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The Boy Next Door
The new novel by Carnegie Medal nominated author Jenny Ireland. Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Jennifer Niven.
Now she wasn’t Molly Cassidy, St Anne’s pain-in-the-hole princess. She was nine-year-old Molly who was my best friend in the whole world. Nobody had put her in the recovery position. All these people and they’d just left her like that . . . I held her hand until the ambulance came.
Finbar and Molly live next door to each other. When they were children, they spent hours and hours together. They were best friends. Until they weren't.
Now 18, Fin and Molly move in very different circles. Molly is popular, pretty, dating the most handsome boy in the whole school. Fin has one friend and he's pretty sure he hates his dad and his little sister.
At a party one night, though, they're pulled together in a way neither of them expects and then follows a year that will see them experiencing life-changing challenges, friendships, love and everything in between.
Now she wasn’t Molly Cassidy, St Anne’s pain-in-the-hole princess. She was nine-year-old Molly who was my best friend in the whole world. Nobody had put her in the recovery position. All these people and they’d just left her like that . . . I held her hand until the ambulance came.
Finbar and Molly live next door to each other. When they were children, they spent hours and hours together. They were best friends. Until they weren't.
Now 18, Fin and Molly move in very different circles. Molly is popular, pretty, dating the most handsome boy in the whole school. Fin has one friend and he's pretty sure he hates his dad and his little sister.
At a party one night, though, they're pulled together in a way neither of them expects and then follows a year that will see them experiencing life-changing challenges, friendships, love and everything in between.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2024
32 people are currently reading
963 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
September 19, 2024
I'm obsessed with this cover!
September 13, 2024
very cute but kinda annoying sometimes lol
September 30, 2025
This one gave me all the tears and cheers!
I feel this book is really underrated and I feel this book has more audience which has yet to find it.
The story tackles some heavy issues on grief, questionable parenting, an important health condition and young love.
The writing is pretty good and easily accessible. It is perfect for teens and YA lovers.
A very satisfying read!
I feel this book is really underrated and I feel this book has more audience which has yet to find it.
The story tackles some heavy issues on grief, questionable parenting, an important health condition and young love.
The writing is pretty good and easily accessible. It is perfect for teens and YA lovers.
A very satisfying read!
March 25, 2025
God I’m so obsessed with this author now, every book has been so good. It’s emotional and tackles tough subjects while bringing the romance (no spice).
March 30, 2024
And this is how you write romance for teens not adults!! Some lovely depth and storytelling here and who doesn’t love the boy next door romance? I ate it quickly and delightfully like the best Starbars should be eaten.
August 3, 2024
Read this as part of the reading role models scheme for school. It's brilliantly written, intense at times but unexpected and heartwarming. Loved it. A great book to teach resilience.
November 1, 2024
I really liked the brain injury angle! It was really interesting and adds another layer to the romance. i didn't like how Conor's character was used in the novel though, there were other parts of the plot that could have created conflict. Otherwise though, super cute! I'm a sucker for a childhood friends to lovers - what can I say?
December 18, 2024
This is a perfect young adult love story, it is romantic, it is full of heart and depth. I think many young girls can see themselves in Molly. I would have loved to have a book like this when I was younger, they way it discusses body image and self love. I deffinitely know what it feels like to feel sorry for someone else that have to look at you and therefor be disgusted by you. The book deals with all of this really well! So I hope it finds the way to as many readers as possible! 🥰
May 3, 2024
This was… surprisingly good?!
When I went into this book, I thought of it as a normal‘I fell in love with the boy next door’ but no..
Okay, I’ll say it now to get it out of the way. This book made me tear up from 50-100 pages in. The emotion thrown at me was so unexpected and depressing that I just had to read on. This is no I-fell-in-love-with-the-boy-next-door-and-there-was-a-bit-of-family-drama. This is a book of self discovery among the characters with a nicely played out bit of romance. I also respect that they sorted out their problems separately.
5 stars
When I went into this book, I thought of it as a normal‘I fell in love with the boy next door’ but no..
Okay, I’ll say it now to get it out of the way. This book made me tear up from 50-100 pages in. The emotion thrown at me was so unexpected and depressing that I just had to read on. This is no I-fell-in-love-with-the-boy-next-door-and-there-was-a-bit-of-family-drama. This is a book of self discovery among the characters with a nicely played out bit of romance. I also respect that they sorted out their problems separately.
5 stars
October 19, 2024
Okay but it was actually so good? Like the ending was a bit too cheesy for my liking but otherwise I really enjoyed the whole book. The characters were well fleshed out, the plot was interesting, the writing was simple but good, the dialogue wasn't cringe. Definitely worth to read it.
