Jekel Loves Hyde - Beth Fantaskey

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, this good girl is tempted to peek inside, because the contents just might be key to winning 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. As things heat up in the lab, though, Jill's accidental taste of a formula unleashes her darkest nature and will compel her to risk everything--even Tristen's love--just for the thrill of being. . . bad. 

From the author of the hit novel Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side comes a tantalizing story about what happens when Jekel loves Hyde. 

Title: Jekel Loves Hyde

Author: Beth Fantaskey

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal

Publisher: Harcourt

Publication Date: May 3, 2010

Format: Hardcover

Source: Received from publicist. Many thanks goes to Thomas Allen & Son for sending me a copy of this book for review. I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

Look for it: Amazon, Book Depository. 

My rating: 4/5

Jill Jekel has always been known for being good. It's as natural as breathing to her. When she is invited to join a chemistry competition with the illustrious Tristen Hyde they are given the option to replicate the famous "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" experiment or come up with a new one. Jill's parents have forbidden her to go into a locked box that her father kept in his office, but when Jill learns that he spent all of her college savings before he was murdered, she is tempted to look inside the box to see if there are any notes that could help win this competition for her. She enlists the aid of Tristen Hyde. He is elusive and has secrets of his own, but if they work together, they may be able to solve Tristen's secret as well as Jill's financial woes. However, the myths behind the original experiment may prove all to real, and once Jill gets a taste of a certain formula, she might not want to return to her former way of life. 

Jekel Loves Hyde is an exceptional book that gives a face-lift to the old tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. With our present-day cast we see what lengths one will go to, to fill their insatiable appetite for all things bad, as well as what draws someone towards redemption. Jill and Tristen are likeable characters, and I found their conflicted emotions added to the storyline. They both are so different, but chemistry is everything. It was neat to see Jill go outside of her comfort zone to do things she normally wouldn't do. I especially liked the bit of mystery added to the storyline. It had some surprising twists, ones that I didn't see coming until they were happening. 

All in all, an intriguing tale with history potentially repeating itself. I think those who enjoy paranormal and contemporary reads will enjoy this one. It's a solid story with engaging characters and a few surprises to keep it lively. I know I'll definitely be reading more of Fantaskey's work in the future. She makes chemistry seem like fun, and that is not an easy feat!