Thursday, May 5, 2011

Book Review: Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry #1) by Simone Elkeles



Title: Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry #1)
Author: Simone Elkeles
Publisher: Walker
Publishing Date: December 2008
Length: 368 pages
Genre: YA, romance
Source: Bought

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.

Summary by Goodreads 





High-society girl Britanny Ellies and bad boy Alex Fuentes (is it only me or does just his name sound so sexy) are teamed-up to be chemistry lab partners, an explosive combination. Their meetings are hot, but do they have a future?

I feared that I wouldn’t like Britanny’s voice, that she could be a spoiled brat. Then there is Alex, the violent gang member who can’t stay away from trouble, drugs and alcohol. Elkeles did a really good job in destroying these stereotypes and showing us the humans behind the shells created by society.

The main focus is on Alex and Britanny, but secondary characters like friends support the story,too. Both families and their backgrounds are important for the story and Elkeles knows how to build up tension while playing along with the American and Mexican cultures.

Each chapter is told from either Britanny’s or Alex’ perspective, both authentic and compelling. There was not a single page I didn’t like. Dialogues are authentic, especially because the Spanish language that is an important part of Mexican culture is included.

My only point of criticism is the epilogue which was too much, it just didn’t feel like a rightful part of PERFECT CHEMISTRY.

In the end I couldn’t believe how much actually happened. Chemistry has never been my favourite subject in school, but this novel had definitely a strong influence on me.




1) a rematch should always be granted
2) we could all need a driving teacher
3) it's simply hot
4) Elkeles found a natural balance between Mexican and American culture
5) of its brave and real characters





5/5 ***** PERFECT CHEMISTRY- A hot and spicy read. This novel whets your appetite!

A sexy experiment with contradictory characters and an explosive reaction. What an intriguing contemporary novel, an experiment you should start!



* PERFECT CHEMISTRY is only the first novel in the PERFECT CHEMISTRY series. Don't miss RULES OF ATTRACTION and CHAIN REACTION.

* You can read a PERFECT CHEMISTRY excerpt here

* Make sure to visit www.simoneelkeles.net or www.perfectchemistrythebook.com

22 comments:

  1. I just read Perfect Chemistry and I loved it :)

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  2. So glad you liked this one! It's a little over the top, yet it's AMAZING at the same time. I need to re-read it sometime soon.

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  3. I have this, and I haven't read it yet but it sounds awesome :) Great review!

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  4. Great Review!! I love this series. Can't wait for Chain of Reaction. :)

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  5. Yumm...I loved Alex's voice in this story. I'm so glad you liked it, I knew you would!!

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  6. I've heard nothing but good things about this book - I will have to get my hands on a copy! :-)

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  7. I actually first downloaded the audiobook in Audible. And I got hooked. I had to read the "sequel" Rules of Attraction, and I had to buy the ebook because I couldn't wait. Same thing happened with her other series of Leaving Paradise. I bought the first book and I couldn't wait to read the other and I had to buy the ebook! lol

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  8. So glad you enjoyed this. I adore this book. If you think Alex is nice wait until you meet Carlos in Rules of Attraction. ;)
    Great review - Donna x

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  9. I love your reviews!! This book has been on my radar for a while now, but as of this review I REALLY want to read it. Like right now! Ha. Thanks A lot.

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  10. I really fell in love with this series. Simone did an excellent job with this novel.

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  11. Awesome review! I haven't read this series before but I plan to!!!!!!!

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  12. You have made me want to skip this to the top of my reading this!

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  13. Finally I found the first cover of this series. What I mostly see is the second and the third book. Just like you,many bloggers love this series.

    I am not into its cover. But who care about it if the story is great

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  14. I just adored this book. It was so romantic and sexy all rolled into one. And the characters were amazing. Great review :)

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  15. Great review. my friends have recomend thos books to me. I like the way you do your reviews.

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  16. This was a really good book and I agree with you - the epilogue was so out of context. It just didnt belong there. But otherwise it was great. I liked it more than the sequel, The Rules of Attraction.

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  17. The covers of the series are all very... interesting. But they sound like good reads!

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    1. They are! I am addicted!!! Id read each one a million times if i got the chance.

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  18. I'm in love of the entire series!! Alex, Carlos and Luis are fantastic in each book! They're a MUST have in every bookshelf for a girl who love to read!

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  19. I Love this series, I love chemistry Alex and Brit.. so romantic..

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  20. IN LOVE WITH THIS SERIES!!! Currently reading Chain Reaction.

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