I found a new YA author who I adore! If you're in the mood to read about some teenage love, with a twist.. then I recommend picking up Simone Elkeles latest books. (just an fyi these are not in the paranormal/supernatural genre!)
I LOVE her Perfect Chemistry series.
(she is in the works of writing a 3rd book for this series)
Perfect Chemistry:
Tough guy Alex is primarily known by his classmates as a dangerous member of the Latino Bloods gang. He’s not exactly thrilled when Brittany Ellis, the school’s seemingly perfect beauty queen, is assigned as his lab partner—and the feeling is more than mutual. But Alex’s bravado works against him when he impulsively accepts a bet that he can get Brittany in the sack. The romance that follows will not surprise any reader, yet Elkeles gives it heart by constantly switching point of view from Alex to Brittany to provide dual running commentaries on their minute-by-minute insecurities and urges. Brittany’s controlling parents and sister with cerebral palsy are well drawn, but it is Elkeles’ rendition of Alex and his life that is particularly vivid. Sprinkling his speech with Spanish, his gruff but tender interactions with his family and friends feel completely genuine. An idealized epilogue drains away some of the book’s realism, but if the “romance” angle isn’t pushed too hard, this is a novel that could be embraced by male and female readers in equal measure.
If you want to read the synopsis for Rules of Attraction, click here. I don't want to post it here b/c it gives a few spoilers if you have not read the first book yet!
I'm also recommending her latest series, Leaving Paradise.
Maggie has just returned home from a long stay in the hospital to repair the leg that was badly injured in an automobile accident; Caleb has just returned from prison, where he served nine months for driving the car that hit Maggie. In spite of a court order to stay away from her, Caleb continues to encounter Maggie and even ends up working for Mrs. Reynolds, the same elderly lady who Maggie helps. Telling the story in alternate chapters, Elkeles reveals the traumatic accident and its consequences from both victims' points of view. Maggie can no longer play tennis and is now convinced that she is ugly; Caleb must endure the harassment of his former friends, especially the beautiful, seductive Kendra. Not everything in the crowded plot is adequately addressed, but Elkeles creates raw emotions, dialogue, and high-school ambience that's just right. Maggie and Caleb are complex and authentic teens whom all readers will embrace. Theirs is a delicate, delicious love story--without the happy ending.
The sequel, Return to Paradise will be out Fall 2010 and I am anxious to read it!!
So.. if any of these peak your interest I highly recommend them! Even though the subject matter is based around teenage romance.. I felt like Simone Elkeles took a very mature approach to it, and I found myself identifying with the characters.
