Jekel Loves Hyde

Beth Fantaskey

Publishing May 2010

288 pages

Rating: B+

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 key to a lucrative chemistry scholarship. To better 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 review

The main character, Jill Jekel, is small, timid and quiet. I loved her. At first, she seems to be very vulnerable and weak but by the end of the book I found her to be courageous and strong. She was very interesting and I felt like I could relate to her, differences aside. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book from her perspective. Speaking of that, I also loved the odd times where the story was being told by Tristen.

That leads me to evil Mr. Hyde himself. Tristen was a very complex and mysterious character. I liked him from the beginning but I never really fully understood who he was. His life is filled with secrets and unanswered questions but as you get deeper enthralled in the mystery of his "curse" things become clearer and secrets are revealed. Him and Jill are like opposite people but yet they're also alike in many ways. Which is why I loved the chemistry (aha) between them.

I really liked Jekel Loves Hyde. From the first page, I was intrigued and wanted to figure out how the story would develop. It had a great plot, full of mystery and I loved how Beth retold a great classic story in a new and exciting way. I love the whole idea.

Although I really enjoyed the book, I feel as though there was something missing. The book felt rushed to me. At the end of the book, everything happened at once in a matter of about five pages. And romance! I feel like there was barely any romance. It was mostly fighting and physical tension. But other than those two minor things, the book was great! Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side is still my preferred book of Beth's but this one did not disappoint either.

-Marisa