Book Review: Wild Cards (Simone Elkeles)

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?

So, for someone who loves Simone Elkeles' books, I must say that I was not so much as impressed as I am deeply disappointed. I expected Wild Cards to be truly original - and at some level, it was - but I found it a replica of Elkeles' previous book: Perfect Chemistry.

The similarity of the two books nearly drove me insane as I ended up getting my guesses nearly all right and though I hate to say that Wild Card was, quite simply, predictable. It followed the same love-hate layout that Simone Elkeles is known for executing very well. However, predictable as it was, this book did not fail in making me giggle with its cuteness.

Derek and Ashtyn had a weird relationship, and part of me was freaked out by it. See, Derek's father married Ashtyn's sister and somehow, even though it complicated things a bit, it appeared as though a link was present between the two characters, even if they did not know each other. One thing I have to say, I found it hard not remain angry at Ashtyn's father. Ashtyn, a kicker in their football team, is not supported by her dad, and usually it is them who push their sons to the limit when it comes to sports. Is it just because Ashtyn is a girl therefore her own father can be unsupportive of her love for football and lead the my-life-is-a-mess-so-leave-me-alone life?

Well what else can I say? Their first meeting immediately captured me. I loved it! It is definitely something to look out for and I am warning you now - it is funny and very very cute. Derek seems tough and bad-ass in some ways, ended up being expelled from his school because of the practical jokes he played. But I can't forget to mention how HOT Derek is. Even as I read the book, I couldn't stop thinking how easily I could fall for a book characters, so long as they were similar to Derek.

Ashtyn contrasts most female protagonists in the YA genre. Somehow I find that many girls appear as fragile, so the fact that Ashtyn was played football and seemed like a heroin, I was satisfied.

Wild Cards, was entertaining, very much so with its cuteness and its characters who were just plain adorable. It was an enjoyable and I have treasured reading it. The similarity between Wild Cards and Perfect Chemistry is quite obvious and is a total let-down, yet this book itself deserves credit for being well-written and unique.

Three Stars!

Chain Reaction (Simone Elkeles) Cover and Blurb!

From Simone's Facebook page...

Luis Fuentes is a good boy who doesn’t live with the angst that his big brothers, Alex and Carlos, have always lived with. Luis is smart, funny, and has big dreams of becoming an astronaut. But when he falls for the wrong girl, Luis enters a dark world he’s never known, and just when he thinks he’s got life all figured out, learns some disturbing news about his family that destroys his positive outlook on life. Will that Fuentes bad boy streak come out with a vengeance and lure Luis to live on the edge like his new girlfriend and his own father?

Continuing all the steamy romance of the first two books, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Simone Elkeles gives fans one more satisfying taste of the irresistible Fuentes boys.

CHAIN REACTION will be published by Walker Books on Spring 2011.

No comment. No Comment. NO COMMENT!

They're making out under a shower! *swoon* This is the little boy whose Alex's mama hit on the head because he couldn't keeo his mouth shut and asked Brittany if she's his brother's girlfriend? Wheeeee!

PS. Notice how the girl in the cover is actually pulling at a chain? :)

Are you an Alex mamacita? Or a Carlos chica? (drool).

Now ladies, can you resist on collecting these two hot, gorgeous and undeniably swoon-worthy men books? 

(insert collective sigh here.)

So well, after you've regained your brain, legs and whatever-else-melted... here are some more to incapacitate you. Again.

Are you an Alex mamacita? Or a Carlos chica?

P.S. I love Simone. This woman has the uncanny ability to make my brain go whoooosh! mush.

Author Interview: Simone Elkeles

My second interview for the day is with Simone Elkeles, author of Perfect Chemistry, Rules of Attraction and Leaving Paradise, all of which are my favourite books! The sequel to Leaving Paradise, Return to Paradise is due to be published on November - do watch out for it!

1. We know how much you love bad boys, and we can't agree more. Who is your favourite bad boy character?

I can’t choose. I love all of my "bad boy" characters. In Perfect Chemistry, Alex has a heart of gold and is so dedicated to his family and the ones he loves. I love him. On the other hand is Carlos, who loves to live his life on the edge and loves adventures and challenges. And on the third hand, Caleb is so self-sacrificing that he changes his life just to protect his sister while at the same time helping Maggie discover her true strength. I’m sorry, I can’t pick. I’ll take them all.

