| Title | : | The Boy Next Door |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0985826304 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780985826307 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 228 |
| Publication | : | First published December 1, 2012 |
Through middle school, high school, bad dates, and an ill-advised punk phase, Tasha has always been able to count on Jason. Since the day he moved in next door, he’s gone from the weird kid in a wheelchair to Tasha’s most trusted friend. But lives change and the friends are going in different directions. When Jason and Tasha rekindle their friendship, sparks fly. After years of being a wild soul, now the ex-lead of a band turned music teacher is just looking for a relationship to last.
When none other than Jason introduces her to a man who can give her what she wants, Tasha is on the verge of throwing passion and love away just so she can forget her troubled past and settle down. But Jason isn’t ready to give her up just yet.
The Boy Next Door Reviews
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WANTED TO PUNCH THE HEROINE! SELF-ABSORBED BIMBO!
Another ME ME ME heroine who lacks gray matter.
And there's being a sexually liberated independent female - but there's also sleeping around and collecting STIs which is gross. I don't date men who sleep around coz the hygiene thing - it's a pet peeve of mine. I generally loath play boys. (so it's not a sexist only men can sleep around thing).
this review says it all:
I gotta say I enjoyed this book, really did but the main character Tasha starts off likeable but then midway through she becomes conceited to the point of unlikable.
It's not unusual for a character in chick lit to be self - absorbed but she then goes overboard and really acts like a bit of a cow.
The author writes a series of flashbacks which show her as being totally awful to her supposed best friend Jason when they were kids. I lost all empathy at this point especially when she didn't seem to have grown as a person in adulthood. When recalling these incidents she feels a little bad but ultimately decides that because she was gorgeous as a teen then she had the right to treat him like dirt for being a geek.
Jason comes across as a total doormat and he's ready to accept anything she wants to do. I kept reading because he is really likeable and the 80's references were cool.
The book played down his disability in some ways (New York City is NO problem for him at all!) but made it a big deal in others. For example, she constantly seems to think people assume they're NOT a couple, that people think him unworthy of anyone. She's even told at one point that she would only be with him because she's a desperate old maid of 32 (gasp!!!). This book assumes the worst of the general public!!
Ultimately it feels like Tasha is doing Jason a favour when he should find himself a decent woman.
i also agree with this review:
the author did a fantastic job of writing out a self absorbed shallow often glib heroine. And admittedly there were lots of funny moments, oh NANA what to with that mouth of yours!. I really wanted to loath Tasha and I pretty much felt bad for Jason through and through, because even up to the end I don't think someone like Tasha could ever have the emotional depth it would take to be in a relationship that goes deeper than the physical. At least not from how the author portrayed her. I felt no sympathy towards her 'failures' in her 32 years of life, which might I add seemed trivial. What kept my interest was really how her internal dialogue was amazing shallow, no depth and she couldn't see past her own looks and social hang ups to be with a guy that connects with her on every level. And Nana was a hoot!. It would have have been nice to see inside Jason's head. Only learned about him mostly from Tasha.
I didn't get any of the romance aspect I would have liked solely because the heroine left little to be desired. -
**********4.5 stars**********
Oh I just loved Tasha and Jason's story!! The Boy Next Door was such a heartfelt, real, and humorous look into the world of two people who were so alike, but who's lives were entirely different. I just fell in love with these characters and the journey they had to take to find their way back to each other!
Jason, the wheelchair-bound neighbor of wild child Tasha, was not at all what she expected. Always worrying too much what others thought of her, she wasn't prepared to like this odd, lonely boy, let alone become best of friends. I loved the glimpses into their past together as children, because it was just so incredibly sweet how they were inseparable for so many years despite his disability. My heart broke for Jason so many times with the struggles he went through, especially at the hands of his own Tasha. She infuriated me at times when she allowed her concerns about her own image to worm their way into her feelings for Jason, but at the same time it was so realistic that I couldn't hate her for it. As a child, it was her lack of maturity and understanding. As an adult, years later when she started wondering if she really did care for Jason as more than a friend, it was the new and strange feelings that she never had to face before. As much as I wanted it to be an easy transition where she just accepted everything, I could understand her reservations since it would have a big affect on her life. And the handsome, sweet, caring Jason had struggled his whole life with dating and finding someone to see past his paralysis, but even when he did there was that one factor that always held him back...Tasha. I was relieved that he had found his own experiences with women, especially since he had to watch Tasha bounce around with many guys, but I couldn't help but feel sad for him.