July 3, 2025
Content warnings: medical emergency, hospitalisation, death of a parent (in the past), grief, discussions of surgery, mental health, disordered eating, shitty parenting, body image issues, mentions of drug use
Okay, first things first: I've never seen a character with vitiligo on the page before. It wasn't mentioned as often as I would have liked, but it's definitely there. This was...less of a romance and more of a contemporary than I was expecting. This isn't a criticism in the slightest. I loved the romance that develops, but I also really enjoyed the way this discusses Molly's hospitalisation and her recovery and the way that the medication she's put onto impacts her life and her image of herself.
I wanted to reach into the book and slap Molly's mother at least a dozen times, and I was thrilled when Finbar confronts his dad about the way his grief is impacting both his children. All in all? Perhaps darker than I was anticipating, but a wonderfully told story that I very much enjoyed.
Okay, first things first: I've never seen a character with vitiligo on the page before. It wasn't mentioned as often as I would have liked, but it's definitely there. This was...less of a romance and more of a contemporary than I was expecting. This isn't a criticism in the slightest. I loved the romance that develops, but I also really enjoyed the way this discusses Molly's hospitalisation and her recovery and the way that the medication she's put onto impacts her life and her image of herself.
I wanted to reach into the book and slap Molly's mother at least a dozen times, and I was thrilled when Finbar confronts his dad about the way his grief is impacting both his children. All in all? Perhaps darker than I was anticipating, but a wonderfully told story that I very much enjoyed.
March 16, 2024
4.5!!
After reading The First Move last year, I was enthralled with Jenny’s writing, and the stories as well as the representation that they provide.
The Boy Next Door is about becoming who you need to be, not who people want you to be, as well as second chances, particularly in the face of events that could change your life forever.
Following Molly, St Anne’s most popular girl, and Finbar, the seemingly unnoticed boy in school (the butterfly boy as he is referred to at some point), a rekindling of past friendships occur, and the kindling of something more as well.
After Molly’s accident, her life is turned upside down, and she’s unsure who she has or who she is becoming, until Finbar is reintroduced and becomes her new constant.
This story is about reminding each other, personal growth, and healing in adversity; the both find their childhood best friend in each other again, and they both heal with each others support.
A fast paced read, and it was an absolute delight. Some of the issues Jenny discusses are handled so brilliantly, balanced well with both character and story.
TW: loss of parent (pre existing), disordered eating and self image issues, traumatic health event, representation of anxiety, overly controlling parent, distant parent
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this eARC !
After reading The First Move last year, I was enthralled with Jenny’s writing, and the stories as well as the representation that they provide.
The Boy Next Door is about becoming who you need to be, not who people want you to be, as well as second chances, particularly in the face of events that could change your life forever.
Following Molly, St Anne’s most popular girl, and Finbar, the seemingly unnoticed boy in school (the butterfly boy as he is referred to at some point), a rekindling of past friendships occur, and the kindling of something more as well.
After Molly’s accident, her life is turned upside down, and she’s unsure who she has or who she is becoming, until Finbar is reintroduced and becomes her new constant.
This story is about reminding each other, personal growth, and healing in adversity; the both find their childhood best friend in each other again, and they both heal with each others support.
A fast paced read, and it was an absolute delight. Some of the issues Jenny discusses are handled so brilliantly, balanced well with both character and story.
TW: loss of parent (pre existing), disordered eating and self image issues, traumatic health event, representation of anxiety, overly controlling parent, distant parent
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this eARC !
April 7, 2025
Wow, I just dek what to say rn.. Enemies to lovers trope just perfects the speaking of me! I loved Finbar and Daisy's personality, the typical lonely guy vs his ex bsf who's popular with a popular boyfriend. I loved the whole thing throughout, it was just so fun to read. At some point Molly's life had to be ruined. I loved their friendship, and how they became closer over her accident. Gaby is so full of herself, she should atleast be there for her daughter not make her feel like a burden. She just had to be that type of mother. I loved how Fin is always there for Molly from the start and this book was just amazing. I like how Fin just put his dad in his place and the fact that they got to go Florida. Gonna miss reading this book.
November 3, 2024
'The Boy Next Door' is told from duel POVs. It follows Finbar and Molly, neighbours who were once childhood best friends until a tragic event changed everything when they were 9. They are now 17 and have nothing to do with each other until a life-changing event occurs and they are reconnected.
This book is about becoming who you want to be rather than who others want you to be as well as second chances. The story is about healing whilst facing adversity, personal growth and supporting others.
A fast read, the author handles sensitive issues beautifully, they are balanced both with the characters and within the story. Perfect YA.
Issues covered include death of a parent, grief, eating disorder, traumatic health event, anxiety, overcontrolling parent and a distant parent.
This book is about becoming who you want to be rather than who others want you to be as well as second chances. The story is about healing whilst facing adversity, personal growth and supporting others.
A fast read, the author handles sensitive issues beautifully, they are balanced both with the characters and within the story. Perfect YA.
