Review-Lola and the Boy Next Door (ARC)

Okay, first if you haven't read Anna and the French Kiss go read that one now, because this one isn't out until September.  Now, onto Lola and her Boy Next Door.  Oh my GOD Cricket.  CRICKET!!!  If you thought St. Clair was amazing wait till you meet Cricket.  I NEED a Cricket like, oh I don't know NOW.  I know there are some companion books/movies/tv episodes that aren't as good as the original, but Lola, Lola was fabulous.  Lola IS fabulous.  Lola is like me, only not.  I don't think I can put into words how much I loved this novel but I'll try.  With Anna and St. Clair making guest appearences you don't HAVE to have read Anna first, but it makes it a lot more fun if you do.  Lola was fresh, sweet, and romantic, which is basically what every girl wants in a sappy love novel even if she won't admit it.  Boys, if you want a girl, be like Cricket, because honestly, there's no way she won't love you if you're like him.  Perkins does it again and dare I say it, I do beleive it's better than Anna was.  It hits so close to home for every girl who has ever felt torn between two boys, the one you're with and the one you've always been in love with.  It seems like a retelling of Anna only the rolls are switched but the story is completely different in a way that's hard to explain and it doesn't feel like the same old thing.  I also feel the need to point out the fact that Lola lives with two men, two GAY men.  I think it's amazing that Perkins decided to include gay characters in a love novel when they weren't the main characters.  I honestly feel that without them Lola wouldn't have been the great novel that it is.  All of the characters work together to pull this great book together and I can't wait to see what Perkins has in store for her next novel.  Although I miss Paris I did very much enjoy the California setting and the idea that true love could be just right across the street from you, or even next door.  Another great job by an author to watch I will definetly be buying this book and putting it next to Anna on my shelf for all to admire.  And if people are lucky I might even let them borrow it, but then again, Lola and Anna seem to be such good friends I don't think they would want to be seperated.

Released September 29, 2011

5/5 dust spirits