I was so hopeful that somehow, despite all of the roadblocks, these two soul mates would get their acts together and finally make each other happy where no one else could. Jason deserved to finally get his happy ever after with his girl Tash, and he was perfect for her in every way even if she was slow to realize it! I just loved this story, from the witty narration to the slightly awkward but entirely believable romance between these characters that warmed my heart. I would love to see more of Jason and Tasha down the road with a sequel or a long epilogue, so here's hoping!! -
Where do I begin? Tasha is one of the funniest narrators I have ever come across in reading. It just wasn’t safe to read and drink anything at the same time (trust me, I found out the hard way). She’s also loveable. She’s also clueless. But how many people actually realize that they’re best friend is thinking of them in a romantic way? Granted, it took her about 20 years to figure this out, and yes, Jason had to tell her, but still. She thought of him as a brother. Until she found out he was the male Linda Lovelace (use your imaginations, I’m keeping this review PG-13 – all I can say is that if I had his talents, I would have dated a lot more women in high school and college). Jason is awesome. He’s totally cool. He’s handicapped. But you won’t think about that except when the wheelchair is mentioned, because he’s fearless and tackles life head on. Nana? No brain-to-mouth filter. Thank God. Larry? Thrillingly boring. Melissa? PITA. Lydia? Should be forced to stand in a corner until she learns how to get along with her sister.
I loved this book.
Loved it.
Read it.
Now! -
2.5 Stars
Bought for free from Amazon on January 29, 2013 and read for the Why Buy the Cow Reading Challenge.
Cute contemporary romance between a self-proclaimed party girl and her long-time neighbor who happens to be in a wheelchair. I liked the author's writing style and how willing she was to involve difficult topics in her book. I loved Jason and how sweet he was to Tasha despite the fact that she didn't always deserve it. Tasha was an interesting character though I never really liked her. I appreciate that she was more than just the simpering, everyday romance novel heroine, but she had some very annoying qualities that made an impression on my reading. -
Cute rom-com about a Tasha and Jason, eight year olds who are thrown together by their parents because they are neighbors. Jason is disabled and Tasha is resentful however, she is easily seduced by his transformer collection. They form a life-long friendship with Jason as an observer to Tasha's rather chaotic life. It is clear that Jason adores her, and while she values him as a friend, she sees him only as a brother. They lose touch then reconnect, remembering all the things that made them enjoy each other's companionship. Age is creeping up on Tasha and she agrees to date boring Larry in the hopes of securing a marriage proposal. She is miserable that Jason appears to be ready to tie the knot with Melissa. A comedy of errors occurs and alls well that ends well. Costa skillfully navigates Jason's disability leaving the reader to enjoy the budding romance and see the characters as who they are, rather than defining them with their physical challenges.
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I read the sample and I could not get through even that. The heroine lifestyle did not appeal to me. I am not sure if she had sex ed about the dangers of STDs. I loved the premise, but I don't think this couple should get together. I know I am in the minority with my thoughts.
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Such a self centered MC. Also, she thinks that people with disability are abnormal.
And being a geek too.
How can people write such shitty books?
DNF at 14% -
I do not like to discourage people, especially when they had succeeded something big and serious like writing and publishing a book, but I can not let this one pass, since I believe this book was wrong on so many levels and somewhat offensive and insensetive to other people.
I started reading this book expecting a loving story- a classic cute "the boy next door". Instead, I found some seriously disturbing sentences that made me think "you can not seriously writing this".
Before I start, I would like to warn you about spoilers, but maybe you should read these before reading this book so you might have an idea about what you are getting yourself into.
