The Boy Most Likely To

 Huntley Fitzpatrick

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Genre: Contemporary Fiction + Young Adult

Initial Impression This book, The Boy Most Likely To, is the second in the Garretts series. I have to admit, I read the first one a few years ago and wasn’t exactly thrilled when this sequel popped up on my "Wheel of TBR," but I figured I’d give it a shot with a fresh perspective. I mean, the first one was just an okay read for me, so my expectations were pretty low to start.

Summary The story picks up with Tim Mason, who is, for lack of a better term, a screw-up. He's made a lot of mistakes, flunked out of school, and has pretty much disappointed everyone in his family. When he moves into the Garretts’ garage apartment, it's his last shot to get his act together. The Garretts themselves are a huge, wonderfully chaotic family, and their presence seems to both overwhelm Tim and, at the same time, give him a much-needed sense of stability.

Then there's Alice Garrett, the oldest daughter, who has her own stuff going on. Her dad is recovering from an accident, so she's stepped up to basically run the whole household. It’s a lot to handle, and she’s still trying to figure out her own life. She’s tough, practical, and maybe a little prickly, which makes for a fascinating contrast with Tim’s charming but self-destructive ways.

Their relationship starts off pretty reluctantly, almost like they’re enemies at first, but it gradually becomes something more complicated and surprisingly sweet. Alice doesn't want anything to get in the way of her responsibilities, and Tim, well, he's just not sure he deserves someone as solid and capable as she is. Yet, they find a way to connect, and their chemistry really helps both of them grow.

The plot takes a pretty dramatic turn when Tim finds out one of his past flings might have left him with a baby he never knew about. Being a father is a big challenge that comes out of nowhere, especially when he is trying to show himself and everyone else that he is more than just the guy who is most likely to fail. 

Characters The characters have some depth, but I have to admit that they weren't always interesting. Tim feels a bit like the classic “bad boy trying to do better” archetype, and while his journey is compelling in spots, it leans on some clichés. Thanks to his vulnerability and desire to change, he became pretty likable. Alice, on the other hand, comes across as very strong and grounded, but she also seems so weighed down by her circumstances. Her no-nonsense attitude is pretty realistic, though sometimes she feels more like a caretaker than a character with her own full arc.

The Garrett family adds a lot of warmth and energy to the story. The reader may find their noisy, busy home a little too much at times, but it feels so real and heartfelt. The supporting characters can occasionally blend together, but they do a good job of creating a genuine family vibe that helps ground Tim and Alice’s individual journeys.

Writing Style Tim and Alice are both written in the first person, and Huntley Fitzpatrick alternates between their points of view. The reason this dual narration works so well is that it allows you to enter both of their minds and truly comprehend their desires and fears. The writing is easy to read and sounds like a conversation. It has a classic YA romance feel, with drama, humor, and sad moments all mixed in. But there are times when the pacing seems a little slow because there is too much internal monologue.

Setting and Atmosphere The book is set in a small New England town, with most of the action taking place right there at the Garretts’ busy house. Tim’s garage apartment is a good symbol for his attempt to start over, and the Garretts’ household represents this great mix of chaos, responsibility, and love. The setting feels intimate, maybe even a little claustrophobic sometimes, but it’s a perfect backdrop for a story that's all about family. 

The book's atmosphere alternates between being cozy and being stressful. In addition to the emotional weight of Alice's overwhelming burdens and Tim's unexpected fatherhood, you get the cozy, messy comfort of a large family with all of their dinners and arguments. The tone perfectly conveys the pressures and rewards of being a teenager on the verge of adulthood.

Final Thoughts The Boy Most Likely To definitely has its good moments—the realistic family dynamics, some genuinely emotional scenes, and a sweet, complex romance. But I think there are several problems, like the pacing and drama, which can sometimes feel a little too much. Many times I felt that some of the plot twists were a little forced, and Tim's character arc is interesting, but it seems to go on for a long time. 

Alice's story is good, but it often gets lost in the shuffle of Tim's problems. All in all, it’s a decent YA read that manages to balance humor, romance, and some real-life challenges, though it doesn’t quite hit its full potential. I gave it 3 stars because it was an enjoyable read in some parts, but it's not one I'll probably remember a few years from now. I suppose readers who are really into family-focused YA romances with flawed but redeemable characters might find this worthwhile, but others might feel like it's a bit uneven.

Key Themes

• Family
• Responsibility
• Redemption
• Forgiveness
• Love
• Coming of age
• Mistakes and consequences
• Self-discovery
• Trust
• Second chances