Review: Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

(Won from YA Edge)

Summary from goodreads:

"A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers.

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. In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart."

My Review: ***** = 5 Stars

I thouroughly enjoyed this book. It seems that my collection of books is beginning to include more and more that are not related to fantasy or paranormal or magic of any kind whatsoever. This book right here is the perfect reason why. It contains so much that I enjoy and I am so glad I have opened up my options of reading material. I really enjoyed how the author switched back and forth between the main characters viewpoints. I'm not typically a fan of this type of storytelling but I have to say I think it is starting to grow on me, especially when it's done so well.

Perfect Chemistry may be a story that has been told before but the author tells it in a new way. I loved the idea of a modern day Romeo and Juliet type romance. I've never been in a gang nor have I ever known anyone in a gang so I couldn't really tell you if the way gang life is described in the book is as realistic as it gets, but to me it seemed pretty darn realistic.

I try not to include spoilers what so ever in my reviews so let me just say that the two main characters, Brittany and Alex, were written very well. I laughed with them, laughed at them, pitied them, felt for them and cheered them on. I wanted them to be happy and I wanted things to work out. I won't tell you if they do or not, that's for you to read and find out!!

I recommend this book to anyone but there is mild drugs and sex involved so anyone mature enough to read about such topics.

On a side note I really can't wait to get my hands on the sequel, Rules of Attraction.. who wants to let me borrow their copy??? ;)


Sherry <3