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.

BOOK REVIEW: Chain Reaction (Perfect Chemistry #3) by Simone Elkeles

I finally decided to write a review on Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles since I was able to finish it last night. To be honest, this might be my least favorite in the series but it's still better than other contemporaries so far.

To start with the, the reason why this became my least favorite is probably due to the fact that Nikki Cruz is the most frustrating  character I've ever read. I really wanted to pity or like her because of everything that happened to her in the past which led her to become the way she is but I just can't. Honestly, she was such a bitter character which turned her into the most cynical, pessimistic and definitely frustrating character I've read. I wanted to strangle her because of it. I really wanted to skip her chapters to be honest. Plus, the fact that she likes to stick her nose into her best friend's relationship is kinda' annoying really. She can't even give her best friend's boyfriend a chance because of her stupid beliefs even if she can't exactly prove her theories or whatever. I also think she's a racist and a hypocrite since I feel like every time she says "I'm American." is just a form of denial of her roots. Girl! You're Latina whether you want to admit it or not so yeah, whatever. Honestly, I think the only redeeming thing that she did happened towards the end and that's about it. I seriously wanted Luis to give up on her since she was just sooooooo frustrating. I wanted to pull her hair out or something.

We also have another Fuentes in the house and his name is Luis. The youngest brother is all grown up. I really liked him since he is a bit different from his brothers. He just had this triggering event that made him the way he is and got him into trouble. Anyway, I love the fact that he's just so cool and suave and the fact that he knows that he could get any girl that he wants is simply hilarious. I loved reading his chapters and is probably the only reason why I decided to finish the book in the first place. I really wanted to skip Nikki's chapters. Unfortunately, the novel wouldn't be complete without her POV and it would screw up everything. I love his interactions with everyone and his family values. His closeness to his brothers is something to envy as well.

For me, this is my least favorite among the 3 novels. The first and second books are definitely the best. I now think the Mexican family values are something to envy. They'd do anything in their power to protect their loved ones even if it means doing things you don't want to do from time to time. I honestly think that sometimes this isn't such a bad thing, you know? I love that Alex, Brittany, Carlos, Kiara and some more familiar faces were present in this third book. I think the conclusion of their stories is wonderful though. They all deserve to have their own happy endings after everything they've been through. Again, the development of the relationship between Luis and Nikki was written beautifully. It did border on insta-love though but other than that I think it was well-developed. I still don't like Nikki though. 

Rating: 3.75/5 stars

BOOK REVIEW: Rules of Attraction (Perfect Chemistry #2) by Simone Elkeles

As I have mentioned in my review of Perfect Chemistry, I managed to finish its sequel Rules of Attraction in the same day. And just because I feel like writing right now I'll post another review. The novel is written in the same format as its predecessor which means it's told in dual POV's. This time around Carlos, Alex's younger brother, and Kiara are the main focus of the novel wherein Alex and Brittany are side characters. It's picks up after two years from the previous novel.

To begin with, Kiara is the exact opposite of Brittany from the previous novel so it doesn't necessarily mean that it's just a copycat of the first one. Kiara is flawed and is most likely one of the least popular kids in school. She has a gay best friend called Tuck who happens to be so adorable btw. She has the perfect home life which is the exact opposite from Brittany's as well. Anyway, enough introductions. I really liked Kiara's character. I think she's one of those people who really needs to be educated on being bad. I do get the fact that she collaborated with Tuck to prank Carlos in the novel but other than that the girl is a saint. She always looks out for the welfare of everyone and she's just so lovable, down to earth and adorable. She does need a little help in the wardrobe department but other than that she's an awesome girl. The girl does not even have dark thoughts until she met Carlos and her world is turned upside down.

Moving on to Carlos. To be honest, I disliked Carlos a bit during the first few chapters of the novel. He had too much teen angst in my opinion. He lashed out at everyone even to those who are so nice to him and keeps on having these self-pity thoughts because of his Latino heritage (I honestly can't figure out why.) and his past while at the same time projecting a bad boy image which seems so contradictory. I really wanted to strangle him for being so mean to everyone. But as the story progressed I actually learned to appreciate him more. Though I'm still biased since I still can't get over Alex. But the fact that he had a change of heart made me love him towards the end. I think he developed into a well-written  character towards the end.

Overall, I also enjoyed this as much as the first one. I love the bickering between the characters though I still enjoyed Alex and Brittany's more since it was always two sided. There were times when Kiara is just stunned because she's intimidated by Carlos or something but other than that I enjoyed getting to know the younger Fuentes and Kiara. I enjoyed the parts where they were interacting in any way. I also appreciate the fact that Simone Elkeles does not seem to be a fan of the insta-love concept. That's just too stereotypical for YA novels nowadays. I like relationships that are well developed. It makes it more real to me. I love her writing style too. I can't explain what it is but I never came to a point there I got bored as I read. Again, an easy 5/5 stars for me.

BOOK REVIEW: Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry #1) by Simone Elkeles

It took me an entire year to be convinced to read Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles but I am now a certified Simone fan. Honestly, I feel awful that I didn't get to read this earlier. Anyway, I actually finished this and Rules of Attraction in one day. So yeah, that made me lose sleep. It is told in dual POV's, Alex and Brittany's.

First of all, we have Brittany Ellis. She's "Little Miss Perfect| (Well, at least she pretends to be.) and everyone wants her or simply be her. She has the typical jock boyfriend who is an ass a lot of times and a home life that's far from perfect. Anyway, she's always managed to keep her guard up. She has always been able to maintain her facade until Alex Fuentes enters the picture. Honestly, I actually pitied her for having to pretend all the time. It's pretty exhausting and it will one day catch up with her. I really admired her for her love for her sister, Shelley though. I can't imagine sacrificing your own happiness for the sake of your loved one like that.

Then there's Alejandro "Alex" Fuentes. I never knew how sexy Latinos can be (I must admit that they've always been intriguing to me.) until I met Alex. *fans self because he's just too hot to handle* I really, really, really love the bad boy persona that he is projecting. He's dangerous and totally bad-ass. And as some of you might know, I have a thing for bad boys so yeah, he's pretty much up there in my Top Book Boyfriends. I really enjoying getting to know him despite his flaws and the fact that he values his family enough to give up everything is really admirable. The guy just made me want to take long cold showers since he is simply too hot to handle. Haha.

Obviously, I enjoyed reading this a lot since I managed to finish this and its sequel in one day. And yes, I didn't get enough sleep because of it. I loved Alex and Brittany's scenes together. They weren't the typical lovey-dovey couple that you'd just love to hate. The steamy scenes were awesome as well. I do love the fact that Simone Elkeles did not write this with the insta-love concept in mind. The development of their relationship was written beautifully and I just can't help but feel so happy for the both of them. This definitely deserves a 5/5 star rating from me.