A Review for Wild Cards (Wild Cards #1) by Simone Elkeles

Posted by Donna
Release Date: January 2nd, 2014
Finished Date: October 7th, 2013

Publishers: Walker UK  
Genre: YA Romance, Contemporary
Source: For Review

Format: eARC
Pages: 288

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

After getting kicked out of boarding school, bad boy Derek Fitzpatrick has no choice but to live with his ditzy stepmother while his military dad is deployed. Things quickly go from bad to worse when he finds out she plans to move them back to her childhood home in Illinois. Derek s counting the days before he can be on his own, and the last thing he needs is to get involved with someone else s family drama.

Ashtyn Parker knows one thing for certain--people you care about leave without a backward glance. A football scholarship would finally give her the chance to leave. So she pours everything into winning a state championship, until her boyfriend and star quarterback betrays them all by joining their rival team. Ashtyn needs a new game plan, but it requires trusting Derek "someone she barely knows, someone born to break the rules. Is she willing to put her heart on the line to try and win it all

The Review: "Because I'm trying to push you away when all I want to do is hold you. I know you say you don't want a hero, but damn I'd like to be that guy who'll save you from spiders and whatever and whoever else hurts you."

Simone Elkeles was the very first writer to introduce to me to the wonderful world of contemporary romance, with her awesome Perfect Chemistry series. So when I heard she was writing a new series, I was stupidly excited. I wanted her to re-create the magic she did with her other series, but while I definitely enjoyed Wild Cards, I didn't think it was quiet as memorable as the likes of Perfect Chemistry or Leaving Paradise.

Wild Cards stars footballer player Ashtyn Parker. Ashtyn has been promoted to captain of the high school football team over her popular boyfriend, Landon. When Ashtyn's Sister turns up with her new step-son; Derek, Ashtyn reactions to Derek are somewhat uncalled for....it's pretty clear that she's hiding some attraction to him. But for some reason Derek always brings the worst out in Ashtyn, but what's a girl to do when she has a hot guy living with her?

Derek Fitzpatrick just got kicked out of school for pulling one of the most talked about pranks, so when he finds himself living with his step-mom's family, he's determined to find a way out. It's not until Ashtyn starts to get under his skin that he starts to realise he wants more than his carefree ways of life. Can Derek and Ashtyn really be good for each other under all of their own insecurities?

I definitely enjoyed Wild Cards, it's a quick read, one that's humorous and has a sweet, slow burning romance. It's got some very light hearted moments but then deals with some hard ones too. What I love about Simone's work is how easy it is to get lost in her work, and while I did with this, at times I couldn't help compare it to the Perfect Chemistry and I like I said before, I don't think it's quiet as memorable as it. I liked the characters, I liked the story, I liked the romance, but nothing really blew me away in Wild Cards, it didn't give me the feelings I remember having for some of Simone's other work. I went into the story with the impression that it would be very football based, but I don't think it was. The football was more of the back story and was left open. Maybe that was done on purpose because there are other books to come in the series, but I was expecting a bit more involvement with Derek on the football side.

Derek and Ashtyn together were actually very entertaining. Their banter at times, was hilarious. Derek having a southern accent always tried to rub Ashtyn up the wrong way, so by calling her "Sugar Pie" was one of them. It actually became quiet a cute nickname. Ashtyn being her fiery self, always seemed to rise to Derek and they found themselves in some funny situations. It was pretty easy to spot their attraction to one another, even though, it took them forever to figure it out themselves.

In all, Wild Cards wasn't a bad read but it didn't live up to my expectations. I still adore Simone and her work, and while this wasn't my favourite, I still urge everyone to go and read at least one of her books, because they can open up so many doors for you - like her work did for me.

Month of Men Blog Tour; Extract of Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles

As a part of the Month of Men blog tour hosted by Simon & Schuster UK, we're thrilled to have to share with you an exclusive extract from Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles, that hasn't been available before in the UK! 

Download your Month of Men sampler here to preview books by each author.; Click this link -->HERE and follow the event ----> HERE.

Nothing has been the same since Caleb Becker left a party drunk, got behind the wheel and hit Maggie Armstrong. Even after months of painful physical therapy, Maggie walks with a limp. Her social life is nil and a scholarship to study abroad - her chance to escape everyone and their pitying stares - has been cancelled. 

