JEKEL LOVES HYDE by Beth Fantaskey PLUS Contest

JEKEL LOVES HYDE

by Beth Fantaskey pub: May 2010/Harcourt
Teen Fiction

Summary:

Jill Jekel has always obeyed her parents’ rules – especially the one about never opening the mysterious, old box in her father’s office. But when her dad is murdered, and her college savings disappear, she's tempted to peek inside, as the contents might be key to a lucrative chemistry scholarship. 

To better her odds, Jill enlists the help of gorgeous, brooding Tristen Hyde, who has his own dark secrets locked away. As the team of Jekel and Hyde, they recreate experiments based on the classic novel, hoping not only to win a prize, but to save Tristen’s sanity. Maybe his life. But Jill’s accidental taste of a formula unleashes her darkest nature and compels her to risk everything – even Tristen’s love – just for the thrill of being… bad.
 

MY REVIEW

I loved Fantaskey’s JESSICA’S GUIDE TO DATING ON THE DARK SIDE and I have to say if you compare the two books, JEKEL LOVES HYDE falls a bit short. Is it fair to compare? I’m not sure but I did, and that being said, I find Fantaskey’s writing solid, and JEKEL LOVES HYDE stands on its own as a fun enjoyable read.

I love this set up! Jill, a mousey, goody-two-shoes, rule follower, gets pushed around a lot at school, but when she has to take care of her mother who’s mental and physical health is deteriorating, Jill rises to the task. She teams up with dark, brooding Tristan Hyde who has his own demons he’s trying to slay and believes Jill is the only one who can help.

Let the chemistry begin!

Tristan's violent side can be scary. He’s tragic, he’s tortured, and he’s often a bit of a pushy jerk, but he’s desperate and fighting a losing battle unless he gets help. He also changes over the course of the book - his softer side overcomes his beast and he becomes more endearing.  

They come together and romance blooms. It isn’t instant attraction but heats up nicely, and is more dangerous than forbidden based on Tristan’s violent tendencies. Good mystery, interesting twists and I like that Jill is smart – not just academically, but wary of Tristan’s violent nature and takes her time to trust him, or even be alone in an isolated place with him.

Written in alternating points of view (Jill’s and Tristan’s), some chapters were a bit jarring in their brevity (half a page). I wish the ending had more actual action rather than having things implied. And I’d have loved more time spent on Jill drinking the potion. That’s when she transforms into her bad “Ms. Hyde” mode. So intense and fun – mousey doormat into femme fatale. Come on, who doesn’t love that! Jill was a blast as her bad girl self. I wanted more! (Does that make me a bad person?)

SEX/LANGUAGE/DRUGS/VIOLENCE: No actual sex but it’s talked about and there are some sexual moments. There’s strong language on occasion and a minimal amount of underage drinking. Definitely violence in this one although not a horror by any means. Probably for older teens.

COVER: Good. Love the colors and the flask with the creepy green smoke. And can't you just see the hint of bad-girl lurking behind that good-girl shell!

BOTTOMLINE:  Dark, dangerous yet fun mystery, suspense and romance with surprising twists, fast pace, creative take on a classic, and smart characters. Wanted more of Jill as her bad girl “Ms. Hyde” self - because I'm warped! - but overall delivers an entertaining read! Recommended for older teens.

Author on the Web

WEBSITE

BLOG

TWITTER

MY SPACE

FACEBOOK

Email

If you’d like to enjoy it for yourself, just fill out the form below for a chance to win it!

RULES

Fill out the FORM
Open to wherever Book Depository ships

Deadline: Aug 6, 11:59 pm PST