1. The heroine, Tasha. Well, she is unbelievably self centered, only but only full of herself, thinks she is pretty (and that is the only feature of her), but somewhat slutshames herself. Yes. We witness her growing old, but not growing up. She always states she has always been beautiful and she slept around all the time. I'm not judging, I wouldn't judge people's lifestyles but apperantly the writer does, so our heroine is ashamed of herself.
2. Nana. This old woman must be a joke. I'm also ok with grumpy old lady, but this particular old lady says things like "Oh Tasha, your sister is ugly, and she is marrying someone who is also ugly, they will have ugly children together and be ugly forever". Nana, you are 90, you should have probably learnt by now that some things are more important than looks. Get a hold of yourself, this is your grandchild you are talking about.
3. Jason. The guy in the wheelchair. This guy and the story which is revolving around him made me feel uncomfortable the most. Jason is the ultimate 'the boy next door', only he is in a wheelchair and I do not know why, apparently being on a wheelchair makes you less desirable so a book can be written about that. I will not write about what is disturbing me, I will just quote some sentences from the book and you can decide for yourself.
"Now as you recall, Jason was (and is) a good-looking guy, and there was a strong family resemblance between him and his brother. Except Randy Fox wasn't in a wheelchair, so there was nothing to get in the way of his hotness."
"I picture our wedding; the groom disabled, in a wheelchair. Everyone staring at us, feeling sorry for me, like I couldn't get anyone better."
These are only some of the major things that had disturbed me, but I will stop writing since I believe this is already enough.
I really am sorry for writing such a discouraging review, but I would rather warn people about what they should be expecting. I do not want a kid in a wheelchair to read this book and think the only aspect that defines her/him is her/him being on a wheelchair. Because I think you will agree with me on this, when we see a character that resembles us of ourself, we kind of connect with that persona. I do not want a real life Jason to fall for a real life Tasha, because she would not be the right choice for you. For all the Jasons out there, you deserve someone better. -
My Thoughts: It’s been quite a while since I read a book that wasn’t YA. I have a few others on my TBR pile as well but I just don’t pick them up as much.
We are introduced to Tasha who is a pretty laid back girl but also had quite the teenage years. She was a bit of a party girl and liked to have fun. She also had a next door neighbor named Jason. They were friends since they were kids. Jason was in a wheelchair most of his life and Tasha got used to being friends with someone like him. Yes, he couldn't do everything she could but they spent plenty of time doing things they both enjoyed together. They go their separate ways when they become adults.
They grow up and reconnect and become best friends again. Tasha has a boyfriend usually and Jason has his fair share of relationships. Heck, at one time Jason is thinking about getting married and another time Tasha is engaged.
These two were such great characters. I loved both of them, and I saw myself falling for Jason, despite the things about him we couldn't control. I never once felt sorry for him, I just felt for him. He was funny and he could be serious and really be there for you.
Of course, I wanted Jason and Tasha to end up together, who wouldn't? Open your eyes Tasha and realize he’s not just the boy next door.
This one had me laughing out loud numerous times and at times I wanted to yell.
The Boy Next Door was an enjoyable read, I liked it a lot more than I originally thought I would going in.
Overall: Really enjoyed it. I hadn't heard much about this one before I had it recommended to me. It hasn't gotten much publicity yet but it was quite the catch.
Cover: Like it but I generally don’t like the cartoonish covers for some reason.
What I’d Give It: 4/5 Cupcakes
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Review Taken From Princess Bookie
www.princessbookie.com -
This author got me hooked with her books! The first one I read was great, and now this second one went straight to my read-again-pile, too.
Heroes in a wheelchair...what a refreshing take on the genre!
I could get addicted to them. Really!
The characters are people like you and me.
The hero's disability is visible. The one of the heroine is not!
Nearly 25 years of being best friends with him and although everyone kept telling her that his feelings for her went way deeper, she was completely oblivious to it.
Thank God, she realized it before it got to late!
I highly recommend this author.
Her writing style is amusing, heartfelt,great, great, great...
