Perfect Chemistry ~ Simone Elkeles

Publisher: Walker & Company
Pub. Date: December 2008
ISBN-13: 9780802798220
Age Range: Young Adult
368pp


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.


Simone Elkeles is an accomplished storyteller. Perfect Chemistry introduces us to the riveting world of Brittany Ellis & Alex Fuentes. The cover is reminiscent of West Side Story w/ Romeo & Juliet whisked in. The plot may be a timeless one of star crossed lovers, rich girl/poor guy but that's where the similarities end.

Perfect Chemistry is a compelling story filled w/ passion, promise & hope. Elkeles crafted a fast-moving, emotionally tense & heart-wrenching love story.

Perfect Chemistry is skillfully narrated in alternating voices showcasing Brittany's heartfelt conflict w/ achieving perfection while her world is rippled w/ tumultuous waves while trying to make her precarious family whole. Alex's abrasive sphere is filled w/ despair, turmoil & a membership into the seedy world of gangs.

Gangs? Gangs? What the heck? Hmmm... How on earth can a gang member be a hero? OK, Elkeles, bring it on. Let me give ya a tip, Ms. Elkeles, I'm a high maintenance, in depth, pampered snob & don't do gangs, ghetto or discount, so let's see what you're made of.

Oh, Elkeles, don't you dare script together a cheese bookwich either.

So, I opened up Perfect Chemistry late last night & did not stop until the wee morning hours. It was dark but the birds were singing along w/ my heart. Beautiful work, Ms. Elkeles. Not only did you bring it, you served it to me Serena Williams style. I had my own Kleenex for the gripping tale & I did shed a few tears. Oh! OK! There were more than a few, but you know that.

Elkeles writing is absolutely mellifluous. Perfect Chemistry delves into the gritty gang environment & Elkeles delivers . Elkeles describes the hideous under belly of gang life as if she went undercover to gain insider info because it is that darn chilling! She did not glide over Alex's life but excavated it à la Indiana Jones. Applause to Ms. Elkeles for delving into the heart & soul of these gripping characters. She did not give us a watered down love story either. She scribbled a three-dimensional story that is matchless, hard to put down & even harder to duplicate.

Perfect Chemistry is a pungent novel filled w/ action, drama, romance & lessons learned not crammed down to make a statement or to say "The End".

Perfect Chemistry is an emotional read & richly displays genuine love knows no boundaries.

After closing Perfect Chemistry, I took a breath. I didn't want the journey to end. Elkeles showed her prowess from beginning to end. I felt as if I lived Alex & Brittany's lives. I was spent w/ emotion & it was glorious!

Perfect Chemistry displays you can't judge a book by its cover. Elkeles illustrates love emanates from deep within & labels have no place in the purist of hearts!

It is one of those books you want to read again & again & again...

So, what are you waiting for? Hurry! Grab a copy of Perfect Chemistry!

Check Simone out @ www.simoneelkeles.net!

Psst! I just adore her site :}.