Author: Simone Elkeles
Series: Perfect Chemistry (book 1)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's
Release Date: 1 April 2010
ISBN-13: 978-1847388056
ASIN: B0067PEDLE
Synopsis
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
I got talking to a friend in the library this summer and I recommended she read 'Pushing the Limits' by Katie McGarry, she replied that I should read this book. I love a good book exchange so we made a deal and requested the books on our library cards. I have to confess I have since had this sitting on my table and didn't have time to read it with the Book Day reading list I had. But I went away for a few days last week and took this with me. I made a start with it there and then finished it yesterday evening when I was home.
From reading the blurb and the book's tag line: "Two different worlds. One true love." I could already tell pretty much how this book was gonna go down - the traditional story of forbidden lovers, Romeo & Juliet meets West Side Story etc etc.
But to give this book it's credit - it does bring unique elements into it. Brittany isn't the airhead, superficial girl you expect and she has a background and baggage to her that makes her more realistic. Alex is pretty much the typical bad boy, with the baggage and bad history, and tough guy attitude but I still kind of liked him and found myself routing for him a bit.
I actually read this quite quickly overall and did find that I wanted to know what would happen, there were a few moments that had me reading as fast as I could to see what would come next.
Every character is well described and presented, even the more minor ones felt like an essential part of the story and like they had a purpose which is hard to do but always good. It strengthens the story and the world it's created.
I was pleasantly surprised overall by this book and am glad I have read it, I will probably request the other books by Elkeles too, but it didn't absolutely blow me away. I don't think I would re-read it. But it is worth picking up, you won't regret it.
My Rating
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