Books › Lola and the boy next door
Lola and the boy next door
368 pages
A vibrant, costume-filled exploration of first love and second chances that feels like a warm hug on a breezy San Francisco day.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like stepping into a brightly colored, meticulously crafted costume—it is vibrant, expressive, and deeply comforting. The narrative moves at a brisk, engaging pace, carried by a quirky, earnest voice that makes you immediately root for the protagonist's messy, heartfelt journey. The atmosphere is sun-warmed and cozy, grounded by the eclectic charm of San Francisco and the warmth of a deeply loving, unconventional family. It is a story about the terrifying thrill of taking off your armor and letting someone see the real you. Fans of sweet, swoon-worthy contemporary romances will devour this tender exploration of second chances, lingering childhood crushes, and the beautiful chaos of figuring out exactly who you are meant to be.
- Mood
- colorful
- cozy
- nostalgic
- sweet
- Tone
- earnest
- quirky
- humorous
- heartfelt
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- first love · embracing individuality · second chances · unconventional families · self-discovery
- The writing
- The prose is bubbly, accessible, and highly visual, bursting with vivid descriptions of eccentric outfits and San Francisco scenery.
- The arc
- The protagonist moves from hiding behind elaborate, performative costumes to embracing her vulnerable, authentic self in the face of true love.
- Who it's for
- Readers who crave swoon-worthy, character-driven contemporary romances featuring quirky heroines and deeply supportive families.
Content notes
- past parental abandonment
- toxic relationship dynamics
About the book
Budding costume designer Lola lives an extraordinary life in San Francisco with her two dads and beloved dog, dating a punk rocker, but when the Bell twins return to the house next door Lola recalls both the friendship-ending fight with Calliope, a figure skater, and the childhood crush she had on Cricket.
Description from Open Library.
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