BOOK REVIEW: Return to Paradise (Leaving Paradise #2) by Simone Elkeles

I finally decided to make a review of Return to Paradise after 3 days I think. I finished reading this a few days ago and it got  me all mixed up. I was teary-eyed for quite some time and honestly I just needed the entire story to sink in. Gosh! Simone Elkeles is really awesome isn't she? How does she come up with these wonderful stories that really tear into out hearts?

First of all, I admire Maggie for growing up and becoming  more independent and less needy in this novel. She's one strong girl and I just admire her for that. She had a lot of growing up to do and I'm just glad that she finally learned how to stand up for herself and to actually fight for what she wants. I think the trip that reunited Caleb and Maggie is something that the two of them truly needed.

And as for Caleb. Hmm. Seriously, the guy is either unlucky or he just makes a lot of wrong choices. Anyway, he has an awesome heart. I think he needed Maggie to keep him grounded  most of the time. Maggie needed him in the first novel but he needed her more in this one. Everything just seemed so difficult for the both of them. The guy has a good heart. I guess he just feels like he can't really depend on anyone since his entire family was just so messed up. Anyway, I still think Caleb is such a dreamboat.

Overall, this is another one of Simone's awesome novels. Deym! She needs to write more. I just loved everything about this novel. The introduction of new characters were just so awesome and was much needed. I love the fact that Julio, who seemed so misguided when he first appeared in Leaving Paradise had a very important role in this one. Even Lenny who seemed like a douche from the very start contributed something. Everyone seriously had a role in making everything right and for some reason this made it all the more awesome. No annoying characters  here! I'm just really happy that they all got the ending that they deserve and that Caleb was able to start all over again. Anyway, Simone never fails to impress me and this is another two thumbs up for me She got me crying, smiling, laughing and everything. The steamy scenes between Caleb and Maggie were to die for as well. An easy 5/5 stars.

BOOK REVIEW: Leaving Paradise (Leaving Paradise #1) by Simone Elkeles

I finally got my copy of Leaving Paradise after month of waiting for it. I really loved Simone's Perfect Chemistry Series and when I love an author reading her other works is definitely a must. So I ordered this a month ago as soon as I finished reading Perfect Chemistry. The novel is written in alternating POV's between Caleb and Maggie.

I must admit that I'm still letting the story sink in. My God. This is probably one of her best work to date. I really got into it. It was about finding love in the most unexpected places, forgiveness and a lot more other things. I really liked the chemistry between Caleb and Maggie. Both of them are seriously screwed up after everything they've been through. The first 2 or 3 chapters in Caleb's POV made me think that he was such an ass for doing what he did to Maggie and I found myself feeling really bad for Maggie. She didn't deserve everything that's happened to her and the way her so-called friends treated her was just inexcusable. But I did think that she is a very strong person for going through life after everything that's happened. I really liked both Maggie and Caleb. Admittedly, I didn't fall in love with Caleb from the get-go but as the story progressed and as I started to get to know Caleb more I knew I was falling for him. Hard. Anyway, both are awesome characters and are very inspirational in their own way. I usually hate girls with insecurities but for some reason I really loved Maggie. I got her. For some reason, I truly understand where all these insecurities and barricades are coming from.

Overall, I was immersed in this novel. I don't really know if I was happy or sad or whatever. I have mixed feelings. There were moments that made my lips form a smile and my heart flutter. But there were also moments that broke my heart and made me cry. I was inspired. I was in awe. This is such a wonderful story that I can't even begin to describe how I feel about it. I liked most of the characters even if I did dislike some namely Kendra and Leah. I think both are really selfish and I just wanted to strangle them both. The revelation towards the end simply broke my heart. I was teary-eyed to be totally honest. I don't have enough words to describe how much I love this novel but I can confidently say that this is one is on the top of my all  time favorites. I just love all of her novels. I always finish her books in one day. I'd skip eating  and going on toilet breaks if I could. Haha. I'd give this an easy 5/5 stars. And I am a certified Simone Elkeles fan.