The Boy Next Door

February 1, 2015

Gr 9 Up-Fans of ice-skating and romance will fall in love with this debut novel. Maddy and Gabe, both seniors at Riverview Prep in Kansas, grew up next door to one another and have been figure skating as a pair since they were in preschool; Gabe even gave up a place on a championship hockey team to skate with Maddy. The two are close friends and practice for hours every day. Their relationship was just fine until trainer Igor asked them to do Romeo and Juliet as a long program. Gabe considers Maddy to be like a sister and at first, he's not interested in even pretending to be in love with her. Maddy, nursing a secret crush, would like nothing more than a romance to develop with Gabe. As they prepare for the competition, the two friends toy with the idea of dating. As Gabe's past relationships have only lasted two weeks or less, he worries about what will happen if this one doesn't work. Could he lose skating and his friend? Underlying the frothy plot are some serious themes and issues, including sex, pregnancy, cancer, money problems, family stress, lies, and complicated relationships. The straighforward writing and compelling "will they, won't they" plot will keep YA readers eagerly turning the pages. VERDICT For unapologetic romance lovers, this is a first purchase.-Jesten Ray, Seattle Public Library, WA

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