2007-08-05 Courtesy of Teens Read Too

Almost all of Lori McGillicuddy's summers were always the same: work at the Vader Marina along with her brother and the three boys next door -- Cameron, Sean, and Adam. It was the perfect place to work, since Lori was always able to practice her wakeboarding skills and be around Sean, her longtime crush. This summer was no different than the past ones, except for Lori's three-step plan to finally get Sean to notice her as a girl instead of just one of the guys, and to have him ask her out.

All the stages of Lori's plan seems to be working just fine, since Sean has definitely started flirting with her. Unfortunately, it takes a huge setback when Sean steals his brother Adam's girlfriend.

Lori cannot believe this (her plan seemed foolproof) but at least now she can rule out that her age isn't a factor in why Sean hasn't asked her out yet, since Adam's now ex-girlfriend is a year younger than she is.

Now, the only way that Lori can win back Sean is to make him jealous, which sparks another plan. So Lori approaches Adam, telling him that the only way that they can get back the ones they love is to go out with each other. Surprisingly, Adam accepts this idea without much hesitation. Of course, having your crush's brother as your fake boyfriend may seem a little weird at first, especially since they look so much aliker. But it soon becomes natural for both Lori and Adam -- maybe a little too natural.

Lori can't help but get this tingling feeling whenever Adam is pretend-flirting with her. Spending time with Adam actually becomes really fun and he is all she begins to think about, which just can't be happening since it's Sean that she wants... right?

THE BOYS NEXT DOOR takes you on the ride of your life, making you want to scream and squeal at all the troubles Lori has to go through, just to get the guy of her dreams. Jennifer Echols makes Lori one of the most likeable characters out there with her outrageous but very hilarious ideas and, before you know it, readers will be scrambling to be in Lori's shoes. Another awesome novel from Jennifer Echols and another wonderful addition to the Simon Pulse Romantic Comedy series.

Reviewed by: Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen