4/5 stars
Walker Books for Young Readers, 2013
288 pages
YA Contemporary
Scheduled to release October 1
Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I've seen Elkeles' books around but thought they just looked very melodramatic in a way that would not appeal to me. While this one did not seem any less melodramatic, it did promise a look at high school sports, which is one of my soft spots in reading (odd as I never participated in high school sports nor do I watch.)
Having finished this book, I think it is a bit on the melodramatic side with main characters Derek and Ashtyn having so many issues in addition to their alternating perspectives (reminded me of Pushing the Limits) but the weaving in of football and their sizzling sexual tension really won me over and kept me reading.
Derek seems to be a spoiled rich kid, getting kicked out of his fancy prep school and heading home, only to discover that his young stepmother Brandi is moving herself, her son Julian, and now Derek to her hometown outside of Chicago while Derek's father serves his latest assignment in the Navy. Derek is pissed about this change but the situation perks up when he meets Brandi's younger sister Ashtyn, who just happens to be his age and is the perfect melding of tough football-playing jock and all woman curves. She is less than thrilled to meet Derek and the two clash...repeatedly. Ashtyn for her part is pissed about the people in her life who leave and let her down, craving a real relationship that will last. Derek only goes after girls who are down for a good time as he avoids relationships following the death of his mother. Needless to say sparks fly!
The more I think about it, the more I like the comparison to Pushing the Limits. I suspect this book also shares some similarities with Elkeles' previous work but since this is my first (though certainly not my last) encounter with her writing, I cannot comment on that. My favorite part, definitely, was seeing Ashtyn going after what she wanted-battling her jerky ex's manipulations and fighting for a real relationship with Derek despite his repeated protestations that all he could offer was one night. Ultimately I thought the ending was a bit rushed with Derek's grandmother providing a too good to be realistic but welcome burst of energy and drive. Still I really liked all of the characters especially sweetheart Julian who was not featured enough for my taste. Happily it appears that this is the first in a series so we'll have more room to play in this world!
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I am glad you liked this one. I do think this is similar to the author's other books and the comparison to Pushing the Limits is apt. I do prefer Katie McGarry's books because I think they have a little less drama and more to them than the romance.
ReplyDeleteI am currently reading this one and I like it so far. I wonder how it would compare to Catching Jordan by Miranda Kennealy which I haven't read yet. I do think that Dairy Queen is a better football book (of course it focuses less on romance).
I liked this a lot more than Catching Jordan (heroine with a bad attitude). Haven't read Dairy Queen yet but have heard that it focuses less on romance so I want to give that one a shot too.
DeleteSimone Elkeles' books just don't appeal to me. I dunno, I think it's that they sound too melodramatic to me too. But I know her style is loved.
ReplyDeleteThat's why I didn't try her Perfect Chemistry but I'm glad I checked this one out-the football elements really made me smile.
DeleteI like the sound of Julian! I did read her Perfect Chemistry and it was pretty dramatic, but I still enjoyed
ReplyDeleteJulian was *so* cute-I really wish we'd gotten more of him.
DeleteI always wanted to read a book by her. I think I'm going to try this!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review!
Lis @ The reader lines.
She's very beloved and I'm glad I tried her writing with this book.
DeleteI don't know what I'd think of this author...her books do seem a bit "over the top" in some ways. I like that this one includes a female football player. interesting.
ReplyDeleteSo over the top definitely is a fitting description but it has its grounded moments and I was glad I tried it.
DeleteI LOVED Perfect Chemistry (and I read the sequel which was good too) so I was SO excited to read this book. Plus I liked the Catching Jordan/ Dairy Queen vibe. But Wild Cards was really disappointing to me in the end. Still if you liked it you should check out Perfect Chemistry because holy cow, those Fuentes boys are HOT. Glad this was worked better for you:)
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering if the chemistry let you down since you say the Fuentes boys are so hot. I just really found the football angle to be a draw here.
DeleteWell I really enjoyed Pushing the Limits so this one's going on my wishlist. I haven't read anything by Simone Elkeles yet but I've got a copy of Perfect Chemistry gathering dust somewhere lol
ReplyDeleteLoads of people enjoy PC so it may be worth it to that one first since you already have it.
DeleteI'm excited to check this one out because I've enjoyed Simone's books in the past, and I love books about sports. You've just reminded me to check if my library has it on order.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that you mention Pushing the Limits, because one of my main issues with that book is that it reminded me a LOT of Perfect Chemistry and the vibe of Simone's books in general. I liked PtL but I couldn't figure out why people thought it was so fresh and original. =b
Haha-I guess it all depends on what order we read these books. I bet those fans of PtL haven't read PC!
DeleteI still have to write my review for this one but we felt super similarly. Esp. after the GMA. I loved her so much and I was like why was this humor not in the rest of the book? Def. kept me engaged, and I read it in a night bc I did not want to stop! So so good.
ReplyDeleteIt was almost impossible to stop reading-Elkeles gets a reader hooked!
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