Review: Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Title: Perfect Chemistry
Author: Simone Elkeles
Series: Perfect Chemistry #1
Genre: YA
Release Date: April 19, 2010
Edition: Paperback
Blurb:
When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.


At the beginning of the book, we have two completely different characters: Brittany, who appears to be a classic cheerleader with superficial problems & Alex, a cocky gang member that doesn't seem to like "snow" people at all.
The most important thing about the story is that even if they are completely different persons, at the end they both are lonely and even if they don't know it, they seek comfort and a way to end it. In that sense, they understand each other perfectly.

Another important aspect of the book was the relationships each of them have with their families and how different they are.
There are a lot of interesting secondary characters like Paco, Alex's best friend who is always looking after him, Sierra, Brittany's best friend and confidant or Isabel, who starts as Alex's friend and ends up being really close to Brittany.

I really liked how the author created the two different sides and how as the story moved forward, both sides collided until all it was left was one world with a lot of different people and problems.

This was an amazing book, with realistic issues and a great ending. All I can say is that I can't wait to read Carlos' story, who's Alex's younger brother, and see how the author develops the next two books of the Perfect Chemistry trilogy.


Memorable Lines:

“This is Brittany Ellis,” I say, all eyes now focused on me. “This summer she went to the mall, bought new clothes so she could expand her wardrobe, and spent her daddy’s money on plastic surgery to enhance her, ahem, assets.”

It might not be what she wrote, but it’s probably close enough to the truth. Unlike her introduction of me. Chuckles come from mis cuates in the back of the class, and Brittany is as stiff as a board beside me, as if my words hurt her precious ego.

Brittany Ellis is used to people fawning all over her and she could use a little wake- up call. I’m actually doing her a favor. Little does she know I’m not finished with her intro.

“Her secret desire,” I add, getting the same reaction as she did during her introduction, “is to date a Mexicano before she graduates.”

Next Book:
Rules of Attraction - Perfect Chemistry #2

Rating: 1/2