Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
Series: companion novel to My Life Next Door
Genre: YA, Romance, Contemporary
Published: August 18th, 2015
I received an Advance Readers Copy of this from the publisher via GoodReads First Reads for review, but this does not have an effect on my opinions!
The Boy Most Likely To follows Tim Mason, the confident and wild close friend of the main characters of My Life Next Door. Tim can’t quite get away from his past self, one who “was The Boy Most Likely To: Find the liquor cabinet blindfolded; Need a liver transplant; Drive his car into his house.” Now a recovering alcoholic, he is brought back to reality when a mistake from his past completely rattles his world. Pair that with falling for Alice Garrett, Jase’s older sister, and things could not get more confusing. Alice, now trying to hold the family together as her father recovers from the accident and mother gets ready to have her 9th kid, isn’t sure of anything going on in her life either. Somehow, they come together and let themselves discover a love like they never have before.
This is a story of two young adults, in entirely different situations, that are both forced to grow up too fast, too soon. Tim has an unexpected newcomer in his life, and must face the repercussions of this situation he got himself into before he got himself clean. Alice can barely keep up with nursing school while the constant worry of keeping the family’s store afloat, the bills paid, the little ones fed, and the house from falling apart, demanding her attention constantly. The last thing they need is to fall for each other.
I loved this story because both Alice and Tim were such strong individuals. Neither of their lives have been easy, but they are learning to deal with life as it comes, even if it’s not what they had expected or planned.
They learn, as Mr. Garrett says, that “there is never going to be an even keel. It’s a matter of constant adjustment. And that’s just fine” (ARC, pg. 386).
The dual perspectives in this novel was so well done; each character was distinct and had their own powerful voice. I really enjoyed how Huntley Fitzpatrick did not simple switch perspectives between chapters, but often jumped back and forth between Alice and Tim during crucial, emotional points in the story. It added an extra layer to the reading experience.
There is a lot to say about characters who learn to take responsibility for their past actions, and I think Tim is incredibly admirable for how he handles everything life throws at him. The same can be said about Alice. This is a great example of how life comes and keeps coming,and doesn’t stop to consider the plans you had, but you have to continue moving forward anyways.
Of course it was great being back in the always-interesting Garrett family household, with adorable, rambunctious kids running around. Readers get to see more of Jase and Samantha’s sweet relationship, as well as the equally romantic and surprisingly tender relationship between Tim and Alice.
This story was wonderful. I loved it as much as I loved My Life Next Door, and that’s saying something. I highly recommend buying this book and reading it for yourself! I know I am going to pick up my own finished copy very soon!
OVERALL RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars!
Great review! This book was pretty highly anticipated so this review has convinced me that maybe I should give it a try!
Yeah you definitely should! I loved the characters, and I’m a fan of Huntley Fitzpatrick’s writing. Let me know your thoughts if you read it!!
Will do! 🙂