Review: Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

I decided I'd like to read Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles after hearing all the buzz about it. I have to say, the buzz is true and well deserved. I loved this book!

Summary: Alex Fuentes is from the South Side of town. He's in the Latino Blood gang, and lives a dangerous life. When he gets paired up with North Sider, the rich and popular cheerleader, Brittany Ellis, as his chemistry lab partner, neither of them are too happy. They decidedly hate each other almost immediately. Then, Alex places a bet with his buddies that he can get Brittany to sleep with him by Thanksgiving. Soon, a romance ensues and each discovers that the other one is not who they thought they were. Each of them has problems the other one may be able to help with. They have secrets and emotions that surprise each other. Could they be falling in love, despite the world being against them?

My Thoughts: I completely loved this book. It drew me in the entire time. The characters were extrmely realistic, well developed, and highly likeable. The chapters were told in alternating narratives between the two characters which I really liked. It was so interesting to see the story told from both perspectives. This story was also full of heart. Alex would do anything for his family and those he cares for. Meanwhile, Brittany diligently cares for and defends her sister with severe physical and mental disabilities. Deep down, each of them was so different than the image they portrayed, and they finally learned to be real . . . with each other, the unlikeliest candidate for each of them. I love the way their romance developed. It was both funny and touching. All in all, I can't say enough about this book. If you haven't yet, I'd urge you to read it!

The Bottom Line
: Fantastic! Wonderful! A must read for any YA or romance fan. A new favorite of mine.

Rating: 5/5

Currently Reading
: A Black Tie Affair by Sherril Bodine, for my first blog tour (January 18th)!

20 comments:

  1. TOTALLY agree with your take - it's a wonderful book! :)

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  2. that sounds faintly similar to CRUEL INTENTIONS... idk...
    and do you notice that love always seems to happen in SCIENCE CLASS?!?! TWILIGHT, HUSH HUSH... i need to transfer to these schools or something!!!
    good review--i wish i could write as coherently as you do

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  3. You've certainly added to the list of positive reviews on this one. I still haven't read it but think I should! Glad you enjoyed it so much.

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  4. @ Jenn - I'm glad you loved it too. It really was amazing!

    @ Aeimaginer - That is so true! No love ever happened in the science classes at my school lol. Thank you very much for the compliment on my writing too!

    @ Alyssa - You should definitely read it!

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  5. yup, I couldn't agree more. Such an awesome book! :D

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  6. I need to get back into reading YA. I loved Shiver and Intertwined.

    Since you gave this one 5 stars I have to read it!!!! Great review.

    P.S. Love the pink flowers on your blog

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  7. Good to know you liked the book. I plan to read it as soon as it arrives in my library. I like the sound of it :)

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  8. Sounds like an interesting book! I'm going to add it to my TBR list!

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  9. Great review. If it's even possible I want to read this even more.

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  10. I've heard lots of good things about this one. Thanks for the great review!

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  11. Yay! I wanted this book to be good and I have heard some mixed things about it. So good to hear you say so enthusiastically that you love it.

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  12. Thanks for the review? Have you seen the trailer for this, by the way? It's like the catchiest thing ever, lol!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr0OtYYpyek

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  13. I keep reading how wonderful this book is -- I need to get my hands on a copy!

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  14. Great review! I've heard so much about this book, but have yet to pick it up. I think it's time to officially add it to my TBL.

    I gave you an award over at Book Bound. (Sorry if you've already recieved it!)
    Link:
    http://b00kbound.blogspot.com/2010/01/splash-award.html

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  15. Completely agree with your review. I loved this book.

    And I have an award for you:

    http://agoodaddiction.blogspot.com/2010/01/awards.html

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  16. Thanks for all of your comments!

    Bookalicious, I've seen that video and LOVE it. It's SOO funny!! :D

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  17. Totally agree with you! I LOVED this one! Dropping by from Book Crazy.

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  18. I just finished this book yesterday (only took me two days!). This book was just competely amazing because the character feltt so real. I agree with EVERYTHING you said on this book. :)

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