Simone Elkeles quotes:

Romance novels are my favorite books to read. I write young adult romances, and am so happy to be promoting this wonderful genre.

I can't help but smile as I swipe a lone tear trailing down my cheek. How can I not be crazy in love with this guy? Time away from him didn't change anything. I can't deny him another chance. That would be denying myself.

being afraid to take chances is scarier than actually doing things that challenge you.

Brittany and I don't date other people." "Why not?" "It's called being boyfriend and girlfriend.

I want to live life on my own terms. But I'm Mexican, so mi familia is always there to guide me in everything I do, whether I want them to or not. Well, "guide" is too weak a word. "Dictate" is more like it.

Mr. Latino with the big ego got bested by a ditzy, blond bimbo.

Sometimes you have to steer away from the crowd in order to be a better person. It's not always easy, that's for sure. But it's right. And sometimes doing the right thing feels good, even if it does end up in a trip to the principal's office.

Oh, God. I'm in big trouble. Because I'm staring. I can't keep my eyes from ogling his chiseled triceps and biceps and every other "eps ' he has. The butterflies in my stomach have just multiplied tenfold as my wandering gaze meets his.

When my eyes meet his gaze as we're sitting here staring at each other, time stops. Those eyes are piercing mine, and I can swear at this moment he senses the real me. The one without the attitude, without the facade[...]

Should I tell him I'm not afraid of being hurt? I'm afraid of not being in control.

Alex probably brings his dates sharp knives as gifts, in case she'll need one when she's out on a date with him.

But wishes are only granted in fairy tales.

He may be out of my life physically, but he'll always be a part of me. I can't let go even if I wanted to.

Football players are misunderstood. They aren't the dumb jocks people think they are.

For my 'Perfect Chemistry' series, I did movie-style book trailers, and my fans went crazy for them.

I don't belong here. It doesn't matter, because even if I don't belong in this place, she's here and I want to be where she is.

If I had any choice in the matter, I'd stay in my comfy bed and eat warm chocolate chip cookies all day.

And just so you know for the future, I like my double-chocolate chip cookies warm and soft in the middle...and without magnets glued to them." "Me, too. When you decide to bake me some, let me know.

I never believed in love at first sight, until I met Derek. It's all-consuming and delicious and wonderful and exciting. At the same time, it makes me nervous and self-conscious and emotional. Love exists. I know it does, because I'm madly, deeply, hopelessly in love.

Two dads have sent me letters that said my books changed their daughters' lives. I send them packages with T-shirts and posters because, come on... that's the coolest.

I've had more students die than I ever thought possible. My husband urgesme to quit Fairfield and teach at some school without gang members who live their lives only to die or end upas drug dealers."

Who am I kidding? I have no reason for being here other that the fact that I want to be near her.

I was definitely meant to be a young adult author, and I love it - I'm here to stay!

Now I understand all those chick flicks I made fun of. 'Cause now I'm the sappy dork willing to risk it all for the girl. Estoy enamorado...I'm in love.

One of the things that makes me who I am is the loyalty I have to people I hold close to my heart.

I tried writing adult romances, but it just didn't fit my voice.

The percentage of couples who stay together after high school is, like, less than five percent, you guys.

I get a lot of mail from boys in detention centers, including one from a center where they only had a few copies of my novel. They had a deal with each other that they'd read a couple of chapters and then slide it under the door to the next guy. I think that's very cool.

This is a team of gay dudes, isn't it?" What gave it away? The pink shirts, or half our team drooling over you?

My brain tells me it will be better to just let him go.My heartnot so much.

Since you came back from summer break, our entire relationship is about fooling around. We never talk anymore, and I'm sick of feeling guilty for not ripping my clothes off and spreading my legs to prove I love you.

Stop thinking about Michael," Tuck orders. "He was cute." "So is a hairy ferret but I wouldn't want to date one. [...]

...there's no rule book or game plan when it comes to the grim realities of our lives.

This connection we have isn't going away, it's only getting stronger. Because the more I spend time with her, the closer I want to be.

Great minds think alike.

Love is honesty. Love is a mutual respect for one another.

I wish I could help you" I whisper. You are," he murmurs against my knee. "just dont leave me, okay? Everyone leaves me.

If you let him go and he doesn't come back to you, he wasn't yours to begin with. It's a lesson learned in first grade

Distance makes the heart grow fonder.

Three things Marco taught me today race through my mind: boys will lie to your face just to have sex with you, don't trust any boy who says I love you, and never date a boy who lives on the south side of Fairfield.

Alex kneels down to Shelley's level. The simple act of respect tears at something suspiciously like my heart. Colin always ignores my sister, treating her as if she's blind and deaf as well as physically and mentally disabled.

