Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

There are two things that Lola wants at the beginning of the school year: to make the most spectacular Marie Antoinette costume ever, and to go to the winter formal in that costume with her boyfriend, Max. Unfortunately, things really aren't working out for her. It all starts when the Bell twins move back into their house next door to Lola. Lola, Calliope, and Cricket have a history, and Lola has gone to great lengths to avoid them, especially Cricket, after their last disastrous encounter. But despite that, Cricket seems to keep popping up in Lola's life, much to her boyfriend's annoyance. And Lola is discovering that it just might be possible that Cricket has changed. Maybe. But what does that mean for Lola and the life she's made for herself in his absence?

Stephanie Perkins, author of Anna and the French Kiss, has crafted another delightfully funny, quirky, and charming romantic comedy. Lola is a humorous, zany, and lovable heroine--her feelings where Cricket Bell is concerned are ones that all readers can probably relate to in some capacity, and the amazing costumes, social mishaps, and family drama just make her an achingly genuine character. There is no shortage of swoon-worthy guys in this book—there’s the re-appearance to Etienne St. Clair, Lola’s sexy (and older) boyfriend Max, and the introduction of sweet, brilliant Cricket Bell. All of the friendships and twisted relationships as Lola suddenly has to juggle Max and Cricket make for an engaging plot with a few unexpected twists. Though Lola and the Boy Next Door is not set in Paris like its companion novel, Perkins does an excellent job at bringing the rich San Francisco setting alive, from Lola's street full of row houses (guess whose bedroom windows are directly across from each other?) to the fun theater Lola works and the exotic tea gardens. The setting and the characters are what really stand out and make Perkins' second novel so much fun. This is romantic, hilarious, and smart chick lit that every girl who picks it up will be compelled to share.

Cover Comments: I think what sticks out to me is the way the couple are sitting on the window ledge, and the way the houses are portrayed in the background. I like it a lot, and I like how the light, pastel colors collide with the unconventional appearance of Lola and Cricket--it works so well, and is so awesome. LOVELY cover!

This one will be out on September 29th, 2011!

ARC provided by publisher.