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.
Title: Perfect Chemistry
Author: Simone Elkeles
Format: ARC, 357 pages
Genre: young adult
Source: I won this book from Mandy at Edge of Seventeen
Published: January 2008 by Walker Books for Young Readers
Buy the book: The Book Depository | Amazon
Find the author online: website | twitter | facebook
The story is told by both Brittany and Alex, in alternating chapters. I really like the dialogue used for each character. It really sets the tone and gives each character depth that makes the story realistic.
Brittany is a popular white girl who puts on a facade of having the perfect life. She's captain of the pom squad. Her boyfriend is the most popular guy in school. Her family is rich and she just got a BMW. A girl who has it all, or so you think. Her home life is not so great. She has a sister with special needs, whom she loves dearly, but causes a stress-filled environment.
Alex is a Hispanic gangster. He just broke up with his sultry gansta girlfriend. He has dreams of going to college and making something out of himself but his gansta life is holding him back. His number one priority is his family. Since his father's murder, he is the man of the house and looks after his mom and two younger brothers.
Brittany and Alex come from opposite sides of the tracks; they are very different on the outside, yet very similar in the core. They have everything going against them yet there's something that can't keep them away from each other. Their chemistry is undeniable.
There is so much sexual tension between Brittany and Alex; the anticipation will keep you turning the page to find out if they will give in. Will they be able to break down the barrier that keeps their worlds separated? Well, you'll just have to read the book to find out; which I highly recommend you do!
The Book Vixen’s Rating:
A frequently revisited theme, but it seems like the author pulled it off! Good review. Thanks for letting me know about this book.
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing good things about this book. Nice review.
ReplyDeleteI have heard many good things about this book, and I really want to read it. There are so many books out there that I just have to get! Ha. But great review!! I may be picking this book up this weekend.
ReplyDelete-Arielle
You're so right about the tension in this one. Phew! But I just liked both of them so much and that is not always the case in stories like these.
ReplyDeleteWhy do I recognize that guy on the cover?
ReplyDeleteSounds like the author totally pulled this off!
And with a trailer like this book has (have you seen it?), howcould someone not want to read it?
You're on a really good roll these days with the YA thing. One good one after another! :)
ReplyDeleteMelissa - yes it is and she definitely pulled it off :D
ReplyDeleteAngiegirl - I love tension, especially sexual tension!
Brizmus - I have not seen the trailer for this book. I'm going to go search for it now.
Fiction Vixen - I hope my YA streak continues with Intertwined!
I freakin loooooooooove this book! And if I look at most of my fave books, they are filled with sexual tension lol :) Great review!
ReplyDeleteEleni - Sexual tension does make for a good book ;D
ReplyDelete