Review: Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey

Title: Jekel Loves Hyde

Author: Beth Fantaskey

Genre: YA, paranormal romance

Publication date: May 2010

Published by: HMH Books for Young Readers

Source: Own hardcover

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Synopsis:

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 the key to a lucrative chemistry scholarship.

To improve 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 rating: ★★★★☆
For a girl who prefers reading a series, I thought this standalone was pretty darn good! I really liked the story...It sucked me in from the start and would not let go!

Believe it or not, I have not read the original story about Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, but I am familiar with it. I thought this story was an awesome and romantic retelling!

As for the characters, well, Jill sometimes annoyed me. Her reactions toward Tristen, and some actions in general, really frustrated me. "Jill, you are sooo stupid!" I'd yell at the poor book.

Tristen, on the other hand, I adored! He had me swooning on his very 1st appearance on page 4, with his "soothing British accent" *sigh* When the Epilogue came around, it had me nearly hyperventilating! This was me: "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! What happened? Please tell me he didn't go back. I am freaking out man, freaking out!" But I can tell you, that as I closed the book, I released the breath that I was holding in relief.

Overall, I thought it was a great standalone with a very satisfactory ending and a beautiful cover.

Have you read this book? If so, what did you think about it? If not, what do you think? Does it sound like something you might want to read? Leave me a comment! :)