After a year in juvenile jail, Caleb's free ...if freedom means endless nagging from a transition coach and the prying eyes of the entire town. 

Coming home should feel good, but his family and ex-girlfriend seem like strangers. 

But despite the horror of their shared history, somehow Caleb and Maggie can't seem to stay away from each other, with the heat and attraction between them becoming undeniable to them both.

Feeling like outsiders, they find comfort in each other, they realise that sometimes the person who hurts you most, can be the person who heals you too. Available now on; Amazon UK / Amazon US

Don't forget to check out the stunning sequel; Return to Paradise!
Available now on Amazon UK / Amazon US

Leaving Paradise Extract for MoM

Author Bio: 

Simone Elkeles is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of novels for teens. Simone’s books have won many awards including being YALSA Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, being named to the YALSA Popular Paperbacks and Teens Top Ten lists, and added to the Illinois “Read for a Lifetime” Reading List. Simone also won the coveted RITA award from the Romance Writers of America for her book Perfect Chemistry. Simone is especially proud of the fact that the Illinois Association of Teachers of English named her Author of the Year. 

Simone was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, where she still lives today.She loves animals (she has two dogs – a labradoodle and a German Shepherd), kids (she also has two of those) and her family. In her spare time she’s the Hockey Mom for her kids hockey teams and is an active Girl Scout leader specially trained in outdoor education. She also spends time mentoring other teen and adult authors. (She also loves sushi, which you can probably tell by reading her books.) Simone writes about teens because she was a teen in the 80’s (when spiked hair and blue eye shadow were “rad”) and she loves writing about those exciting teen relationships and romances.

A Review for Return to Paradise (Leaving Paradise #2) by Simone Elkeles

Posted by Jess
Published Date: September 1st,  2010
Finished Date: November 25th, 2011
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
Pages: 291
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The blurb from Goodreads: Caleb Becker left Paradise eight months ago, taking with him the secret he promised to take to his grave. If the truth got out, it would ruin everything. 

Maggie Armstrong tried to be strong after Caleb broke her heart and disappeared. Somehow, she managed to move on. She's dermined to make a new life for herself. 

But then Caleb and Maggie are forced together on a summer trip. They try ignoring their passion for each other, but buried feelings resurface. Caleb must face the truth about the night of Maggie's accident, or the secret that destroyed their relationship will forever stand between them.

The Review: "We lie back on the pillows together, and he places small, slow kisses across my neck. "Trust me," he whispers against my lips. "Maggie, you're my paradise." 

Well what can I say. I didn't think I'd like this one as much as the first, but I did. I loved it. Possibly loved it more than Leaving Paradise. 

Return to Paradise starts 8 months after Leaving Paradise, and Caleb is in trouble...again. He manages to get bail and is optioned in to joining the Re-START program which gets kids who have been in jail or affected by drunk driving tell their stories to others around the country. Caleb reluctantly goes along because it's either that, or jail...again. And from there he meets Maggie again who's there to tell her story, and so this sets off a chain of emotions for them both. 

I loved it. It was great to be fall back in with Maggie and Caleb. I liked Maggie a lot more in this book, she's become a lot stronger and lot more kiss ass than previously. Caleb, well Caleb to begin with was a total jerk and I wanted to punch him in the face a few times, but then he got his act together and turned things around. But the Caleb thing worked well because it Simone Elkeles managed to do it in a way where we see exactly how strong Maggie is now, and that she doesn't fall for some of the crap he pulls in this book. I loved all the new characters that were introduced in this book, especially Matt and Lenny. 

I connected a lot more with Caleb and Maggie in book 2. The only frustrating thing with this book is the beginning interaction with Caleb and Maggie again. One minute they're arguing and shouting at each other, the next moment they're almost-kissing in a lake. A lot of this happens through out the first half of the book, and it just got a little frustrating, but it also made it really fun to read, especially reading about Maggie taking control of the Caleb situation, so I guess the bads balance out the good stuff. 

This book had me out right laughing (no thanks to Lenny), he has some amazing one liners that you just simply laugh your head off! 

The ending to this book was beautiful, I didn't feel dissatisfied with it at all. It pretty much had me on edge a little because I wasn't sure where it was going. But if this ending doesn't make you love Caleb more than there's no hope for you. I have one word for this ending: 'Castle'. I shall say no more. 

