blo Teens Read and Write: JEKEL LOVES HYDE by Beth Fantaskey PLUS Contest

Thursday, July 22, 2010

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.
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

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48 comments:

sRy_ said...

thanks! :)

Darlyn said...

Thanks so much!

Unknown said...

Thanks for hosting the giveaway.

Nyxen Nadine said...

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)

Fi-chan said...

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.

Sara said...

I've been wanting to read this one for so long! Thanks for having this contest :)

Sara said...

Oh, and great review btw! Love that both Jill & Tristan have a good and a bad side!

Bunny B said...

Cool! Would love to read this. Thanks!

Audrey (holes In My brain) said...

thank you for the contest! I really liked jessicas Guide, so this one has been on my wishlist forever :)

Ladytink_534 said...

I love any kind of retelling of a classic story so this is right up my alley.

Malbebe said...

Thanks for the contest. I've always wanted to read this book.

Alessandra said...

Yay! I've been craving this book ever since it came out :D

Blodeuedd said...

I'd really like to read that first book, but this Jekyll and Hyde book sure sounds fun too.
Great review

doreen lamoureux said...

Thanks and big hugs.

Amelia said...

An ARC? This book is already out, though. Just saying.

Great contest! :)

-Amelia

Emidy @ Une Parole said...

Wonderful review! I've been reading lots of positive reviews of this book. It sounds like a good one!

Anonymous said...

Great review! I loved Jessica's Guide too! Thanks for the giveaway!

Liz @ Cleverly Inked said...

I have this sitting on my shelf. I need to bump it up on the reading list

Tales of Whimsy said...

Sweet! Ive wanted this for like ever ;)

Julianna Steffens said...

I want to see Beth book publish here on Brasil. GReat review =o*

iffath said...

Great giveaway, thanks! :)

Faye( Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm) said...

<3 Jessica's books! I still have to read this one. It sounds greaT :D

Brooke said...

Awesome review and contest! Been wanting to read this book.

Bianca said...

Awesome. This has been on my wishlist for awhile now!

Thanks

Tegan said...

wow great contest.

Love your review cant wait to read it

Ren @ All By Myshelf said...

Great review! This sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for the contest! :)

Jenna said...

Thanks for the contest!

God's gal said...

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!

Anonymous said...

I'd love to win!

♫♥✿Chas @ LovLivLife Reviews✿♥♫ said...

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!=)

Julie! said...

I want to read this so muuuch! :D

latishajean said...

great review thank you for this giveaway!

Unknown said...

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

KimiKayKristie said...

Great review! And thanks for the giveaway!

Gilliene said...

Cool giveaway! Have a great day!

Lizzy said...

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 :)

Lauren M said...

Thanks for the review and giveaway! This has been on my wishlist for a while. :)

Kynhaa said...

he book seems interesting! Tnks for review and contest.

:*

Rebs said...

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!

Giada M. said...

Thank you for this great giveaway! :)

Alicia0385 said...

Thanks for the review!! I wasnt sure if I would like this book or not but now I'm going to read it!!

Tirano said...

Great review! Thanks for the giveaway ;)

The Sweet Bonjour said...

Thank you :)

Kai Agito said...

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!

Lindsay said...

thanks for the giveaway!

Unknown said...

Thanks! =)

Carrie at In the Hammock Blog said...

thank you!! can't wait to read this one!

estereta said...

Thanks for the contest!

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