by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publish Date: 7th April 2016

Title: What I Thought Was True
Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
Publisher: Electric Monkey
Book: #2 of My Life Next Door
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Found: Netgalley
Rating: 4 Voodoos

Gwen Castle’s Biggest Mistake Ever, Cassidy Somers, is slumming it as a yard boy on her idyllic island this summer. He’s a rich kid from across the bridge in Stony Bay, and she hails from a family of local fishermen and cleaners. But then Gwen learns something new. Something unexpected. Sparks fly and secret histories unravel in a gorgeous, restless summer where suddenly the possibilities are endless . . .

- Netgalley

I feel I may be totally alone on this one, but I actually preferred What I Thought Was True to My Life Next Door. It was less predictable and the characters weren’t always easy to like.

Stony Bay has always been split in two but it’s more than just a bridge that separates the two sides of this sea-side town. Oh no, it’s all about Money, you either have it or you don’t. Gwen Castle’s family don’t. Every summer Gwen and her cousin Nic work hard to help their family get by. The same can’t be said for Cassidy Somers. Cassidy Somers is the new yard boy on the island, but unlike Gwen and Nic, Cassidy doesn’t need the money. He’s from the rich side of town and his dad bought him the position in an attempt to teach him a lesson. With his pretty face and charm, Cassidy quickly earns the love of all the rich old ladies on the island but Gwen isn’t as easily convinced.

What I Thought Was True is a great lazy summer read. It builds up very slowly, which may be a problem for some readers, but wasn’t for me. It explores the ideas of family, friendship and summer romances as well as that irksome concept of ‘The Future’. It also looks at the troubles that come with feelings of guilt and the weight of money problems and other responsibilities.

I felt for Gwen and Nic. It must be hard to face the idea that your future may be dictated by another. They have a mentally disabled sibling, Emory, and although Gwen and Emory’s mother and Grandfather are around to look after him, there’s always that underlying thought that eventually they may be all Emory has, and when that time comes they may have to give up their dreams in order to look after him. I loved the scenes with Emory, he was such a sweet child. Huntley Fitzpatrick really knows how to capture characters and make them feel real and Emory was easily one of my favourites.

This story is all about the slow build romance. It really gets under your skin and I so wanted Gwen and Cassidy to figure things out and get together! It was so consuming that I was completely oblivious to the drama’s building in the background! It was nice to see the roles reversed in this book. Gwen had a very simple view on sex, it’s just physical. It was irritating to see her being shamed for her openness. The boys in this book were quick to judge her for her one night stands but didn’t judge each other for them. I hate that so much! Why can’t a girl embrace their sexuality?

Although there may not be as much drama as My Life Next Door I think what I loved about this book was that it felt realistic. Life isn’t fast passed and full of drama, sometime its interesting just to concentrate on the small details that make everyday life what it is and always find something to look forward to. My something to look forward to is the next book in this set, The Boy Most Likely To, YAY Tim