The Boy Next Door

The Boy Next Door is an adult novel written by Meg Cabot. It was first published in October 2002 under her pen name, Meggin Cabot. The novel is the first in her Boy series, which consists of four loosely and thematically linked novels.

The book is told through a series of emails and focuses on the developing romance between Melissa Fuller and John Trent.

Dedication

 * "For Benjamin"

Acknowledgments

 * "Many thanks to Beth Adler, Jennifer Brown, Laura Langlie, and David Walton"

Book description

 * "To: You (you) From: Human Resources (human.resources@thenyjournal.com) Subject: This Book Dear Reader, This is an automated message from the Human Resources Division of the New York Journal, New York City’s leading photo-newspaper. Please be aware that according to our records you have not yet read this book. What exactly are you waiting for? This book has it all: *Humor *Romance *Cooking tips *Great Danes *Heroine in peril *Dolphin-shaped driftwood sculptures If you wish to read about any of the above, please do not hesitate to head to the checkout counter, where you will be paired with a sales associate who will work to help you buy this book. We here at the New York Journal are a team. We win as a team, and lose as one as well. Don’t you want to be on the winning team? Sincerely, Human Resources Division New York Journal Please note that failure to read this book may result in suspension or dismissal from this store. *********This e-mail is confidential and should not be used by anyone who is not the original intended recipient. If you have received this e-mail in error please inform the sender and delete it from your mailbox or any other storage mechanism.*********"

Plot
Melissa Fuller, known as Mel to her friends, receives an email from Human Resources about being tardy for work that morning. Her next email comes from her best friend and New York Journal colleague Nadine Wilcock, asking after her whereabouts. She receives similar messages from co-workers Aaron Spender, Dolly Vargas, and managing editor George Sanchez. Mel replies to George with a detailed account of her morning. She explains her lateness was caused by her helping an elderly neighbor Helen Friedlander, whom she found unconscious. Additionally, she has to care for Mrs. Friedlander's pets, two Siamese cats and a Great Dane. Mel believes Mrs. Friedlander was attacked and feels their is a "story here" but George disagrees.

Mel then replies to her colleagues, including now ex-boyfriend Aaron. To Nadine, she reveals that Aaron cheated on her with news correspondent Barbara Bellerieve and that he confessed it to her the previous night. Mel voices her annoyance at having "wasted three months of [her] life on him."

Setting
The Boy Next Door takes place entirely in New York City, where Cabot lived for a number of years. The primary locations featured are Mel's apartment building and the offices of the New York Journal.

Awards

 * "Reading with Ripa" Book Club Pick
 * RITA Award for Best Single Title Contemporary (2003) - nominated