Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey

Jill Jekel can't believe her father is dead. At the funeral, Tristan Hyde seems to be the only one who really understands her pain. But before she realizes it, Tristan also disappears.

Then Jill finds out her dad spent her college fund and stole from the college he worked for. Jill hopes she can win a chemistry contest and scholarship to replace the money her dad took. To do that, she and Tristan pair up to recreate her ancestor's experiments. Tristan has his own demons and his own reasons to help Jill win the contest--the solution to the beast that lies within.

Told in alternating voices, the premise of the story is interesting. It's a love story, with chemistry and action thrown in for good measure. Jill and Tristan are full characters, but many of the adults don't seem fully fleshed out. They are mostly background noise as the story focuses on Jill and Tristan. An interesting twist on a love story, and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Fire by Kristin Cashore

In the Dells, a kingdom is on the brink of civil war. King Nash inherited his father's mess--his father's only aim to please his close friend Cansrel, a human monster who could control thoughts and lived to see others suffer.

Cansrel's daughter, Fire, shares his abilities, but not his taste for suffering. She has hidden away her entire life to avoid controlling people, invading their thoughts, and being hunted. But the King calls on her to help avoid losing his kingdom, and she can't refuse the chance to undo the terror her father thrived on.

Just as fascinating as Graceling, Fire involves drama, action, adventure, and romance. There are many elements at play here, and it seems Fire is the focus in most of them, just as Katsa was. Her bravery and courage turn out to be her greatest assets.