2. Personally, what do you feel is the most fulfilling part of being a writer?

My fans! They are passionate and the emails I receive definitely inspires me to write more books. When I get an email saying a teen hated to read but because of my books now loves to read is amazing and surreal. When readers say that reading one of my books has inspired them to write their own book, it’s the coolest feeling! When someone says they look at people differently and don’t judge them because my books taught them you can’t judge someone by the color of their skin or their social status, I love that!

3. Say you're trapped in a deserted island. Which of your characters will you most likely pick as a companion?

I'm going to cheat a little bit and take two: Alex and Carlos. Now, I'm going to cheat a little more and take my vision for the movie version of Ales and Carlos: Alexander F. Rodriguez and Giancarlo Vidrio (the boys who played my heroes in my book trailer for Rules of Attraction) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhEx0kaUlrU 

(I have to agree, Simone. They're irresistible!)

4. Are any of your (wonderful, endearing and extremely lovable) characters based on anyone in your life?

Let's just say that I'm very observant of people around me and I have a great memory. Many of my characters have personality traits and quirks that belong to people I like (and those I didn't like) who have been in my life past and present. Also, there is definitely a part of me in every character I write. To be honest, I have a sarcastic attitude and connect more with the snarky and sarcastic side of my characters more than anything else. Amy from the How to Ruin books is more like me than any other character.

5. Your male characters have very 'creative' ways of proclaiming their love. Where do you get the inspiration to write such romantic scenes and lines?

I have a very romantic imagination and I love to daydream. I think most women feel that way. . . We know how we wish to be treated. I just try and capture those daydreams and put them into my novels.

6. If, for instance, Perfect Chemistry is going to be made into a film. And you get to choose the cast. Who would you choose to play Brittany and Alex? (Oh, and I looove Alexander Rodriguez as Alex - you have such a good choice there, Simone!)

You are absolutely right about Alexander F. Rodriguez! He is the ONLY person I can imagine playing Alex. I know you didn't ask, but I would really love for Giancarlo Vidrio to play to play Carlos. He was perfect in my book trailer! I don't know that I have my heart set on a Brittany. . .

7. And how about Caleb and Maggie?

I don't have my heart sent on anyone for these two either. . . I guess I'm not doing much to hide my crushes on Alexander and Giancarlo, am I!?

8. Now Rules of Attraction has been released, can you share your plans for the next book in the series?

The third novel in the Perfect Chemistry series will be about Luis Fuentes, the youngest Fuentes brother. He’s such a good guy who doesn’t live with the angst that his big brothers have always lived with. Luis is smart, funny, and has big dreams. When he falls for the wrong girl, Luis enters a dark world he’s never known to try and save her from herself. Just when he thinks he’s got life all figured out, Luis learns some disturbing news about his family that destroys his positive outlook on life. Will that Fuentes bad boy streak come out with a vengeance and lure Luis to live on the edge like his new girlfriend and his own father?

8. Finally... (I'm excited for this!) Can you tell us what's in store for us in Return to Paradise? 

I'm happy to say I have finished my first draft of Return to Paradise! Caleb thought he was leaving Paradise and Maggie behind for good, but he was wrong! After having some time to grow up and find their own strength, Maggie and Caleb's paths with cross again. I don't want to give away too much, but I will say that this will be the conclusion of Maggie and Caleb's story and I don't think my readers will disappointed with the "ending" I have in store for them!

(I'll try not to hyperventilate - but ohmygod this might just be the death of me! I'm so terribly excited!)

Thanks so much for interviewing me! It was a pleasure.

Thanks so much, Simone! You can find out more about Simone and her books on www.simoneelkeles.net. Why don't you pass by and show her some love, eh? :)

Just for reference, I gushed over Perfect Chemistry here and Rules of Attraction here.

Of course, this interview will not be complete without the epic win that is the Rules of Attraction book trailer! Oohlala Alexander and Giancarlo <3

Book Review: Rules of Attraction (Simone Elkeles)

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.


Sequel to Perfect Chemistry (a personal favourite), Rules of Attraction is every bit as delightful as its predecessor. If there were any doubts of the Fuentes brothers' droolworthiness after Perfect Chemistry, Carlos sealed the deal in Rules of Attraction. I just loved the masculine presence of Carlos in this book. Definitely a Fuentes.

Rules of Attraction is a hell of a lot funnier than Perfect Chemisty. While Alex was resigned to his fate, Carlos is cynical about his life in general. His outlook in life is comparably worse, and this cynicism he easily translates into humour - this, combined with Kiara's boldness and the flair of interesting, hugely entertainting secondary characters, produces humour that had me giggling and laughing while reading. Despite his best efforts, Carlos is immature, wanting to dive head first into a life his brother once left behind. Watching him develop, learn and ultimately mature is perhaps one of the strengths of this book. Like Alex, Carlos has a strong heart, but mind you, is the truer bad boy of the two. And while I could quite easily list Carlos' endless loveable traits, I'll let you know that ultimately he's as hot as older brother Alex.

