
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 SIDEI 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.
If you’d like to enjoy it for yourself, just fill out the form below for a chance to win it!
RULES
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Open to wherever Book Depository ships
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Deadline: Aug 6, 11:59 pm PST
48 comments:
thanks! :)
Thanks so much!
Thanks for hosting the giveaway.
Great Review! I really loved what you had to say. I haven't read this book yet but I really want to.
Happy Reading!
--Bianca(Nyxen)
thank you! :D I've heard a lot great things about this book and I've read Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde countless time (for my school) so I'm really curious how this book goes.
I've been wanting to read this one for so long! Thanks for having this contest :)
Oh, and great review btw! Love that both Jill & Tristan have a good and a bad side!
Cool! Would love to read this. Thanks!
thank you for the contest! I really liked jessicas Guide, so this one has been on my wishlist forever :)
I love any kind of retelling of a classic story so this is right up my alley.
Thanks for the contest. I've always wanted to read this book.
Yay! I've been craving this book ever since it came out :D
I'd really like to read that first book, but this Jekyll and Hyde book sure sounds fun too.
Great review
Thanks and big hugs.
An ARC? This book is already out, though. Just saying.
Great contest! :)
-Amelia
Wonderful review! I've been reading lots of positive reviews of this book. It sounds like a good one!
Great review! I loved Jessica's Guide too! Thanks for the giveaway!
I have this sitting on my shelf. I need to bump it up on the reading list
Sweet! Ive wanted this for like ever ;)
I want to see Beth book publish here on Brasil. GReat review =o*
Great giveaway, thanks! :)
<3 Jessica's books! I still have to read this one. It sounds greaT :D
Awesome review and contest! Been wanting to read this book.
Awesome. This has been on my wishlist for awhile now!
Thanks
wow great contest.
Love your review cant wait to read it
Great review! This sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for the contest! :)
Thanks for the contest!
I'm really liking the book. If it's not obvious enough, I love the review! I'm on the hunt :)
Thank you so much for the chance of this giveaway!
I'd love to win!
Great review!=) I have been hearing a bunch of comments on this one but I'd like to find out for myself!=) thx for the giveaway opp!=)
I want to read this so muuuch! :D
great review thank you for this giveaway!
I've had my eyes on this one for as long as it's been visible in the blogging world. It just sounds sooo good :D
Great review! And thanks for the giveaway!
Cool giveaway! Have a great day!
Great review! I've been waiting to read this one for a while, I'm glad to know it was a worthwhile read. Thanks for the giveaway :)
Thanks for the review and giveaway! This has been on my wishlist for a while. :)
he book seems interesting! Tnks for review and contest.
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OMG OMG OMG!
I'm DYING to read this book!
Hope I can win it! It's not always that we fin international contest so THANK YOU!
Thank you for this great giveaway! :)
Thanks for the review!! I wasnt sure if I would like this book or not but now I'm going to read it!!
Great review! Thanks for the giveaway ;)
Thank you :)
I loved Jessica's Guide to Dating On The Dark Side too! I didn't actually know she's got a new book out, I got so excited when I read your post! Thanks!
thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks! =)
thank you!! can't wait to read this one!
Thanks for the contest!
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