Anyway, I definitely recommend this book to all Perfect Chemistry lovers and that this book and Leaving Paradise has become another one of my favourites of 2011.

A Review for Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles

Posted by Jess
Published Date: April 1st, 2007
Finished Date: November 22nd, 2011
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
Pages: 303


The blurb from Goodreads: Nothing has been the same since Caleb Becker left a party drunk, got behind the wheel, and hit Maggie Armstrong. Even after months of painful physical therapy, Maggie walks with a limp. Her social life is nil and a scholarship to study abroad—her chance to escape everyone and their pitying stares—has been canceled.

After a year in juvenile jail, Caleb’s free . . . if freedom means endless nagging from a transition coach and the prying eyes of the entire town. Coming home should feel good, but his family and ex-girlfriend seem like strangers.

Caleb and Maggie are outsiders, pigeon-holed as "criminal" and "freak." Then the truth emerges about what really happened the night of the accident and, once again, everything changes. It’s a bleak and tortuous journey for Caleb and Maggie, yet they end up finding comfort and strength from a surprising source: each other.

The Review: "Are you following me?" She asks, but doesn't meet my gaze. "Yeah" I say. "Why?" "Honestly?" She looks at me, her eyebrows raised. I give her the only honest and true answer I have. "You're where I want to be."

I'm gradually beginning to love Simone Elkeles more and more. Why? Because her writing style is fantastic. She has this way to capture the more real things that happen in live and put them onto the page. Leaving Paradise is the second book I've read of hers, and she didn't disappoint. 

Leaving Paradise has two alternate POV's one from Caleb the other from Maggie. I've said this before I don't always love multiple POV's but I like it when its 2 characters only. This totally worked, I loved seeing how both Maggie and Caleb feel after the accident that left Maggie with a limp and Caleb in juvenile prison. This book had me from page one, it just completely draws you in and the characters are written so well that they feel super real and you connect with them on some level. Both Maggie and Caleb are likeable characters, and this is a story about forgiveness, being strong and finding what you need most in the other person even if you are the victim or the criminal. 

I've read Simone Elkeles's Perfect Chemistry (First book only), and I think Leaving Paradise was better. Everything just feels more real, more plausible. Real people, real feelings, real actions. The love between Maggie and Caleb is naturally a slow to start because of the hate that Maggie feels towards Caleb for what he did. But as soon as they start to work for the same old Mrs. Reynolds, they begin to form a bond that's centered around them both being outcasts. I didn't feel it happend too quickly (Their love I mean). I personally think it was just the right amount of pacing, the right amount of tension. Everything was beautifully written, and thought out.

I'm not sure if I can say much more without going off on a tangent; so I'll stop there, and just mention that I urge everyone to pick up Leaving Paradise, if you haven't already done so. You won't be disappointed. And if you liked her Perfect Chemistry trilogy, then you'll love this.

A Review for Chain Reaction (Perfect Chemistry #3) by Simone Elkeles

Posted by Donna
Published Date: August 16th, 2011
Finished Date: August 21st, 2011
Publishers: Walkers Books
Source: Bought
Format: Hardback
Pages: 308
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The Blurb from Goodreads: Luis Fuentes has always been sheltered from the gang violence that nearly destroyed his brothers’ lives. But that didn’t stop him from taking risks—whether he’s scaling a mountain in the Rockies or dreaming of a future as an astronaut, Luis can’t stop looking for the next thrill. Nikki Cruz lives her life by three rules—boys lie to get their way, don’t trust a boy who says “I love you,” and never date a boy from the south side of Fairfield. Her parents may be from Mexico, but as a doctor’s daughter, she has more in common with her north-side neighbors than the Latino Blood at her school. Then she meets Luis at Alex’s wedding, and suddenly, she’s tempted to break all her rules. Getting Nikki to take a chance on a southsider is Luis’s biggest challenge, until he finds himself targeted by Chuy Soto, the new head of the Latino Blood. When Chuy reveals a disturbing secret about Luis’s family, the youngest Fuentes finds himself questioning everything he’s ever believed to be true. Will his feelings for Nikki be enough to stop Luis from entering a dark and violent world and permanently living on the edge?
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The Review: 
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“I suddenly get dizzy and grab his shoulders for support. His strong arms lock around me immediately and hold me steady, as if he’s more than willing to be my hero tonight. I need a hero.” - Nikki 

“This girl is my angel. From the first moment I laid eyes on her I remember thinking that God sent her down to earth just for me. She believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself.” - Luis

Before I start this review, I want to just say Simone Elekles is a genius, yep, a genius! Her awesome writing, emotional story lines and her hot characters are enough to have any female’s gushing over these books. With the series now at an end, I look back and see that Simone still writes with the same amount of passion and fire from when she first started. I’m really sad that the series has come to an end but I’m glad that the series has gone out with a bang and Chain Reaction has completely and utterly blown me away.

