Lola and The Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

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.



 Summary taken from Goodreads



Lola. I don't even know where to begin. Other than, I COMPLETELY LOVED IT!

Okay. Got that out of my system. I guess I'll start in the obvious place. With Lola. I loved her character so much. She was completely unique and fun. Her clothing style was so eccentric and really helped bring her to life. Perkins is fabulous at creating these female characters you wished you were friends with. 


Lola's two dads were also a treat to read about. They weren't styrotypical by any means. Watching them interact with Cricket and Max was fantastic.

Max, Lola'a boyfriend, was hard to hate at first. It was clear Cricket was meant to be with Lola, but she was with a very hot, rocker type bad boy that seemed to really care about her. I found myself swooning over him once or twice...


But Cricket. Oh my lord Cricket. He was so geeky, in that really adorable and charming way. I more than swooned over him. I fell head over heels for him.


This book had a lot more going on than just Cricket and Lola. And I really enjoyed that. It was nice to see that it wasn't just about the romance. Lola's relationship with her dads, her birth mom, even Cricket's sister were what really made the story for me. Having more than just romance going on is what made it such a great read.


Oh. And can I mentioned how much I loved  seeing St. Clair and Anna?? They were still so perfect and so in love. I enjoyed every scene they were in so, so much.


All in all, Perkins is quickly becoming a must read author for me. And she should be for you too!!