Review: Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Posted by Jessi (Geo) on April 3, 2012 | 4 Comments


Review: Perfect Chemistry by Simone ElkelesPerfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
Series: Perfect Chemistry #1
Published by Walker Books (12.23.2008)
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult
Format: Paperback, 360 pages
Source: I own it
Buy on Amazon


5 Stars

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 thoughts

AHHHH!!! This book was incredible. This one is a new favorite for me! Why oh why did I wait so frickin’ long to read it?! It’s been sitting on my shelf for months…if not over a year. I was really missing out!

I’m going to start with Alex. Oh, Alex! I’m totally in love with Alex! *fans self* He was amazing. A few times I kinda wanted to slap him because he acted like such a buttface, but overall he was a wonderful character. My favorite parts of the book were those where I was able to get inside his head. (Yes that’s right, the view switches – and the font is different. I loved that!) Alex is in a gang called Latino Blood. This book did an awesome job getting across how dangerous that life can be. There were many times when I was terrified for Alex. And yes, I cried. I admit it. :p
A few reasons why I adored him so much:

So what if she has sexy legs? So what if she has eyes as clear as glass marbles? So what if she can take a prank like a man and give it right back? Who am I kidding? I have no reason for being here other than the fact that I want to be near her. Screw the bet. I want to know how to make this girl laugh. I want to know what makes her cry. I want to know what it feels like to have her look at me as if I’m her knight in shining armor.

I know there’s more to her than blonde streaks and a killer bod. Secrets she’ll take to the grave and secrets she’s dying to share. Oh, man. She’s like a mystery, and all I can think about is unraveling the clues.

“I like that girl more than I can remember likin’ anything in my life. I’m not about to give her up. I’ll start carin’ what other people think when I’m six feet under.”

Brittany was great too. I thought going in that I would hate her: she’s considered ‘perfect,’ rich, and pretty – the kind of girl that I would typically hate on principle, ha! But she was pretty cool. Her life wasn’t as perfect as everyone thought and it really took a toll on her trying to keep up that facade of perfection. I really felt for her because of the issues with her sister (don’t want to spoil anything). The way her parents handle it is atrocious. I couldn’t stand them, especially her mother – she was psycho! She would check Brit’s clothes to make sure she looked good enough before leaving – control freak much? And when she actually checks Brit’s hair to make sure she conditioned…ugh. I wanted to slap her. Repeatedly. With a shovel.

The romance – oh goodness! Totally swoon-worthy! There was that glorious slow burn that I love oh so much. I’m a fan of relationships that start out as hate, though. I can’t stand that love at first sight bullshit. This one was so real and convincing; full of tension, difficulty, and a few very stupid mistakes. They both hurt each other. I don’t think you can have a relationship without a little conflict. The frustration made it more interesting and made it even sweeter when they worked it out!
Alex and Brittany couldn’t have been more different. At first they have a certain perception of each other, but as they get to know one another it completely changes. Loved it!

Favorite character: ALEX. Hands down. If only he existed in real life ♥

quotes“Outside chemistry, you’re his. Inside chemistry, you’re mine.”
“Want to find your club and pull me by my hair into the library?”
“I’m not a Neanderthal. Your boyfriend is the ape, not me.”

assessment

Plot: 5/5
Writing style: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Pace: 5/5
Cover: 4.5/5
 
Overall rating: 5+/5 starfish
 
hailtotheking2
Jessi (Geo)

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4 responses to “Review: Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

  1. I have had this one on my TBR pile for so long too and I have yet to read it. Ooh I am excited about the switching of perspectives lol and the the different fonts to tell the difference. Going to pick it up very soon! Thanks for the reveiw!

    youngadultbookhaven.blogspot.com

  2. Why is cover only 4.5? :D I like the cover for Rules of Attraction the most. But the second brother is my favorite.
    I wasn’t really into Brittany at first, but she grew on me. But Alex is the best character in the first book (for me), so I, too, always waited for his POV.

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