This story follows Luis, the third and youngest Fuentes brother. Luis is a good boy, who sets his sights high. He knows what he wants to do when he leaves school but he’s also a massive adrenaline junkie. He can’t stop taking risks from climbing mountains, dreaming of the future but his biggest risk is when Nikki comes along.

Nikki is a girl who believes all boys are jerks. After a bad break-up, she has no faith when it comes to boys and she doesn’t plan on letting anyone get close enough to hurt her again. When Luis tries to win her heart….sparks soon start flying between them. But when the Latino Blood slowly crawl their way into Luis’s life, things start to become very dangerous and leave Luis questioning everything he once knew.

I love Simone’s books! Honestly, I don’t think I’ve read another author’s work where I absolutely love all their books. I love her style of writing; I love her characters and I love how much you’re drawn from the very first page because you’re so completely enthralled by the story. Chain Reaction like all the other books makes you feel every emotion possible. I laughed, I cried, I was happy and I was sad and even though you know the ending is slightly predictable, you still love it.

The characters this time around we great and I felt they were more of a challenge because of the problems they have. Not only do we see Luis going through a hard time with the Latino Blood but Nikki’s problems are present throughout the story too, with her inability to trust boys and this obviously plays a massive role throughout the book. Nikki is one feisty girl; she’s strong-minded and so very stubborn. At times I wanted to shake her but as you get to know her more, your understand completely why she is the way she is. Luis is absolutely amazing and you can tell he’s a Fuentes, with his cocky attitude and witty remarks. I wasn’t sure he would match up to his brothers but he definitely gives them a run for their money. He definitely has a hard time in this book and it was nice to see him all grown up.

What I loved most about this book was appearances from the other characters that we’ve grown to love. Alex, Brittney, Carlos & Kiara all pop up and it was nice to see how they’ve developed as characters and finding out what’s been happening to them. Not only that, it was nice to see the mother of the brothers get a happy ending too and I think it was well deserved. Now the epilogues…..wow! That will give you something to swoon about. I loved seeing the future and you’re left with a happy feeling knowing everything turns out right in the end.

Overall, Simone has created another exciting, intense and dangerous story that is full of suspense. One with loveable characters and passionate scenes and it has a little bit of everything for everyone. If you’ve never read this series, I urge you to read it…..you won’t be disappointed. 

A review for Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Posted by Jess
Published Date: January 1st, 2011
Finished Date: July 24th, 2011
Source: RAK 
Format: Paperback
Pages: 360
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The Blurb from Goodreads: When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. 

Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more. 

In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.

The Review: Ohmigod! I am actually in LOVE with this book! 

It was actually my co-blogger Donna that recommended this book to me, she said I just HAD to read it and fall in love with it. And my god did I fall. Hard. 

Perfect Chemistry isn't like any sort of book I read, I like fantasy love stories, forbidden love stories. So I wasn't expecting to like Perfect Chemistry as much as I did. As I said, I fell hard. 

At first I wasn't sure if I would like Britanny, she's that sterotypical-like ohmigod!-American cheerleader, perfect hair, perfect face, rich parents, just perfect. But Britanny turned out to be one of the most genuine and down to earth characters I've read about. She isn't perfect; its a facade. Yeah she's rich, but her family is totally dysfunctional. She's had to grow up pretty quick and look after her disabled older sister Shelley. I just found Britanny such an easy character to like, and I got emotionally caught up in her. She's a wonderful heroine and the best evidence of not judging someone based on looks. 

Now Alex, ah Alex. What can I say about Alex. I can't get him out of my head! We all know I'm partial to a bad boy, and Alex is the epitomy of bad-he's a gang member for crying out loud!- you don't get more bad than that. I fell in love with Alex straight away, there was nothing I didn't love about him. He's gorgeous, tanned, muscled and he speaks Spanish, what more could you want? Except his real name: Alejandro. Say it with me...Aleeejaaandrroo...mmm, that name just rolls right off the tongue doesn't it? Melts in your mouth like chocolate, oo I could just spread him all over crackers...*ahem* sorry got a bit carried away there. Yeah Alejandrooo, he's fiiiine. 

