Jekel Loves Hyde
Beth Fantaskey
Publisher: Harcourt Children’s Books
Release Date: May 3rd, 2010
Pages: 288

Rating: 4 stars

From goodreads:
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.

Jekel Loves Hyde had an intriquing premise, but I didn’t feel it completely fufilled the expectations I had for it. Fantaskey’s debut novel, Jessica’s Guide to Dating On the Dark Side became an instant favorite, but Jekel Loves Hyde just didn’t wow me to that level.

Beth Fantaskey once again blew me away with her well developed characters. The characters were fantastically written, and I fell in love with them. I adored Tristen, the entire book he had a mysterious air about him. Jill was a really well written character. She was smart and strong, yet shy and timid.

I loved the story. It was enticing, and never left me bored and uninterested. I loved all the Tristen and Jill scenes. I loved Fantaskey’s use of the old classic to whip a new original story into place!

Overall, Jekel Loves Hyde was a really great book, it just wasn’t one that I’d consider a favorite or reread. I’d definately read it when you have time!