Title: Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry #1)
Author: Simone Elkeles
Publisher: Walker
Publishing Date: December 2008
Length: 368 pages
Genre: YA, romance
Source: Bought
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.
High-society girl Britanny Ellies and bad boy Alex Fuentes (is it only me or does just his name sound so sexy) are teamed-up to be chemistry lab partners, an explosive combination. Their meetings are hot, but do they have a future?
I feared that I wouldn’t like Britanny’s voice, that she could be a spoiled brat. Then there is Alex, the violent gang member who can’t stay away from trouble, drugs and alcohol. Elkeles did a really good job in destroying these stereotypes and showing us the humans behind the shells created by society.
The main focus is on Alex and Britanny, but secondary characters like friends support the story,too. Both families and their backgrounds are important for the story and Elkeles knows how to build up tension while playing along with the American and Mexican cultures.
Each chapter is told from either Britanny’s or Alex’ perspective, both authentic and compelling. There was not a single page I didn’t like. Dialogues are authentic, especially because the Spanish language that is an important part of Mexican culture is included.
My only point of criticism is the epilogue which was too much, it just didn’t feel like a rightful part of PERFECT CHEMISTRY.
In the end I couldn’t believe how much actually happened. Chemistry has never been my favourite subject in school, but this novel had definitely a strong influence on me.
1) a rematch should always be granted
2) we could all need a driving teacher
3) it's simply hot
4) Elkeles found a natural balance between Mexican and American culture
5) of its brave and real characters
5/5 ***** PERFECT CHEMISTRY- A hot and spicy read. This novel whets your appetite!
A sexy experiment with contradictory characters and an explosive reaction. What an intriguing contemporary novel, an experiment you should start!
* PERFECT CHEMISTRY is only the first novel in the PERFECT CHEMISTRY series. Don't miss RULES OF ATTRACTION and CHAIN REACTION.
* Make sure to visit www.simoneelkeles.net or www.perfectchemistrythebook.com
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