Ahem, moving on. Great book. All the characters were likeable except Colin, I wanted to punch him. Really hard. 

Perfect Chemistry is fun, light and very funny I found myself laughing out loud at a few parts. Simone Elkeles has created a wonderful story about love. Two very different people brought together by a mutual understanding of having a hard life. 

The only thing I would change about this book is the Epilogue, I just felt it did nothing for the story and wasn't that necessary. Other than that though it's a fabulous read and I recommend it. Although I will recommend this to 16+ readers as there are some scenes and certain words that are probably not suitable for the younger YA majority. Otherwise definitely, definitely read this book!! 

I look forward to reading Rules of Attraction and Chain Reaction to find out more on Carlos and Luis. 

Anyway, I hope this review didn't suck too much. I'm going to go think about Alejandro Fuentes.

A review for Return to Paradise (Leaving Paradise #2) by Simone Elkeles

Posted by Donna

Published Date: September 1st, 2010

Finished Date: June 9th, 2011
Source: Brought from Amazon

Format: Kindle
Pages: 302

The Blurb from Goodreads: Caleb Becker left Paradise eight months ago, taking with him the secret he promised to take to his grave. If the truth got out, it would ruin everything. Maggie Armstrong tried to be strong after Caleb broke her heart and disappeared. Somehow, she managed to move on. She's dermined to make a new life for herself. But then Caleb and Maggie are forced together on a summer trip. They try ignoring their passion for each other, but buried feelings resurface. Caleb must face the truth about the night of Maggie's accident, or the secret that destroyed their relationship will forever stand between them. 

The Review: After finishing Leaving Paradise I was so excited to start this book…. I headed for it straight away. I was really worried that I would be disappointed with it, just because I’d hear a few negative reviews but it’s safe to say……Simone Elkeles has done it again and completely blown me away again. Wow! Just wow!

Return to Paradise starts 8 months later meeting Caleb in trouble. When he’s been arrested and faces jail time, Caleb has known one else to turn to but his former mentor Damon. Damon can get him out of trouble providing Caleb joins a Re-Start Programme for kids affected by drunk driving. The morning of the trip Caleb finds himself face to face with Maggie…..who is also taking part in the programme. Thinking everything will be fine, both Caleb and Maggie fight their attraction for one another and both wishing they could finally reveal what really happened on the night of the crash.

I honestly have to say wow again! Honestly, wow! I thought the first book was fantastic but this was a completely different read. I’ve never been more on edge while reading a book; I just couldn’t keep my excitement in. You’re thrown into the lives of Caleb and Maggie from the first page and the passion of their relationship is just completely undeniable once again.

We get to see a whole new different side to both of the characters. They’ve both grown over the 8 months they been apart but they’ve both become stronger…Maggie especially. She finally comes out of the shell she has been living in since the accident and after losing Caleb, she finally starts trying to live her life with no regrets and really try to be a different person. Now Caleb…he’s had a hard time during the 8 months apart but my god, I’ve never meet anyone more stubborn all my life. I did sometimes want to give him a good shake but I’m glad he finally came to terms with everything that had happened since the accident. He did grow as a character by the end of the book and I loved that we got to see a different side to him.

I also really enjoyed the new characters that were introduced even though they were all battling their own problems, they all came together and were funny, caring and so much fun to read about. I loved that Simone managed to bring some of them back to Paradise and created a happy ending for them as she could of.

Overall, not only has Simone managed to write a fantastic sequel but she has managed to pack this story with even more emotion, more passion and more intense scenes that will leave the reader dying to finish the book. A fantastic end to a fantastic series and one I know I will read over and over again. Highly recommended to all. 

