Review: Wild Cards by Simone Elkeles

Wild Cards by Simone Elkeles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After getting kicked out of boarding school, bad boy Derek Fitzpatrick has no choice but to live with his ditzy stepmother while his military dad is deployed. Things quickly go from bad to worse when he finds out she plans to move them back to her childhood home in Illinois. Derek’s counting the days before he can be on his own, and the last thing he needs is to get involved with someone else’s family drama.

Ashtyn Parker knows one thing for certain--people you care about leave without a backward glance. A football scholarship would finally give her the chance to leave. So she pours everything into winning a state championship, until her boyfriend and star quarterback betrays them all by joining their rival team. Ashtyn needs a new game plan, but it requires trusting Derek—someone she barely knows, someone born to break the rules. Is she willing to put her heart on the line to try and win it all?

Characters:

Hello Derek, my new book boyfriend!  He may already be taken by Ashtyn (oops spoiler, but you should know that Simone Elkeles always tries to write happy endings), but he'll charm you too.  Derek is kind, despite what Ashtyn initially believes, and very witty! I love everything about him except for one particular fashion choice!!!!! I don't understand it! Derek found the perfect girl, Ashtyn.  That she plays football well and can handle the guys is really empowering.  I appreciate the presence of a strong heroine after reading another romance with an overprotective, authoritative male who suppresses the pathetic female lead.  I suppose I'm a feminist.  Regardless, Ashtyn still has insecurities and troubled feelings, showing her vulnerable side that people can relate to.  The rest of the Rebels squad seemed nice.  I only hated the haughty and selfish Landon McKnight!  What a loser.

Plot: 

If you like the Perfect Chemistry series, you will enjoy this. It is most similar to Rules of Attraction in that the hero and heroine live under the same room, and the girl is athletic and clever.  The ending seemed a little rushed, but reflecting, it had to be that way in order to be realistic and work with the rest of the plot. 

Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, I bought this book for a friend's birthday in fact!  I love anything by Simone Elkeles.  It's not as good as Perfect Chemistry, but you'll be laughing and saying awww throughout!!!!

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