The only thing I did not like, is that she tends to wrap it up too quickly at the end.
Can someone write a sequel to this?
Please!!! -
I loved reading this story and watching the characters unfold. I'll happily read anything that Annabelle Costa writes!
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Another story with Annabelle Costa's pattern. Nicely written, to give a charming time. I would say, that Costa's ideas for the novel are surprisingly similar to e.g. Mhairi McFarlane's ideas. The difference is, McFarlane creates from them longer, more thoughtful novels. It doesn't mean Costa's books are stupid. Far from it. She just writes a shorter version, thinking mostly of girls/teenagers.
And she has an agenda: showing that the disabled are also people and feel and seek love in the same way as non-disabled, without denying that they have additional needs and limitations. I really hope Costa's stories are teaching successfully about it.
PS "The Boy Next Door" - another strong 3 stars (3.5) for the author. I would have changed perhaps it a bit, but still, it was a charming book. -
Tasha was so self absorbed and the way she thought about Jason just didn’t sit right with me. He was far too good for her.
Storyline also could have had more depth to it. -
This was a sweet, witty, funny romance read about Natasha and Jason.
Natasha is a self proclaimed pretty, fun, “partygoer” who has slept with a lot of people.
Jason started off as her next door neighbor, and then became her best friend. He is hot, funny, and successful.
He is also disabled.
There was a car accident when he was 5 and has no feeling from his waist down.
This friends to lovers story starts at their first encounter at the age of 8, it’s also written entirely in the POV of Tasha, including silly diagrams.
It ends with a really sweet HEA.
And it was a freebie too! SCORE Love it when the freebie’s are good!
--- > Just between you and me?
I was really feeling this light and fluffy read. It was serious while not being serious.
The discuss everything that normal friends do, including their sex lives.
Jason maybe disabled and has no feeling from the waist down, but yes he can have sex. He just can’t feel it, Viagra helps.
Most of Tasha’s sex scenes are fade to black.
EXCEPT with Jason.
Turns out, although he can’t feel sex he has other talents, which he prefers to do anyway.
He is a master of Oral sex! Yes I’m sure I just shocked you as my explanation was about a light and fluffy fade to black, sweet read. I was shocked as well at the turn it took.
A descriptive oral sex scene that was written that well that you could feel the love that Jason had for Tasha as if they were making love.
Just as when Tasha repaid the favor to Jason, but she actually worshiped his nipples as he can feel those...
it was perfect!
Bravo to Annabelle Costa for writing this and making the protagonist an awesome, funny, sweet, disabled man instead of a 6 foot, all muscle, Alpha male, Rockstar like most of them these days! -
Jason and his family moved in next door to Tasha and her family and Tasha’s family forced the two to interact and eventually they became best friends. Jason was in an accident and is a paraplegic that uses a wheelchair. Tasha just wants to be in the popular group and has Jason as a secret friend. Tasha seemed to self-absorbed and I didn't really warm up to the main characters in the book. They end up being friends for years telling each other about their relationships and things going on in their lives. Tasha couldn’t see that Jason had been crushing on her forever and all of his relationships were doomed because he was so in love with her and compared everyone to her. The story was a little long and drawn out to finally get to the finale and the wake up call for both of them. I liked the progression of their relationship and the fun banter that the two had going on, but not one of my favorite books.
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Tasha is such an incredibly unlikable character, I am honestly not sure what made me finish the book - maybe I was hoping she'd get dumped by Larry and Jason would find someone who's not a superficial, judgemental asshole who strings a guy along just to have someone. She accepts a marriage proposal from a guy who seems to genuinely love her (although God knows why) and whom she thinks of as a loser and compares to gum sticking to her shoe. What the hell did I just read. Seriously. Someone smack that woman upside the head, she needs it.
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This book has the most vain shallow heroine in it I have ever read... i can not figure out why either one of the men in this book would want anything to do with her. the story starts when the H/h are eight but most of it takes place when they are 32 though I think Tasha acts like she is eight years old throughout the whole book. AWEFUL..