A review for Leaving Paradise (Leaving Paradise #1) by Simone Elkeles

Posted by Donna

Published Date: April 1st, 2007

Finished Date: June 8th, 2011
Source: Brought from Amazon

Format: Paperback

Pages: 303 

The Blurb from Goodreads: Nothing has been the same since Caleb Becker left a party drunk, got behind the wheel, and hit Maggie Armstrong. Even after months of painful physical therapy, Maggie walks with a limp. Her social life is nil and a scholarship to study abroad—her chance to escape everyone and their pitying stares—has been canceled. After a year in juvenile jail, Caleb’s free . . . if freedom means endless nagging from a transition coach and the prying eyes of the entire town. Coming home should feel good, but his family and ex-girlfriend seem like strangers. Caleb and Maggie are outsiders, pigeon-holed as "criminal" and "freak." Then the truth emerges about what really happened the night of the accident and, once again, everything changes. It’s a bleak and tortuous journey for Caleb and Maggie, yet they end up finding comfort and strength from a surprising source: each other.

The Review: After reading Simone Elkeles Perfect Chemistry series, I've been itching to find something just as good. And while I have read a few books that have been really good, nothing had been better than Perfect Chemistry. Well……that is until Leaving Paradise completely surpassed all my expectations and blew me completely away!

Both Maggie Armstrong & Caleb Becker's lives changed one fateful night after Caleb accidently ran over Maggie while drunk driving. While leaving Maggie for dead and with a permanent limp for life, Caleb has spent the last year in a juvenile jail. When Caleb is finally released, he and Maggie both try to move on with their lives but it’s hard when fate seems to have other plans for them……leaving them to both fighting their attraction for one another.

When I started reading this book, admittedly I thought it was a little slow to start off with….but….don’t let that put you off from reading it. While reading it, I realised that we were slowly starting to find out how both, Caleb and Maggie felt about that fateful night. Not only did we find out what they felt but also that they both have different views of it too. With the story alternating from different point of views, you really get inside these characters head and really see them for who they really are. I honestly love two different views and I wish all books would do it.

Caleb and Maggie were both great characters. Yes, they have a lot baggage but it’s nothing they can’t work through. While the chemistry between them is so undeniable, I honestly sat on the edge of my seat while reading it. The suspense, the heat and attraction is just skimming on top of the surface and you’re just waiting for it to burst out. Simone Elkeles has done a fantastic job while she tells a hard story bringing together the two people that it has affected the most. She also writes raw, passionate and intense scenes that leave the readers wanting more and more. Oh…..and when you think you know the full story.....wham! A massive shocker is thrown into the story.....that I for one, WAS NOT expecting! Wow! Just wow!

Overall….Leaving Paradise left me needing to find out more about our characters that I’m headed for book two straight away. Read this book guys…I promise you won’t be disappointed. 

A review for Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

Posted by Donna

Published Date: April 26th, 2011
Finished Date: May 5th, 2011

The Blurb: Sequel to Perfect Chemistry with new characters to fall in love with but the same hot romance.

The Review: Wow! Another great novel by Simone Elkeles. I'll admit, I didn't think Rules of Attraction could be anywhere near as good as Perfect Chemistry but I'm so glad to be proven wrong. 

Rules of Attraction follows Carlos and Kiara. Both completely different from one another. Carlos another bad boy from the Fuentes family and Kiara, a shy girl trying to shut the world out. When they met, they both instantly dislike each other but its pretty clear they are attracted to one another, so soon, sparks and emotions start flying all over the place. 

I loved it! I'm still completely in shock that this book was just as good as the first one. When I thought know one could replace Alex, Carlos came and blew me away and now I'm left trying to decided between both brothers. ;) Carlos is very similar to Alex in a lot of ways but he is also very different. You would think it would be the same story told again but Simone makes this story belong to Carlos and Kiara with Alex & Brittany on the side lines for support. Which I liked even more than I ever thought I would of. But, I still can't help thinking CARLOS or ALEX? CARLOS or ALEX? ;) I really can't decide! 

I really enjoyed reading how the relationship between Carlos and Kiara develops. The banter that goes back and fourth, the jokes they play on each other but what I loved most was how they both could be themselves around each other. Kiara became open-minded person and spoke out for what she believed in and Carlos stopped hiding his feelings and emotions. These were two very well developed characters. 

It was also great to have some new secondary characters like Kiara's mother and father who were great role models but also Brandon, Kiara's little brother. He was a great addition to the book and I really enjoyed his GI Joe moments with Carlos.

Overall, I adored this book. These Fuentes brother absolutely blow me away that I'm now eager to meet Luis the final brother. I have high hopes for him and I will look forward to reading his story when its released.

