Next up in my Golden Five Recent Reads is PERFECT CHEMISTRY by Simone Elkeles. This is my first read of hers, but it won't be my last. She's a NY Time and USA Today bestselling author of three series (for a total of eight books) with a new series, Wild Cards, out October 1st.
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From Goodreads:
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
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 take:
It had a definite West Side Story feel to it. Alex is one bad boy even I couldn't resist, doing what he has to do, putting on a show to protect his family, and messing with the rich girl because he can. I was pulled into this steamy romance and literally (and yes, I'm using this term correctly) read this book in one sitting. I could not put it down. It felt real, I never once questioned if something could or would happen. The gang dynamics, the Spanish (which I know none of, but could still understand), the high school life. Mrs. Elkeles did her research and she knows how to write one compelling story. If I, Miss Cheerleaders are evil, can connect toBrittany, the captain of the pom squad, and care about her and her sister, you know Brittany was written well. She was real. The dual POV totally worked. Elkeles is a master. I would read anything she writes as quickly as I can get my hands on it. Highly recommend.
Have you read any of Simone's books? What's your favorite?
This sounds good. No, I've never read any of her books, but I need to.
ReplyDeleteI hope you give it (or one of her other books a try). I have a serious author crush going on right now:)
DeleteThis one's been on my list for a while. Why can't I clone myself or just read 24 hours a day? I like your review.
ReplyDeleteI don't read a lot of contemporary, but this sounds good! I'll look it up on Goodreads. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSounds great! Her books have been on my TBR list for a while. I think it's time I move them up!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great read! I'm really interested in this.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this but it sounds like it should go on my tbr list - thanks :)
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