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Okay, so I am not going to lie. I was NOT impressed. I don't know what it is, but I was so upset by the way the main character treated people. It was almost sickening to me the way she said her sister was ugly, and so superficial the way she acted all high and mighty the whole time. I couldn't relate to her at all which made me NOT want her to get James.
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Would have been 5 stars if I could have seen the h/H together more. They get together only at the end and the book is more about their friendship from childhood, though thats sweet and funny at times and about their respective dating lives.
But loved the book though. I'm in love with Jason and Tasha was so good for him! She made his life fun and interesting for sure and he sure adored her. -
4.5 STARS!!! This book is humorous, heartwarming, and cute. It has a different approach to the norm we are used to in regards to the leading man. I truly enjoyed every single moment of it! It put a BIG smile on my face.
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3.5 stars
Fun book, new and interesting subject matter to consider & a guest review, follow the link for my complete Scandalicious Book Review:
http://www.scandaliciousbookreviews.c... -
I loved this story about Tasha and Jason. I absolutely adored both characters. Jason is wheelchair-bound. She, like so many young people, worried about appearances and what others thought of her. I know some children "fear" the unknown or simply don't know how to feel comfortable around others who have differences such as being in a wheelchair. One of my daughters dated a boy in high school who was on the wrestling team. What was so different about him? He had no legs and he was so respected due to the fact that he didn't let that to limit him and he was known among our schools as a good wrestler.
Anyway I like that this story is about Jason's struggles, in part, and what he goes through on a day-to-day basis. He had his typical and expected hormones and romantic ideas, some that were strongly about Tasha. As is so common in what seems to be, or what one thinks is a platonic relationship only, she didn't recognize his romantic inclinations towards her for a long time...in fact, not until adulthood.
I loved that when I read about Jason and was thinking about his relationship with Tasha and others, I didn't see him as "handicapped" because that wasn't the focus. He was a strong character and I see him as brave and courageous. His disability only becomes a part of who he is to the reader when it's mentioned because of the way that he's portrayed, it's not something on the forefront of your mind.
Really liked it and hope you read it. -
Before you read this, you should know this is a light read. So if you are looking for deepness and a troubled past with suffering characters and heartbreaking sadness, this book is not for you.
Sure, it mentions the insecurities that being in a wheelchair brings, but its a subject touched very lightly. And it's predictable, too. The main character, Tasha, in unsurprisingly oblivious. And Jason is, of course, harboring a life-long crush on her.
And although it does mention how Jason sometimes struggled throughout his life being paraplegic, I do wish Tasha showed more concern for his well-being. And there's a moment where Tasha aknowledges that Jason is a bit fearful for the future , but its not something that is discussed as much as I would like.
All in all, it is a fun romantic book. I'd comment more but there's nothing earth sattering here if I'm honest. -
Tasha was so freaking unlikeable I couldn't even finish the book!!! I get where the author was trying to go with her type of personality...the spunky, march-to-the-beat-of-your-own-drum, unconsciously self-centered person who somehow comes off as endearing...but Tasha completely misses the mark. To the point that some of her internal narrative towards Jason, the guy she is supposed to wind up with, are just straight up cruel. It's so bad that if some of her internal monologue about Jason was actual conversations that she had with friends about him, those same friends would be worried for Jason once him and Tasha got together. There are plenty of other books out there with a similar plot so don't waste your time with this one.
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Super fun and enjoyable read. I literally could not put it down. I had so much fun reading this book and I laughed a lot. I loved Jason (super cool imperfect hero) and Tasha was a real shallow hot heroine who was still growing up throughout the story. All in all it was one of the best in its genre and I loved it so much and I'm already a fan of
Annabelle Costa's book. -
Mostly Fine
The Mc is a little unbelievably dense. Ok, a lot. But it's well written and every character feels believable. Read it in one sitting so never boring, but a bit short. Could use more time exploring their actual relationship. -
I really disliked Tasha. I kept hoping she would grow and mature as she aged, but she was just as selfish and needy at 32 yrs old as she was at 8 yrs old. Jason definitely deserved a better ending.