Unlike Perfect Chemistry - which was equally underscored by Brittany's and Alex's stories -, I found Rules of Attraction to focus more on Carlos and less on Kiara. Bits and pieces of Kiara I found missing, which left her characterisation to be underdeveloped. However, the development of Kiara's family offsets this quite well.

The romance, as with any of Simone's work, is wonderful. Carlos and Kiara's chemistry is fresh and witty, but not as sizzling as Alex's and Brittany's. And, speaking of the two, I looked forward to and was satisfied with the glimpses that Simone has provided into Alex's and Brittany's relationship. It was familiar ground, just from a fresh viewpoint. There were also parts which seems to lay the foundation for the third book in the series. I like!

Overall, Rules of Attraction is a worthy read, twenty times over. There are bits and pieces I did not like, but it was very hard not to love this book in general. It encompasses many motifs, among which is brotherly love, trust and growth. Each of these are impeccably handled. For that alone, this book is worth anyone's time.

Apologies, I seem to compare RoA with PC a lot - while I honestly tried to review RoA in it's own merit, it appeared increasingly difficult not to compare it with PC!

Four Stars.

PS. Tomorrow I'll be posting a review with Simone Elkeles. Watch out for it!

Book Review: Perfect Chemistry (Simone Elkeles)

A modern tale of star-crossed lovers with a fresh urban twist. 

At Fairfield High School, on the outskirts of Chicago , everyone knows that south-siders mixing with north-siders can be explosive. So when Brittany Ellis and Alejandro “Alex” Fuentes are forced to be lab partners in chemistry class, this human experiment leads to unexpected revelations – that Brittany ’s flawless reputation is a cover for her troubled home life, that Alex’s bad-boy persona hides his desire to break free from gang ties, and that when they’re together, life somehow makes more sense. Breaking through the stereotypes and expectations that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart, Perfect Chemistry takes readers to both sides of the tracks in a passionate love story about looking beneath the surface.

I have read so many rave reviews about Perfect Chemistry. I'm just about to add another, so brace yourself!

I was terribly excited for this book, taking into account it has been released in the US a full two years prior to its release here in the UK, which was only yesterday. To be honest I was worried that my expectations would ruin the book for me. I knew it was going to be a good read, only I was not certain it was ever going to meet my expectations - after reading I decided it was a ridiculous thought after all; it actually surpassed my expectations.

What makes Perfect Chemistry a book in its own league is not the fact that everyone is in love with the tale of star crossed lovers, but because Simone has crafted and perfected such endearing characters in both Alex and Brittany. Their voices were strong, were personalised realistically and were very relatable to any reader. I found that Simone has synchronised each of her character's thoughts, words and feelings into the narration. Of course, the sassy, witty, and sometimes deliriously sexy dialogue is incorporated well.

And although the romance is of course a main theme in the novel, for me it is this depth given to her characters that makes the romance special. I found that it is the coming together of such beautiful characters in midst of the social tension and skepticism that swirls around them which makes Perfect Chemistry such a loveable novel.

Although I struggled with the Spanish phrases (needing to consult an online translator to aid my basic, patchy Spanish), its use was very effective and adds flavour to the characters and to the overall plot. I found that and the touch of Mexican culture unique and very enlightening. Not to mention the sense of brotherhood, loyalty, danger, and most of all the sense of self present in Perfect Chemistry very gripping.

I hugely enjoyed the divided neighbourhood that dominates the setting. It creates ample tension and provides a background which reflects the characters. I loved the feeling of tension that lurks whenever the narration is taken over by Alex as equally as I enjoyed the feeling of rich-but-empty lifestyle that Brittany's voice offers. Together, they weave perfectly, further highlighting such a beautiful romance.

The plot was given time to develop - never did I feel rushed - which results to a well-founded, well-narrated and very solid love story I could only love. The uncertainty and the many twists and turns of this novel was engrossing - much so that I was hooked from beginning to end.

Perfect Chemistry is definitely more than just a romance novel. It focuses on not only the coming together of a bad boy Romeo and a princessy Juliet, but also of choices, and carving one's path and of change.

I'm desperate for 27th April - the date the sequel, Rules of Attraction will be out! :)

Five stars!