Review: Leaving Paradise

Author: Simone Elkeles

Pages: 303

Publisher: Flux

Source: Library

Challenge: Ultimate Reviewer's Challenge

Synopsis: 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.

Buy the Book (Amazon/The Book Depository)

Simone Elkeles is a genius! I have so much love for her Perfect Chemistry series so when I saw Leaving Paradise at the library I had to pick it up and read it. I'm glad I did because Simone's stories alway appeal to me.

First off, let me tell you about the characters. We have Caleb (I love him!) and Maggie (awesome and strong) who are our would-be couple. In Simone's books there's always a twist as to why the couple can't be together. This time it's because Caleb drove drunk from a party and hit Maggie. He didn't check if she was okay, he just left her there. Maggie was sent to the hospital and resulted in numerous surgeries for her leg and a limp while Caleb had to serve his time at a juvie jail.When I first met Caleb, he garnered very hot and cold reactions from me. I'd like him, but then he'd do something and I'd feel iffy about. Later on in the book though I loved him. He won my respect and trust, plus he was so sexy and protective of Maggie Poor Maggie hasn't had an easy time. The accident left her scared to move on and a loner. She lost her spirit. I really connected with Maggie. Since there were alternating perspectives, I got to see all of Maggie. She's not unlike myself and I enjoyed reading about her reactions

 There were other mentionable characters (like Grandma) whom I also liked. I have to mention that there were many characters who were cliché. Normally I hate that but sometimes it works. That doesn't mean I don't want to know more about the characters' motivations and stuff. If that's something that bothers you, you may have a problem with this book.

Another thing I need to mention was the plot and pacing. After being introduced to the concept the plot slowed down. There was a ton of build up and when I look at that 100 in between pages, I don't remember much. At that point there wasn't anything really drawing me in until Caleb and Maggie finally got together and a plot point was revealed. That point right there made so much sense but I never even considered it. I literally reread the page 3-4 times. I love twists being thrown at readers that way. Keeps the story interesting, you know?

All in all, I liked this story. I still adore Perfect Chemistry more but this is a great choice for a contemporary romantic read. I was sucked in, which is my regular reaction with Simone's books but I wasn't totally enamored. I'm really curious to see what happens next. If you're a fan of Simone Elkeles, check Leaving Paradise out! 3.5 stars,

 *** & 1/2  *

Review: Rules of Attraction

Author: Simone Elkeles
Pages: 324
Publisher: Walker & Company
Source: Library
Other Book in the Series: Perfect Chemistry
Challenge: The Ultimate Reviewers' Challenge Book 8
Synopsis: When Carlos Fuentes returns to America after living in Mexico for a year, he doesn’t want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him at a high school in Colorado . Carlos likes living his life on the edge and wants to carve his own path—just like Alex did. Then he meets Kiara Westford. She doesn’t talk much and is completely intimidated by Carlos’ wild ways. As they get to know one another, Carlos assumes Kiara thinks she’s too good for him, and refuses to admit that she might be getting to him. But he soon realizes that being himself is exactly what Kiara needs right now.


Buy the Book (Amazon)

Rules of Attraction is the sequel of sorts to Perfect Chemistry. It's about a few years later when Alex is in college and Carlos is a senior in high school. The story is narrated in Carlos and Kiara, a girl at Carlos's new school's perspective.

I loved Perfect Chemistry. I mean LOVE. The book had my blood racing and I couldn't think of anything but Brittany and Alex for days later so I had high hopes for Rules of Attraction. Rules of Attraction was very good, but I think I prefer the first in the series.

Carlos is just as hot as his brother, but with a bit less worrying. Carlos has a bigger temper and struggles to feel numb while Alex struggled to take care of the family. What I love about Carlos is how he is who he is, and everyone else better accept him. Him falling for Kiara made sense. She's different from him. She loves to hike, has schedules for showering, and knows about cars. Kiara constantly challenges Carlos and he loves that. They both do. They make a smokin' hot couple.

The reason I didn't quite love this book was that the ending was a tad too perfect. I thought it was awfully convenient, what happened, but I could still accept that. I didn't really love Kiara. I don't know what about her made me just like her, but something was off for me. I doubt this will happen for anyone else though. The gang part in this book was toned down and not as prominent as in Perfect Chemistry.

All in all, Rules of Attraction is a delicious romantic read that has sprinkles of wit and danger. 4 stars,

****

Review: Perfect Chemistry

Author: Simone Elkeles
Pages: 368
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Source: Library
Synopsis: A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers.

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.

*SQUEE!* A new favourite! I finally read Perfect Chemistry and I love it! The romance, the danger, the family... I was hooked from the first sentence and I cried and laughed and swooned incontrollably while reading this.

Perfect Chemistry will be known in this review as PC.

Brittany is a girl I'll always remember. She's the golden co-captain of the cheerleading team, looks and dresses perfect, is rich and is dating the captain of the football team. She lives a stereotype and her greatest fear is that someone realizes that underneath all that glamour, Brittany is far from perfect. Brittany learns a great deal in PC. Her character is intelligent and deep. She's witty and challenging, plus a really cool overall person.

Brittany's awesome but the real winner in this story is Alex. *sighs* I have never read of a better male lead with more depth and who feels more real than Alex. His love for his family is endearing; his bad boy attitude is a fun exterior masking what a good boy he is on the inside. Alex is brave and courageous. He does what he thinks is right and understands people and how to challenge them. He's street smart and loyal. I think I'm in love.

Alex and Brittany together are magical. I could feel the chemistry oozing from the pages, hot and delicious. They make each other feel more; they're passionate, love fun, and bring out the best in each other. They're a couple that I can easily believe will last forever. I love reading about them and their love.

PC hooked me in, like a drug but better, and never let me go. The characters were enthralling. The story was non-stop romance, tension and action. Probably one of the best if not the best love story I've ever read. Are you one of the few people who hasn't read Perfect Chemistry? What are you waiting for! Read it now! 5 stars,

*****

In My Mailbox (6)

In My Mailbox is an awesome weekly meme (with credits to Kristi from The Story Siren) which is all about the awesome books you received throughout the week. Maybe you bought them, they're for review, they're borrowed from the library, or you won them. Doesn't matter! IMM is about sharing the love of books and to promote books that might not necessarily be reviewed.

(And since you're here [HI!] feel free to send a Goodreads friend request. Every book I read, plus some extra mini reviews are posted there and I'd love to meet you. )

This week, all my books are from the library. I owe the library so much...

*All titles link to Goodreads. :)


Intertwined (Goodreads), The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball, Between Shades of Gray, The Gathering

Gathering Blue, Hunger, Jellicoe Road, Rules of Attraction

I for one am super excited! Some of these are books I only heard about thanks to bloggers. What's in your mailbox?