Mildred waves Carlos over. 'Let me look at you.' She eyes him up and down. 'I saw you when you walked in. What's with all those tattoos? Makes you look like a hooligan.' 'I suspect I am a hooligan,' he says to her. 'Whatever that means.

Say something, Amy," Miranda insists. "Something positive. I'm sure it'll make you feel better." "Okay, Miranda. I've got it." I motion the girls to lean in close to hear my words. "At least I'm not dead." How's that for positivity? I have to admit it does make me feel better.

I flip open my phone to text Jessica: Me: Guess who's pregnant? Jess: u? Me: Get real. Jess: ur mom? Me: yep Jess: Mazel tov!? Me: Don't congratulate me, plz Jess: Could b worse Me: How? Jess: Could be u? Me: I'm a virgin. Jess: Nobody's perfect.

Music is my drug, the one thing that makes me numb.

NO PDA,school rules. And besides she's my partner dickhead." said Alex.

I'm losing control."-Brittany Mamacita, I've already lost it."-Alex

Brit: What's your major? Alex: Chemistry. And yours? Brit: Chemistry. Kiss me so we can see if we still have it. 'Cause you own my heart, my soul, and everything else in between.

For my Perfect Chemistry series, I did movie-style book trailers, and my fans went crazy for them.

With someone you like that much, the lows are as low as the highs are high. Does that make sense?' It does. It also makes me sound bipolar.' Love will do that to a person.

I understand the reasons behind his keeping a distance from a girl he cares about. Because the truth is, sometimes getting close to the fire does actually burn you.

Opening yourself up to making mistakes and being vulnerable is what makes it beautiful and special with the person you love.

I'm ready for that adrenaline rush...with you.

I wonder if it's medically possible to be addicted to another human being.

My dream is to find a guy who'll love me despite my flaws and won't turn away from me when a perfect girl walks by. Maybe a boy like that doesn't even exist.

And while my mind is telling me I'm flirting with her just to prove a point, my body wants to play "you show me your perky privates and I'll show you mine.

...personal torture instructor...I mean physical therapist.

Playing with fire doesn't necessarily get you burned.

Girls like you want to cut guy's nuts off and hang 'em from your rearview mirror.

Doing something positive will help turn your mood around. When you smile, your body relaxes. When you experience human touch and interaction, it eases tension in your body.

Unfortunately, real life doesn't have a remote control.

This attitude means you haven't met a girl worthy of your attention. You'll want to get caught if the right girl comes along.

Look at me, chica." When she does, I repeat, "Eres hermosa." "What does it mean?" "You're beautiful.

You know about fixing cars, you're athletic, and you know when to shut up." "That last one isn't a skill." "Honey, trust me. It's a skill.

Hey, Carlos, the Professor says when he walks inHow was REACH?It sucked.Can you be more specific? my guardian asks.It really sucked, I elaborate, sarcasm dripping from every word.

Snakes don't have fuckin' legs, so how was I supposed to think there'd be one hidin' in the face of a damn rock that's ten feet below the summit?

She's a Texan, born and raised. Football is in our blood.

I gave you my heart, but it wasn't enough.

Expectations make people miserable, so whatever yours are, lower them. You'll definitely be happier.

I want to try making things right because picking up the pieces is way better than leaving them the way they are.

Our lie is like a cancer that's spread to every single area of our lives.

dear kiara, The women in the shop told me that yellow rose represents friendship and red rose shows love. And the rosery is the only thing i own that i care for, its yours i'm yours C

You are the one girl that made me risk eveything for a future worth having.

Want to get in trouble with me, Carlos?

My brain tells me it will be better to just let him go.My heart... not so much.

Don't ever pity me.

Makin' mistakes ain't a crime, you know. What's the use of having a reputation if you can't ruin it every now and then~?

I write edgy, sexy teen romances, and that's what I'll continue to do.

The reason I want you to put a shirt on is, well, because, um..." "You've never seen a guy with his shirt off?" "Ha, ha. Very funny. Believe me, you don't have anything I haven't seen before." "Wanna bet?" he says, then moves his hands to the button on his jeans and pops it open. Isabel walks in at that exact moment. "Whoa, Alex. Please keep your pants on.

I saw you happy. Happier than you've been in a long time. With someone you like that much, the lows are as low as the highs are high.

I'm standing here, holding a half a lemon in my hand. I'm speechless, I'm excited . . . I'm a wreck. Caleb wants to be where I am.

From the moment I laid eyes on you I couldn't stop looking at you. From the moment we talked I couldn't stop arguing with you. From the moment we kissed I couldn't stop kissing you. And from the moment we shared our hopes, fears and insecurities I couldn't stop loving you.

I wish I could turn back time, but I can't. I made a stupid decision because I thought I was invincible, and I'll pay for it the rest of my life.

Does she realize she looks like a sunflower, ready to rain sunlight on all who look down upon her?