Issues covered include death of a parent, grief, eating disorder, traumatic health event, anxiety, overcontrolling parent and a distant parent.
July 11, 2024
3,5 ⭐️
April 10, 2024
Fun ya romance that also deals with difficult topics, the romance was cute I liked their friendship and the boy next door thing always worked. I also liked their character growth as the story went on and they overcame their respective challenges. Also liked that the main characters issues were separate and solved separately to the romance and not because of it.
June 1, 2024
Sadly the book missed the chance for a bigger critical discussion of the personal problems of the two main characters. I think especially a book written for a younger audience needs that.
None the less I enjoyed the slow burn and love for Daisy 💕
None the less I enjoyed the slow burn and love for Daisy 💕
May 15, 2024
ending was rushed very rushed
February 8, 2025
A summary of this book:
Molly’s an ungrateful B!tch. For some reason, for most of the book she doesn’t appreciate the fact that she’s ALIVE and how lucky she is not to be dead.😑 She was unjustly mean to her dad when all he was trying to do was help her. She was mad at Finbar for not telling her about Conor and kept saying stuff like ‘how can I ever forgive him’ pretending like all those months he had helped her was nothing.
Molly’s mum is a B!tch. I know there was a ‘reason’ at the end of the book for her being the way she is but honestly? That didn’t cut it. She messed with Molly’s head and I feel like that’s part of the reason Molly is the self-absorbed character she is.
Finbar is a douche bag. He blamed Molly’s best friends about not telling her about Conor when he was literally doing the same thing. He blamed his sister for his mum’s death. Yes, he regretted it afterwards and apologized, but still, the idea shouldn’t have even been there in the first place. And he even complains about his dad not talking about his mum at all we he also tries to avoid talking about her when Juno asks. In my point of view, the main characters in this book are just a bit too hypocritical.🫤
Molly’s an ungrateful B!tch. For some reason, for most of the book she doesn’t appreciate the fact that she’s ALIVE and how lucky she is not to be dead.😑 She was unjustly mean to her dad when all he was trying to do was help her. She was mad at Finbar for not telling her about Conor and kept saying stuff like ‘how can I ever forgive him’ pretending like all those months he had helped her was nothing.
Molly’s mum is a B!tch. I know there was a ‘reason’ at the end of the book for her being the way she is but honestly? That didn’t cut it. She messed with Molly’s head and I feel like that’s part of the reason Molly is the self-absorbed character she is.
Finbar is a douche bag. He blamed Molly’s best friends about not telling her about Conor when he was literally doing the same thing. He blamed his sister for his mum’s death. Yes, he regretted it afterwards and apologized, but still, the idea shouldn’t have even been there in the first place. And he even complains about his dad not talking about his mum at all we he also tries to avoid talking about her when Juno asks. In my point of view, the main characters in this book are just a bit too hypocritical.🫤
August 14, 2025
I did not enjoy this as much as I did The First Move. I like the storyline just fine, but the characters are disappointing, especially Finbar. I swear, Finbar's character doesn't come across like a teenage guy. There were times when i had to double check who's POV I am reading because just like Molly's, Finbar's POV is very feminine, which I find a bit of a turn-off, mainly because i cannot distinguish between the male and female "voices" in the story.
June 26, 2024
it was a really fun book to read! loved the plot and the way they reconnect but the ending was very rushed! it needed a little bit more it felt like i just blinked my eyes, other than that i would recommend this book for people who enjoy reading ya because it's really cute and fresh!
January 28, 2025
4.5 rounded up to 5 🌟
Enjoyed this one a lot - didn't want to put it down.
I found the characters to be relatable throughout the story (even the health scare) so very well done to the author for that.
Highly recommend this to all readers
Enjoyed this one a lot - didn't want to put it down.
I found the characters to be relatable throughout the story (even the health scare) so very well done to the author for that.
Highly recommend this to all readers
October 6, 2024
3.5 stars
December 1, 2024
This was perfect in every single way. If I could’ve done anything to never make this book have an end I would’ve done it.
February 21, 2025
3,5
I really liked this book, made me see the world in other perspective
I really liked this book, made me see the world in other perspective
January 26, 2025
Very cute I cried
March 21, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read it before it becomes published.
What can I say? This was AMAZING. I loved the plot and the characters, their personalities and their stories were so well thought out. So let’s start from the beginning:
Molly one of the two main characters is a perfect representation what happens when one of your parents projects their own insecurities on and trauma mixed with being a teenager. I honestly related to her so much, being made to feel like everything you’re doing just isn’t enough and that you should be doing more and more.
I loved her journey and how she overcame her issues and become the best version of herself.
Finbar was such a cute character, also had some trauma to deal with but I enjoyed reading about his journey and his growth. I really loved that this book is written in dual POV, I think understanding both characters is so important to understand the full story and honestly it was amazing.
