The Boy Next Door

Family conflict, changing relationships, and questions of identity are at the heart of this engaging spin on the classic romance plotline.

Maddy Spier's 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. How can she make him realize that they can be partners off the ice as well?

Gabe's relationship with Maddy is vital. He can't imagine skating with anyone else, and together they have a real chance at greatness–maybe even making it to the Olympics someday. So he's decided to think of her as a sister. After all, family is forever, and he's never dated anyone for more than two weeks.

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

Chosen by readers like you for Macmillan's young adult imprint Swoon Reads, debut author Katie Van Ark’s novel The Boy Next Door is full of competition, misunderstandings, and of course, plenty of romance.

Praise for The Boy Next Door:

“Fans of ice-skating and romance will fall in love with this debut novel.” —School Library Journal

“Van Ark's story of two skating partners is hot enough to melt the ice.” —Romantic Times

“Guaranteed to warm even the coldest heart.” —Justine

“Fans of ice-skating and romance will fall in love with this debut novel.” —School Library Journal

“ Van Ark's story of two skating partners is hot enough to melt the ice.” —Romantic Times

“Guaranteed to warm even the coldest heart.” —Justine

"This story pulled me in from the beginning and kept me hooked until the end. Each voice is authentic and even the parents are fleshed out and realistic–something that doesn't always happen in YA fiction. Plenty of misunderstandings and make-ups, both part of teen relationships. I was left rooting for Maddy and Gabe both on and off the ice." —AliasLibrarian, reader on SwoonReads.com