Fifty percent of all doctors graduate in the bottom half of their class - Hope your surgery went well!

Tofu tacos are not Mexican. I think putting tofu on anything and calling it Mexican is an insult to my people.

Some things need to be left unsaid.

Who knew Lenny was an encyclopedia for useless information?

And for those of you who want to start any trouble, I have a zero tolerance policy. . . .

Everyone who has ever met me for at least five minutes knows I'm a really funny person. I love to laugh and to make people laugh, so writing comedy comes naturally to me.

I lost my dad when I was younger, and I know what it's like to lose a beloved parent.

(Kiara sees Carlos' bleeding face)"Carlos! Oh my God, what happened?" "You still recognize me with a busted-up face. That's a good sign, right?

[about her offer of a Swedish massage] Alex: You're not Swedish. Brittany: Yeah, well, neither are you. So if I do it wrong you'll never know the difference.

A garter. You're supposed to take it off and keep it as a memento. K-k-kinda like a trophy for going far sexually with a girl. It's stupid, really. And kind of d-d-degrading if I think about it too m-m-much." "I know what it is," he says, amusement evident in his voice. "I just wanted to hear your explanation.

A Mexican guy named Sam pushes Gary Frankel next to Isabel. "This guy can break your arm with one snap, asshole. Get out of my sight before I sic him on you," Sam says. Gary, who's wearing a coral shirt and white pants, growls to look tough. It doesn't work.

A summer apart changes people.s

Alex took a piece of my heart with him when he left.

Alex, Add it up. No matter how much you want her in your life, she doesn't belong. A triangle can't fit into a square. Just pointing out the facts" ""Gracias" I don't point out that if it's a big enough square, a small triangle can fit inside perfectly. All you have to do is make a few adjustments.

And I'm yours," I tell him. "Forever and always and then some.

And my piece of advice is...don't flirt with any of the female instructors. They all have access to weapons bigger than yours.

And right this second I want to live in ignorant bliss.

and the bananas are overdone.

And what do you want right now?" Right now I itch to heal his wounds and forget my own. He touches my cheek with the tips of his fingers. My breath hitches. "Do you want to kiss me, Alex?" I whisper. "Dios mio, I want to kiss you ... to taste your lips, your tongue." He gently traces my lips withthe tips of his fingers. "Do you want me to kiss you? Nobody else would know but the two of us.

Are you following me?" she asks, but doesn't meet my gaze. "Yeah," I say. "Why?" I give her the only honest and true answer I have. "You're where I want to be.

As If I could just turn my feelings off like a faucet.

Before i was jumped in i remember Lucky telling us how being in a gang was like having a second family... a family who would be there when your own family wasn't. They would offer protection and security. It sounded perfect to a kid who'd lost his father.

Being brave is not as easy as it looks.

But I know loving someone means losing a part of myself.

Can I request another peer guide, One who isn't so happy to be at school at 7:30 a.m.?

Carlos, are we in complete understanding with each other?" "Yeah," I say. "As long as it's not in your house and you don't know about it, you're okay with us messin' around." "I know you're joking with me. You are joking with me, aren't you?" "Maybe.

Como un angel," I whisper. "Is our game over?" she asks nervously. "It's definitely over, querida. 'Cause what we're gonna do next is no game.

Consider me your candy stripper... I mean striper.

Daddy, What's the horizontal tango?

Did A tell you your eyes remind me of blown glass? I can see your soul through those eyes, Amy. They get darker when you're trying to be sexy and shine when you smile. And when you think you're in trouble you blink double the amount that you usually do. And when your sad the corners of your eyes turn down. I miss your eyes. And I don't want the sad ones to be my last memory of you.

Did we kiss last night?" "Yes." "Well, it wasn't memorable because I have no recollection of it." He laughs. "I was kiddin'. We didn't kiss." He leans in. "When we kiss you'll remember it.Forever.

Do I hear a challenge?" she whispers, "Oh, Carlos. You know I can't resist a challenge.

Do I make you nervous?" His gaze travels from my eyes to my breasts and down to where my dress meets my thighs. "In that dress you do.

Do you ever lose the ego?" Westford asks me. "Yeah." When his daughter kisses me, my ego flies out the window.

Do you play football?' Brandon asks. 'No.' 'Baseball?' 'Nope.' Brandon is on a roll and won't stop until he's found the answer he's looking for. 'Tennis?' 'That would be a nada' 'Then what sport do you play?' Carlos puts down his food. Oh, no. He's got a rebellious gleam in his eye as he says, 'The horizontal tango.' ...Alex stands and says through chlenched teeth, 'Carlos let's talk. In private. Ahora.' ....Brandon turns to my dad with big, innocent eyes. 'Daddy, do you know how to do the horizontal tango?

Don't be afraid to be unique. Love yourself before you love another.