Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

I have finally found a Young Adult contemporary with the perfect balance between realism and romance. Perfect Chemistry has introduced me to a new (well new to me) writer Simone Elkeles and I plan on reading all of her books now. I finished Perfect Chemistry in about a day. It is a story with alternating points of view. Brittany Ellis acts perfect and has spent a great deal of her life making people believe that she is, but in reality behind her brand new BMW and mansion size house she and her family are anything but perfect. Alex Fuentes is a Latino Blood and doesn't try to hide who he is. However, he doesn't want his gangbanger life he wants more for him and his family even if he can't get out he hopes his family can. When Brittany and Alex are partnered up in chemistry class they will push each other to the limit, but neither are expecting the feelings that they begin to develop for one another. Is Brittany willing to shed the facade she has spent years creating and is Alex willing to allow a snow girl to be a part of his world? I'm not going to say because this is a book you should definitely read.

I'll admit at first I was hesitant. I know nothing about gang life and thought that it wouldn't be able to hold my interest and boy was I wrong. Simone Elkeles creates the world and brings you into it as if you are watching the scenes unfold on a screen. I had no trouble relating to either character even though they seem the total opposite of who I am. The chemistry between the two characters in almost tangible on the page. You begin to root for them hoping that they will get the happy ending they both deserve and so desperatlely need. I laughed out loud several times and even shed a few tears as life takes unexpected turns for the characters. If you love a realistic young adult story about struggles and love this will be the perfect book for you. I give it five stars.

Now I am reading the sequel to Perfect Chemistry, Rules of Attraction that follows Alex's brother Carlos as he moves away from Mexico again and in with Alex. I've read a little over 20 pages so far and I am already drawn into the story. I just really like Simone Elkeles style of writing. It is engaging and authentic and her dialogue is natural. It is everything I look for in a good book. And not to mention the beautiful covers for both books. I fell in love when I saw them.

I'm on point for my goal to read more this year. Am always looking for new suggestions. Please leave a comment below with your must read young adult book. Happy Reading.