"Wild Cards" by Simone Elkeles

Simone Elkeles has written yet another winner! She is one of those authors that I just love everything that she has written, and Wild Cards is no exception!  Derek and Ashtyn have nothing in common- except for the fact that they now have to live together. Derek's stepmother is Ashtyn's sister so when Brandi decides that she is going to move back home, Derek has no choice but to go with his stepmother and stepbrother. Little does he know that his entire life is about to change. Recently kicked out of his prestigious boarding school, Derek is still learning how to live in a world without his mother who passed away from cancer. Ashtyn (is awesome) is the the kicker for her school's football team and (naturally) is dating the quarterback, Landon, but everything with their relationship isn't quite what it seems. When Derek shows up and adds some extra testosterone to the mix, things start to go crazy. 

Since Elkeles often writes about unlikely couples and because the cover includes kissy faces, it's no surprise when Derek and Ashtyn start to have feelings for each other, but I really like how Elkeles handles their relationship. In the beginning, the two don't want to fall for each other and at different points throughout the novel both fight their feelings. Both characters are so realistic it's crazy. Their emotions and actions come off the page like they are real people. It's very rare that I hope for sequels, but I really want to see more books in this universe (Elkeles' website says "series" so I am allowing myself to be excited for for more books). If you have read any of the books by Elkeles (and if you haven't, why?) you will love this book too. 

Happy Reading!
-Melly

This Made My Day, Again!

 

Simone Elkeles' Return to Paradise and Lurlene McDaniel's Reaching Through Time

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Can Read Over and Over Again

Topic from The Broke and the Bookish!

There is no set theme for this week's Top Ten Tuesday from The Broke and the Bookish so I decided to list the books that I basically cannot live without.  These are the books I have read time and time again and will likely be reading again in the near future.

Click Clack Moo, Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin

Confessions of a Shopaholicby Sophie Kinsella

Harry Potter by JK Rowling

How to Ruin series bySimone Elkeles

Pop Princess by Rachel Cohn

The Princess Diaries series by Meg Cabot

Ryan White: My Own Storyby Ryan White andAnn Marie Cunningham

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series by Ann Brashares

Sweep series by Cate Tiernan

The Giver by Lois Lowry

I want to hear from you, what book or books do you re-read?  Does anyone else had a book that they tend to read around the same time each year?  Let me know!

Happy Reading!

-Melly

Top Ten Authors I Wish Would (or Could) Write Another Book

Topic from The Broke and the Bookish!

Ann M. Martin

Ellen Hopkins

J. K. Rowling

Simone Elkeles

Sonya Sones

Hillary Frank

Laura Ingalls Wilder

Anne Frank

Sophie Kinsella

WC Briton

Happy Reading!
-Melly

Christmas List Recommendations

There is really nothing better to find under the tree on Christmas morning than a lovely stack of books.  Below are some books for the reader in your life for the upcoming holiday season.  Since I read a ton, I have more recommendations.  Feel free to ask!

Perfect Chemistry series by Simone Elkeles

I don't think it is a surprise to anyone that I am a huge fan of Simone Elkeles.  Her books are great for any reader of YA romance.

Harry Potter: Film Wizardry by Brian Sibley

The perfect gift for any and all Harry Potter fans (however, be aware that it comes with pull-outs and pieces)

Secrets of My Hollywood Life series by Jen Calonita

Great for the teen that enjoys keeping up with their favorite celebrities.  Calonita previously worked for Teen People and it is clear that she knows the ins and out of Hollywood and writes about it well.

Hex Hall series by Rachel Hawkins

A must read for fans of YA Fantasy.  I think that readers of both Harry Potter and Twilight can enjoy this series.

Gimme A Call by Sarah Mlynowski

Overall, just a fun book that toys with the possibility of being able to change your life by communicating with your past self.

Hate List by Jennifer Brown

A powerful read.  Those who like Hate List may also like Jodi Picoult's Nineteen Minutes.

Amelia's Notebook series by Marissa Moss

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid for girls (or for fans of Dork Diaries).  Series includes books featuring moving to a new city, family reunions, and dealing with bullies.

Good Eats: The Early Years by Alton Brown

An absolute must for everyone interested in cooking, whether they are a beginner or an expert.

Happy Reading!

-Melly

"Chain Reaction" by Simone Elkeles

I'm sad that the Perfect Chemistry series has come to a close, but very pleased with how it ended.  I waited a few weeks before reading this book (partially because I wasn't quite ready for the series to end and partially because I couldn't find a copy locally-turns out it was not in the Teen section, but instead in the Fiction section under 'S'...but I digress) so my only complaint is that I put off reading such a great book!

Chain Reaction is the third novel in Simone Elkeles' Perfect Chemistry series and follows the youngest Fuentes brother, Luis.  Told in alternating chapters from the point of view of Luis and his love interest Nikki and just like in the first two books, an unlikely relationship forms between the two teens (but we already knew that was going to happen, right?).  But nothing in life is ever easy and Luis, like his brothers, gets caught up in circumstances beyond his control that threatens his relationship with Nikki and his family.  I don't want to give too much away, but this book is wonderful!  It is clear that Simone Elkeles does her research and does everything to write the best book possible.  I am always glued to my seat and can barely stop reading down until I have finished.  I am so glad that I've come across Elkeles' books and feel that they are a must read for YA lovers!

Perfect Chemistry Book Trailer


Rules of Attraction Book Trailer


Chain Reaction Book Trailer


Happy Reading!
-Melly

"Chain Reaction" by Simone Elkeles OFFICIAL Book Trailer

Two posts in one day! What am I setting myself up for? I just wanted to make a point to share the book trailer for a book I am waiting for, very impatiently. Chain Reaction is the third book in Simone Elkeles' Perfect Chemistry series and will be told from the point of view of the youngest Fuentes brother, Luis. Ms. Elkeles has some of the BEST book trailers and I admittedly watch them over and over. Enjoy!

Her other videos can be found here!