This book made me cry, laugh and also look at life slightly differently, I suppose we don’t think how lucky we are until something bad happens.
What can I say? This was AMAZING. I loved the plot and the characters, their personalities and their stories were so well thought out. So let’s start from the beginning:
Molly one of the two main characters is a perfect representation what happens when one of your parents projects their own insecurities on and trauma mixed with being a teenager. I honestly related to her so much, being made to feel like everything you’re doing just isn’t enough and that you should be doing more and more.
I loved her journey and how she overcame her issues and become the best version of herself.
Finbar was such a cute character, also had some trauma to deal with but I enjoyed reading about his journey and his growth. I really loved that this book is written in dual POV, I think understanding both characters is so important to understand the full story and honestly it was amazing.
This book made me cry, laugh and also look at life slightly differently, I suppose we don’t think how lucky we are until something bad happens.
August 22, 2024
emmm… well…
i read Jenny Ireland’s “The First Move”. it was much better. i skipped a lot of parts because the main characters would make a mountain out of a molehill (fight whose problem is bigger, start dating, but in 2 pages the break up). i think it’s a book just to unwind
i read Jenny Ireland’s “The First Move”. it was much better. i skipped a lot of parts because the main characters would make a mountain out of a molehill (fight whose problem is bigger, start dating, but in 2 pages the break up). i think it’s a book just to unwind
April 27, 2025
I loved this book. This old friends to lovers concept has got to be one of my favourites and the whole plot just made me love it even more!!! You don’t find that many books set in the UK which helps you relate to it so much. Would definitely recommend this to read!!
March 23, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House UK for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book and honestly, I wish I loved it more.
This started as another version of the 90s movie “Drive me Crazy”, but with different inciting incident.
What the summary doesn’t tell you is that this is a romance but also a novel following a character who experiences a brain injury. I can tell this is something the author has experienced based on the author’s note, so I wanted to say - any criticism of this book is never addressed to the author personally or aimed to criticise their personal experience with their recovery. I appreciate this book probably feels very personal. For this reason alone, I’d encourage you to read this book for yourself.
I found Molly’s exploration of dealing with the new reality of having a brain injury interesting and and the aspect with most depth in here.
But I didn’t love the fact that it felt like Molly only fell in love with Fin because he was the only one there for her during her recovery - their relationship progressed really quickly and I wasn’t convinced this would have ever happened if she hadn’t had her accident.
The start of the book was really difficult to get through because the writing - I almost DNFed as soon as the first 4% because of the cringy dialogue. This improved as the story progressed, but the writing continued to lack depth, both in terms of fleshing out the supporting characters or to provide more than surface level insight. The plot also lacks a lot of distinct events, so it feels the books is mainly the two main characters hanging out in their bedrooms.
There was also a subplot with controlling parent and eating disordered behaviour, which I felt could have been handled better - by the end of the book, I felt this was mostly dismissed and we never got a satisfactory conclusion to this subplot.
I do want to clarify one more thing - this was YA romance. The marketing made this confusing as I noticed one of the comp authors for this was Emily Henry and I can’t think of a more inaccurate comparison both in writing and tone.
Despite how much I love YA romances, this one was a miss for me.
I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book and honestly, I wish I loved it more.
This started as another version of the 90s movie “Drive me Crazy”, but with different inciting incident.
What the summary doesn’t tell you is that this is a romance but also a novel following a character who experiences a brain injury. I can tell this is something the author has experienced based on the author’s note, so I wanted to say - any criticism of this book is never addressed to the author personally or aimed to criticise their personal experience with their recovery. I appreciate this book probably feels very personal. For this reason alone, I’d encourage you to read this book for yourself.
I found Molly’s exploration of dealing with the new reality of having a brain injury interesting and and the aspect with most depth in here.
But I didn’t love the fact that it felt like Molly only fell in love with Fin because he was the only one there for her during her recovery - their relationship progressed really quickly and I wasn’t convinced this would have ever happened if she hadn’t had her accident.
The start of the book was really difficult to get through because the writing - I almost DNFed as soon as the first 4% because of the cringy dialogue. This improved as the story progressed, but the writing continued to lack depth, both in terms of fleshing out the supporting characters or to provide more than surface level insight. The plot also lacks a lot of distinct events, so it feels the books is mainly the two main characters hanging out in their bedrooms.
There was also a subplot with controlling parent and eating disordered behaviour, which I felt could have been handled better - by the end of the book, I felt this was mostly dismissed and we never got a satisfactory conclusion to this subplot.
I do want to clarify one more thing - this was YA romance. The marketing made this confusing as I noticed one of the comp authors for this was Emily Henry and I can’t think of a more inaccurate comparison both in writing and tone.
Despite how much I love YA romances, this one was a miss for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews