Stephanie S. (skywriter319) -
Helpful Score: 1
Brittany Ellis is the epitome of perfection: blond hair, blue eyes, cheerleader with the hot bod, designer clothes, mansion, money, football quarterback boyfriend. Alejandro "Alex" Fuentes is your stereotypical young Latino gangster. The two seniors at Fairfield High don't have anything in common... except that they are forced to be chemistry lab partners. Sparks fly--and not the good kind.
What they don't know about each other, however, could turn the whole world upside down. Brittany lacks a healthy family life, as her parents hide the fact that they have another, mentally handicapped daughter. And Alex wants nothing to do the gang, but he has no choice: as the oldest man in the family, he's in it for life in order to protect his family.
As the defenses go down and the two get closer, it becomes impossible to deny the obvious attraction between them. However, Brittany and Alex being together may be dangerous for both. How much are they willing to sacrifice for a shot at true love? Their reputations? Their families? Their lives?
I'm a fan of West Side Story but an ardent NOT-fan of Romeo & Juliet; however, I liked the general idea behind Perfect Chemistry. Every once in a while you just want to read a straightfoward story about two lovers overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles for a shot at happily ever after--this is one of those books.
Unfortunately, this was a classic story idea that was poorly executed. The two main characters' conflicts were so clearly defined from the very beginning that the characters weren't allowed to grow very much as a result. The ending was so melodramatic, so fairy-tale perfect, that my teeth nearly rotted out of my head. It left me unable to fully sympathize with the characters' predicaments, nor believe in the seriousness of Brittany and Alex's feelings for one another.
Despite the cliches and Shakespeare drama throwback, I'm glad I picked this up. Perfect Chemistry was a light and enjoyable read, great for a time when you want a version of a timeless love story and a little hope in the saying "Love conquers all."
What they don't know about each other, however, could turn the whole world upside down. Brittany lacks a healthy family life, as her parents hide the fact that they have another, mentally handicapped daughter. And Alex wants nothing to do the gang, but he has no choice: as the oldest man in the family, he's in it for life in order to protect his family.
As the defenses go down and the two get closer, it becomes impossible to deny the obvious attraction between them. However, Brittany and Alex being together may be dangerous for both. How much are they willing to sacrifice for a shot at true love? Their reputations? Their families? Their lives?
I'm a fan of West Side Story but an ardent NOT-fan of Romeo & Juliet; however, I liked the general idea behind Perfect Chemistry. Every once in a while you just want to read a straightfoward story about two lovers overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles for a shot at happily ever after--this is one of those books.
Unfortunately, this was a classic story idea that was poorly executed. The two main characters' conflicts were so clearly defined from the very beginning that the characters weren't allowed to grow very much as a result. The ending was so melodramatic, so fairy-tale perfect, that my teeth nearly rotted out of my head. It left me unable to fully sympathize with the characters' predicaments, nor believe in the seriousness of Brittany and Alex's feelings for one another.
Despite the cliches and Shakespeare drama throwback, I'm glad I picked this up. Perfect Chemistry was a light and enjoyable read, great for a time when you want a version of a timeless love story and a little hope in the saying "Love conquers all."
Helpful Score: 1
Prefect Brittany Ellis never expected to be partnered with gang member and all around bad ass Alex Fuentes in Chemistry. She was suppose to coast through school this year. It is, after all, her senior year. But, between Alex's snide comments and her boyfriend pushing her to do something she's not sure she's ready for, perfect Brittany is perfectly stressed. Not to mention her home life isn't that great. To make up for her older sister, Brittany is forced to be the best at everything and if she's not, she has hell to pay from her mom. But, it has to get better, right?
Alex Fuentes hates people like Brittany and her crowd. They live privileged, where he has to work to help keep food on his family's table. Plus, it's not like he wanted to be in a gang. But, after what happened to his father, he has to get revenge. So when Alex gets partnered with Brittany in Chemistry class, he enjoys making her squirm. Alex thinks he knows everything there is to know about the goddess herself, but he's soon to learn that he's not as smart as he thinks.
I'm sure you've heard this age old story of the perfect girl and the bad boy. This story is that type, but it digs deeper. At first, I thought I wouldn't like Brittany. She's the type of person who would get on my nerves with the poor little rich girl act and so on. And, Alex? Don't get me started on him. He's your stereotypical bad boy in a gang. But, you find out that there's more to both of them than it seems. As stereotypical as it seems, Simone Elkeles adds more to this story and creates a monster. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. Even though I probably could have guessed the ending, I wanted to keep reading, just to make sure that I was right. The chapters rotate in Alex's and Brittany's point of view, so you can get to know them better and it adds to the story. This is an excellent read, that comes recommended by me!
reposted http://writersblockreviews.blogspot.com
Alex Fuentes hates people like Brittany and her crowd. They live privileged, where he has to work to help keep food on his family's table. Plus, it's not like he wanted to be in a gang. But, after what happened to his father, he has to get revenge. So when Alex gets partnered with Brittany in Chemistry class, he enjoys making her squirm. Alex thinks he knows everything there is to know about the goddess herself, but he's soon to learn that he's not as smart as he thinks.
I'm sure you've heard this age old story of the perfect girl and the bad boy. This story is that type, but it digs deeper. At first, I thought I wouldn't like Brittany. She's the type of person who would get on my nerves with the poor little rich girl act and so on. And, Alex? Don't get me started on him. He's your stereotypical bad boy in a gang. But, you find out that there's more to both of them than it seems. As stereotypical as it seems, Simone Elkeles adds more to this story and creates a monster. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. Even though I probably could have guessed the ending, I wanted to keep reading, just to make sure that I was right. The chapters rotate in Alex's and Brittany's point of view, so you can get to know them better and it adds to the story. This is an excellent read, that comes recommended by me!
reposted http://writersblockreviews.blogspot.com
This is the first book I've read by Simone and I must say that I am pleasantly surprised. For me, the story started off pretty slow, but its as expected for giving background information and developing the setting, but once things started going, I couldn't put the book down and ended up finishing this book in a day! I won't bother with reiterating what everyone else said but I definitely do agree with it. Its an excellent book and well worth it. I definitely recommend this book! 5 stars =]
Helpful Score: 1
I started reading this book at 2 AM and was already halfway through by 4.
This is a Great book. As the other reviews say, this book breaks all stereotypes, no doubt about it.
This is a Great book. As the other reviews say, this book breaks all stereotypes, no doubt about it.
Jennifer W. (GeniusJen) reviewed Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry, Bk 1) on + 5322 more book reviews
Reviewed by Emily Ann for TeensReadToo.com
Who says that southsiders and northsiders can't mix? Well, other than everyone at Fairfield High School on the outskirts of Chicago.
Northsider Brittany Ellis has everything any teenager wants: popularity, money, and good looks. On the surface, her life is wonderful, but her perfect persona is just a cover-up for her troubled home life.
Southsider Alex Fuentes has a bad-boy reputation, but all he wants is to get out of his gang and graduate.
When they are thrown together as chemistry partners, life starts to make more sense. Written from both Brittany and Alex's perspective, this story shows what's going on below the surface for each person as they break through stereotypes and expectations that threaten to keep them apart.
This is like a modernized Shakespeare story, and after reading hundreds of books with plots similar to Romeo and Juliet, some stories start to blur into each other. PERFECT CHEMISTRY is not one of those books. It was addicting and the story was vibrant. The characters came to life and it was like I was there watching the story unfold.
The way Simone Elkeles wrote the story was absolutely perfect.
Who says that southsiders and northsiders can't mix? Well, other than everyone at Fairfield High School on the outskirts of Chicago.
Northsider Brittany Ellis has everything any teenager wants: popularity, money, and good looks. On the surface, her life is wonderful, but her perfect persona is just a cover-up for her troubled home life.
Southsider Alex Fuentes has a bad-boy reputation, but all he wants is to get out of his gang and graduate.
When they are thrown together as chemistry partners, life starts to make more sense. Written from both Brittany and Alex's perspective, this story shows what's going on below the surface for each person as they break through stereotypes and expectations that threaten to keep them apart.
This is like a modernized Shakespeare story, and after reading hundreds of books with plots similar to Romeo and Juliet, some stories start to blur into each other. PERFECT CHEMISTRY is not one of those books. It was addicting and the story was vibrant. The characters came to life and it was like I was there watching the story unfold.
The way Simone Elkeles wrote the story was absolutely perfect.
Jamie S. (2lilmonkees) -
Loved this modern day 'Romeo & Juliet' type book! I thank all recommendations! Already on the 2nd book, which i hope lives up to Brittany & adorable Alex. I just love his character! Great YA romance book!
Definately a WOW Book. A MUST read. Be sure to put it in your pile of books the next time you go to the book store. Not only is a great book but Simone did a fantastic job capturing both points of View (Brittany & Alex) by writing the book by both perspectives.
So books are only written from one person's point of view that you don't get so know what the other character is like. This book allows you to get to know both Brittany and Alex throughout the entire story. Once you pick it up you won't be able to put it down
So books are only written from one person's point of view that you don't get so know what the other character is like. This book allows you to get to know both Brittany and Alex throughout the entire story. Once you pick it up you won't be able to put it down
This is one of my favorite modern day romeo and juliet type books. its tells a tale of two people who are totally opposite breaking the boundaries to be together.
Ive also read her newest rules of attraction which i highly recommend to anyone who has read this book.
Ive also read her newest rules of attraction which i highly recommend to anyone who has read this book.
Danielle L. (dannieann) reviewed Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
I loved this book I wanted a good romance and I got it! A boy from the 'other side of the tracks' living in the gehtto area and in a gang finds a girl with a wealthy family on the other side of town. I really have always loved the idea of these stories and this one was written in it's own unique way. I really enjoyed it and Alex had a very sexy mexican twist to the story
I cannot emphasize how much I LOVE this book and the others behind it. I've read lots of modern Romeo and Juliet before, but this is the best one in my opinion because while it still holds that forbidden love and passion that make Romeo and Juliet such an incredible love story, the author made this couple perfectly flawed. Flaw enough to believe they're just like us but can overcome their issues. And they were really great characters. I recommend this book to anyone
Karissa E. (ophelia99) reviewed Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry, Bk 1) on + 2527 more book reviews
I have had this book on my TBR pile for some time now. This started a bit slow for me, but once I got into the story I was absolutely unable to put this book down. I ended up completely loving it.
The chemistry (no pun intended) between the two main characters is excellent. The situations they are in are tough and you end up really pulling for them and getting engaged in their lives. I was surprised at how completely I was sucked into this story and pulled into these characters' lives.
This is a retelling of West Side Story. Alex is in a gang and lives a completely different life from Brittany. Brittany is your typical high society girl with all the privileges that come with being white and rich. Except that as the story continues you find out that neither Alex nor Brittany are typical anything. Despite their very different lives and upbringing, they face very similar struggles and this is the area where they really connect.
Overall I absolutely loved this book. It was a sweet and romantic coming of age story, with an interesting story, and engaging characters. It was absolutely impossible for me to put this book down once I started reading it; the story sucked me in hard and fast. I would recommend to those who enjoy new adult contemporary fiction with a heavy dose of romance. I will definitely be picking up the next two books in this series to read.
The chemistry (no pun intended) between the two main characters is excellent. The situations they are in are tough and you end up really pulling for them and getting engaged in their lives. I was surprised at how completely I was sucked into this story and pulled into these characters' lives.
This is a retelling of West Side Story. Alex is in a gang and lives a completely different life from Brittany. Brittany is your typical high society girl with all the privileges that come with being white and rich. Except that as the story continues you find out that neither Alex nor Brittany are typical anything. Despite their very different lives and upbringing, they face very similar struggles and this is the area where they really connect.
Overall I absolutely loved this book. It was a sweet and romantic coming of age story, with an interesting story, and engaging characters. It was absolutely impossible for me to put this book down once I started reading it; the story sucked me in hard and fast. I would recommend to those who enjoy new adult contemporary fiction with a heavy dose of romance. I will definitely be picking up the next two books in this series to read.
This is one of the best books i've read in a while. I couldn't put it down. It has an original plot. Almost a mix between the outsiders and Grease. A great book
My daughter says this is her absolute favorite book! Sort of a modern day "Romeo and Juliet" for early teens!
Good quick read, I'm a sucker for romance so I'll read just about anything.
