My review of Paradise

Paradise (Paradise #1-2) by Simone Elkeles
Release Date: August 15, 2013
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Nothing has been the same since Caleb Becker left a party drunk, got behind the wheel and hit Maggie Armstrong. Even after months of painful physical therapy, Maggie walks with a limp. Her social life is nil and a scholarship to study abroad - her chance to escape everyone and their pitying stares - has been cancelled. After a year in juvenile jail, Caleb's free ...if freedom means endless nagging from a transition coach and the prying eyes of the entire town. Coming home should feel good, but his family and ex-girlfriend seem like strangers. 

But despite the horror of their shared history, somehow Caleb and Maggie can't seem to stay away from each other, with the heat and attraction between them becoming undeniable to them both. Feeling like outsiders, they find comfort in each other, they realise that sometimes the person who hurts you most, can be the person who heals you too.

Paradise is a collection of the Paradise duo: Leaving Paradise and Return to Paradise. Based around a tragic accident that has changed two teenagers' lives completely, we watch as their attraction to each other draws them closer together as they try to piece together the events of the accident and how to work through it. I enjoyed every moment in Paradise and devoured it in one sitting.

I just adored the idea for this book as soon as I read the blurb! A boy who makes a mistake and crashes into a girl, leaving her with a limp while he's locked up in juvie for a year. When he gets out, they come face to face and can't deny the attraction towards each other even after the accident... It sounded too romantic to miss. 

I enjoyed the character of Caleb, who is strong and confident, arrogant at times but completely lovable on the inside. He certainly knows how to charm a girl! As for Maggie, she starts off a bit rocky; not quite sure of herself, but she eventually grows into someone stronger by the end, which I liked. 

The relationship between Caleb and Maggie... Well, you might say that it was all a bit sudden, and I agree. But nevertheless, I loved how the two comforted and helped each other get through the difficulties that the accident has left them with.

I just need to thank all the stars that they have put these two books together because I don't I could have survived the wait to find out what happened in the second story! Caleb and Maggie's relationship is very easy to get addicted to!

I must say, I think Perfect Chemistry beats this because there is a bit more interesting storyline, the characters are definitely more developed, and the romance is slightly more exciting. Nevertheless, I did enjoy this duology and it reminded me of why I love Simone Elkeles so much.

Rating

A review copy was provided by Simon and Schuster