Title: Perfect Chemistry
Author: Simone Elkeles
Pub Date: December 23rd 2008
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers
Page Count: 357
Author: Simone Elkeles
Pub Date: December 23rd 2008
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers
Page Count: 357
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.
Buy Links
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Chapters Indigo
My Thoughts
Don't name a book Perfect Chemistry and then expect me not to judge it. Trust me, this book isn't perfect chemistry at all. I didn't swoon as much as I wanted to; I swooned, but it was a little half-hearted.
This is one of those "two people from different worlds" love stories. Brittany is a popular, rich chick while Alex is trying to scape by and is in a gang. How can I say this in a way that doesn't sound cliche? They tried to kill each other the first time they met and Alex might've tried to hit on Brittany. The point of me telling you this is that personalities were shown in the very beginning.
We knew of the danger that surrounded Alex and the fluff that seemed to follow Brittany around everywhere.
The personalities are built strong, but still cliche. Brittany was all like "I'm not dumb" and then she totally acted dumb where as Alex was all like "I'm dangerous, but I don't want to be" and yet flaunts his gang status around. It's these little things that didn't make sense.
In terms of the writing, it was definitely worth reading! I loved the way Simone wrote things. It kept me interested and focused on their story. The story is actually really good to read about. Alex and Brittany go through so much only to conquer in the end which made me sigh in contentment. I am skeptical over "HEA" endings, but this one ended nicely with a hint of nostalgia that turned the whole rating around for me.
This book deals with topics that are edgy. It deals with drugs, gangs and how society in that particular place is split between the upper East and West side. It's a real book that's a lot more gritty in story than in romance.
The romance is a strong part of the story. I can't decide whether I liked it or not. There are so many books that make me go "aw!" and then I turn red from how cute it is. This was not one of those books. I felt the romance, but I didn't feel it as strongly as I think Simone wanted me to. So really, it wasn't "perfect chemistry" it was cute but that's it. Meh.
If you're looking for gritty romance, you may not like this because I didn't like it as much as I should have. If you're looking for gritty in plot and content, try it out! The plot was great and entertaining, but as it's a debut, it needed some polishing.
Author Info
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Share your thoughts! I'm always looking for insight from other readers because hey - your opinion matters! Also, if no one's told you yet, I just want to say that I love your smile and that you should grace all of us with it.