. Fans of Anna and the French Kiss will also be pleased to learn that Anna and her adorable Brit Boyfriend St. Clair make more than one appearance in this story and play quite a pivotal part in helping Lola make her decision.
There is pain and angst and there is laughter and love. But above all there is a heartwarming ending that will tickle your toes and keep you smiling long after you finish.
Lola and the Boy Next Door is perfect weekend reading – you won’t want to put it down and it is easily devoured within a day. I will warn you that like every good romance, there’s a team you have to choose and whether that’s Team Rockstar or Team Geek, one this is for sure; Lola is one very lucky girl.
Lola and the Boy Next Door is out now and is available in both hard copy and e-reader formats.
