I Fell In Love With A Boy (Next Door)

Synopsis (Goodreads): 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 neighborhood. 

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.

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Okay, game over.  I really need to start reading more contemporary novels.

I thought Stephanie Perkins had captured my heart with Anna and The French Kiss, but I guess I was wrong.  Lola and the Boy Next Door is the fantastic follow-up and I'm head over heels in book-lust with it!!

At this point, it should go without saying that Perkins is a fantastic writer and she makes it incredibly easy for you to fall in love and empathize with her characters. This book is no exception.  From Lola's two dads, to her best friend Lindsey, I just couldn't get enough! They were so irresistibly charming and I wanted more, more more!  I'll even go ahead and admit that there may have come a point where I wanted to be friends with these people. Don't judge...I'm sure you've been there, too!

Although, I have to say that my standout was definitely Lola, the novels protag.  She was quirky, smart and just chock full o' everything that is awesome!  I loved that she remained true to herself, even when it meant being the underdog or not always being liked. 

And then there's Cricket Bell.  SQUEE!! Pardon my drool, but where do I even start with Cricket?? He's funny, and nerdy, and too adorable for words! In my opinion, he may even have St. Clair beat. 

No hate mail, please :) 

Lola and the Boy Next Door is a novel full of of laughs, happy tears, romance and even your fair share of surprises (read: cameos from a certain lead couple from Anna and the French Kiss *wink*). 

This book definitely made my year a little brighter and I highly recommend it.

So....who's excited for Perkins' follow-up, Isla and the Happily Ever After (Fall 2012)??

*points to self* 

THIS GIRL!

Extra on Cricket: The FAB Stephenie Perkins recently posted a drawing of Cricket Bell on her blog. Go take a look and see what you think! Does he measure up to the Cricket you imagined??