Book Review #12: Perfect Chemistry

Author: Simone Elkeles
Publisher: Walker & Company
Publish Date: April 24, 2010.
Summary:


"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."
-Barnes and Noble.

My Cover Opinion:

This cover is actually kind of boring. The guy on the cover isn't even cute, he should of been shirtless so you could see all the scars and tattoos he is said to have.




My Overall Opinion:

I've always loved romance novels from the boys point of view, so getting both points was really awesome. You really got the chance to get into the characters head and see what their thinking. Elkeles did amazing with the characters, they seem real with real emotions (another great thing was adding the spanish; google translator was very helpful). This book had a fabalous storyline and never got boring or too cheesy.
Both Alex and Brittany have tough lives, neither perfect. Each have their own problems, never knowing people soo different could have so much in common. Brittany, is the it girl; head cheerleader and going out with the quarter back. Seems almost perfect, but her life is just the opposite. Her boyfriend Colin, always wants to take their relationship to the "next level", by having sex. Brittanys older sister Shelley, has disease that limits her, her mother has this perfect vision for Brittany, and their dad's a work-a-holic.
On the other hand, Alex has a big family which he needs to take care of and protect. To do that he joined Latino Blood, and works at the car garage, one of his friends owns. His father passed away when Alex was only a toddler, he was doing a drug deal and was shot. Being the oldest of three boys, Alex became the man of the house.
When Brittany and Alex first meet, by becoming chemistry partners and in the parking lot before school one day, they had a rough start. Alex finds Brittany very cute, but sadly he believed she way out of his league; knowing he would never be able to provide her exactly what she wants or needs. While Brittany knows Alex has the perfect body (even with all the scars and tattoos he has from the Blood), can be very sweet and caring, she is worried about what others might think about her going out with a gangbanger. After disliking one another, they both find it hard to resist each other.

This is another great twist on a love story with star crossed lovers!(: Great book, very hard to put down, and before you know it, your finished. Can't wait to read more Simone Elkeles novels!:D

lisa