A review for Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Posted by Donna
Published Date: December 28th, 2008
Finished Date: April 11th, 2011
The Blurb: A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers. 
The Review: Anyone that know me, knows that this book is completely out of the norm for me. I always read Fantasy and Paranormal type book but after hearing so many good things about it, I thought I'd try it and my god, it did not disappointed me one bit.


Perfect Chemistry follows the lives of Brittnay and Alex. Brittnay is popular, beautiful and rich and Alex is your typical bad boy, a gang member and lives in the bad part of town. When senior year starts, they are partnered up for a Chemistry project and somehow there lives change, becoming very confusing, especially when they start falling for one another. 


I'm quiet shocked with how much I loved this story, it kept me gripped from page one and I really didn't want it to end. Although, I did find it a little predictable at times, I still enjoyed it and loved how we were taken on the emotional rollercoster that was Brittnay & Alex's relationship. Firstly, Brittnay is not how she seems. You would expect a typical blonde cheerleader but deep down she just hides her emotions from people and well as hiding her home life too. She's strong and determined and I loved that she fights for what she believes in. Secondly, Alex! Wow! Come on, what's not to like. A hot Hispanic bad boy! Even though Alex is a the ultimate bad boy, as you get to know him, you know that's not all he is. He's a guy who see's no other choice but to protect his family and the only way to that is to throw his life away and be dedicated to the Latino Bloods. I think both characters were absolutely fantastic and I loved how the author has brought these two characters to life.


This book is a must read. If you haven't read it, READ IT! Even if its not your type of book, READ IT. Once you've read it, it will stick in your head for hours and I promise you won't be disappointed.


P.S If you want something similar go and watch the film Crazy/Beautiful starring Kristen Dunst & Jay Hernandez. So similar in so many ways.

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Posted by Jess

Published Date: January 1st, 2011

Finished Date: July 24th, 2011

Source: RAK 

Format: Paperback

Pages: 360

The Blurb from Goodreads: When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. 

Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more. 

In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.

The Review: Ohmigod! I am actually in LOVE with this book! 

It was actually my co-blogger Donna that recommended this book to me, she said I just HAD to read it and fall in love with it. And my god did I fall. Hard. 

Perfect Chemistry isn't like any sort of book I read, I like fantasy love stories, forbidden love stories. So I wasn't expecting to like Perfect Chemistry as much as I did. As I said, I fell hard. At first I wasn't sure if I would like Britanny, she's that sterotypical-like ohmigod!-American cheerleader, perfect hair, perfect face, rich parents, just perfect. But Britanny turned out to be one of the most genuine and down to earth characters I've read about. She isn't perfect; its a facade. Yeah she's rich, but her family is totally dysfunctional. She's had to grow up pretty quick and look after her disabled older sister Shelley. I just found Britanny such an easy character to like, and I got emotionally caught up in her. She's a wonderful heroine and the best evidence of not judging someone based on looks. 

Now Alex, ah Alex. What can I say about Alex. I can't get him out of my head! We all know I'm partial to a bad boy, and Alex is the epitomy of bad-he's a gang member for crying out loud!- you don't get more bad than that. I fell in love with Alex straight away, there was nothing I didn't love about him. He's gorgeous, tanned, muscled and he speaks Spanish, what more could you want? Except his real name: Alejandro. Say it with me...Aleeejaaandrroo...mmm, that name just rolls right off the tongue doesn't it? Melts in your mouth like chocolate, oo I could just spread him all over crackers...*ahem* sorry got a bit carried away there. Yeah Alejandrooo, he's fiiiine. 

Ahem, moving on. Great book. All the characters were likeable except Colin, I wanted to punch him. Really hard. 

Perfect Chemistry is fun, light and very funny I found myself laughing out loud at a few parts. Simone Elkeles has created a wonderful story about love. Two very different people brought together by a mutual understanding of having a hard life. 

The only thing I would change about this book is the Epilogue, I just felt it did nothing for the story and wasn't that necessary. Other than that though it's a fabulous read and I recommend it. Although I will recommend this to 16+ readers as there are some scenes and certain words that are probably not suitable for the younger YA majority. Otherwise definitely, definitely read this book!! 

I look forward to reading Rules of Attraction and Chain Reaction to find out more on Carlos and Luis. 

Anyway, I hope this review didn't suck too much. I'm going to go think about Alejandro Fuentes.