The Boy Next Door by Katie Van Ark

The Boy Next Door by Katie Van Ark
Series: No
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Publication Date: January 6th 2015
Source: Publisher [Netgalley]

Maddy Spier has been in love with the boy next door forever. As his figure skating partner she spends time in his arms every day. But she’s also seen his arms around other girls—lots of other girls.

Gabe can't imagine skating with anyone but Maddy, and together they have a real chance at winning some serious gold medals. So, he’s determined to keep thinking of her like a sister. After all, he’s never had a romantic relationship that lasted for more than two weeks.

But when their coach assigns a new romantic skating program, everything changes. Will this be the big break that Maddy’s been hoping for or the big breakup that Gabe has always feared?

The Boy Next Door was an on a whim read because I was looking for a bit of romance, and going by the cover alone, I knew this one was probably going to be a perfect choice. While I didn't love it, I still enjoyed it and it's definitely a cutesy love story.

Maddy has been in love with the boy next door for as long as she can remember. She spends every day with him, but only as his skating partner. Gabe can't imagine skating without Maddy, because with her they have a chance of winning Gold. Gabe is determined to keep his romantic feelings for Maddy bottled up, but when their coach assigns them a romantic skating routine, everything changes. It becomes apparent that they both have feelings for each other, but Gabe doesn't want to ruin his friendship with Maddy by taking the next step.

Maddy is a sweet character. She's a bit naive and completely lovestruck that she would honestly do anything for Gabe - like break off with his current girlfriend by pretending to be another girl he was with. I seriously wanted to smack some sense into this girl.

Gabe is an asshole. There's nothing remotely redeeming about him. He has feelings for Maddy, bottles them up and then when he decides to act on them, he makes her keep it a secret and constantly hides his relationship with her from everyone. What. An. Asshole.

I did really love that The Boy Next Door centered around Ice Skating. It's such a graceful sport that requires a lot of determination, strength and bravery, and I adored reading about all the different moves and lifts. 

The romance between Maddy and Gabe was sugary sweet. It was extremely cutesy and adorable, but also annoying due to Gabe being a complete asshole about their relationship. But he eventually grew some balls.

The Boy Next Door is a light and cute read that I'd recommend if you're in the mood for some adorable romance. It's a quick and easy, and I really liked it (minus Gabe).