August Reading Challenge #2 - Over in a Flash

The August Over in a Flash challenge is very special to me, because I was invited to be the one that set the boundaries.  Since August doesn't have any "big" holidays, I had some fun with this challenge.  I invite you to join me.

Rules: Read 2 books with the following items found on their covers; choose 2 of the 3 options below. Be sure to post your book covers, dates read, and star ratings. If you want, you can do this at the end of the month after you reviewed your covers. Feel free to do all three if you want.

COLOR: Green 
HOLIDAY: Back to School (All Month) - Read a book that stars a school age (college, high school) hero/heroine, Hawaii Becomes a State (August 21, 1959) - Read something that takes place in Hawaii (for help with this state, go here or here) or another Tropical/Beach location. Indy Speedway hosts it's first race (August 19, 1909) - Read a Book that features a Auto Racer, Fast cars, or people that like to turn in circles over and over. The A-Bomb is Dropped on Hiroshima (August 6, 1948) - Read a Book that takes place during a War or features a Military Hero/Heroine, or does NOT have a HEA.
ITEM: Peridot (August Birthstone), Onyx (August Secondary Birthstone), Lion or Virgin (Astrological Signs), Gladiolus or Poppy (Birth Flower), eight, watermelon, chocolate, marshmallow, cake, candles, pens/pencils, notebooks, jewelry, lighthouse, volcano, waffle, airplane. Words: birthday, school, class, gold, dream.

My books for this challenge (I always choose one for each category):

Color: The Look of Love by Bella Andre
Theme: Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles (High School Age Hero/Heroine)
Item: Seduction and Snacks by Tara Siver (Chocolate)