Monday 11 August 2014

My review of Better Than Perfect

Better Than Perfect / Wild Cards (Wild Cards #1) by Simone Elkeles
Release Date: August 14, 2014 (UK) | October 1, 2013 (US)
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Better Than Perfect (Wild Cards, #1)Ashtyn's life just got complicated. Her boyfriend is being distant and her sister's back at home after ten years - with a stepson in tow!


Derek has a perfect body, THE sexiest smile and a car - Ashtyn's only way to escape from her crazy life. But Derek likes to play by his own rules and is keen to take Ashtyn on a ride she'll never forget. As they spend more and more time alone together, will Derek's flirty games drive Ashtyn wild?

You know it's a Simone Elkeles book when you fall for the characters at first sight and immediately know that the journey you are about to go on with these characters is going to be epic. So obviously I knew that Better Than Perfect was going to be better than perfect! Elkeles met all the bars for me eventhough some may argue that it wasn't as good as her previous series Perfect Chemistry. While Perfect Chemistry dealt with gang related and more hardcore issues, Better Than Perfect was perhaps more emotional, and dealt a lot with finding yourself and achieving goals. Also, we've got a kickass heroine who plays football and won't be messed with! 

Derek has been kicked out of school because of a prank that he pulled at the senior graduation. Now his step mother has decided that she wants to go back and live with her family who she hasn't seen for seven years with him and her son. What he doesn't know is that his twenty five year old "mother" has a hot sister his age. And despite a rough start of Ashtyn accidentally stabbing Derek in the foot, overtime they simply can't shy away from the attraction that has been there from the start.

Better Than Perfect made me laugh so much because there were endless innuendos and banter between our two main characters Derek and Ashtyn. I could even say... they had perfect chemistry. (DID YOU SEE WHAT I DID THERE?) They both have to come to terms with what they each want from the other, and also others around them. They've been  through emotional ordeals during their time growing up and for them to learn to console each other was just beautiful to witness.

The way Simone Elkeles described Derek simply made me drool. Not only his irresistible body, but also his southern drawl and gentle interior that he reserves only for those who he can keep close. He's into one night stands and can't bring himself to think past that. It seems strange that his budding match is Ashtyn. A girl who feisty, thick skinned, and some may describe her as a tom boy as she plays football. But when she tries, she can be 100% girly. Her and Derek. My gosh. Now that's a pair! I can recount so many scenes that I loved: Ashtyn being allergic to purple dye, THE TRAMPOLINE SCENE. Now aren't you curious?

Better Than Perfect was the perfect read to hoist me out of my reading flunk. The romance was hot and so swoon worthy. There was humor and also teary scenes. Definitely one of my highlights this year! I can't wait to read more of the books from the series because Simone Elkeles just delivers top notch contemporary stories.

You need some hot contemporary YA in your life? No need to look any further! Your summer is sorted. Simply purchase every single one of Simone Elkeles' books, find a comfy chair, or a nice setting where you won't be disturbed, maybe some tissues at the ready and you're done! 
Rating
A review copy was provided by the publisher

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