Book Review: Perfect Chemistry (Simone Elkeles)

A modern tale of star-crossed lovers with a fresh urban twist. 

At Fairfield High School, on the outskirts of Chicago , everyone knows that south-siders mixing with north-siders can be explosive. So when Brittany Ellis and Alejandro “Alex” Fuentes are forced to be lab partners in chemistry class, this human experiment leads to unexpected revelations – that Brittany ’s flawless reputation is a cover for her troubled home life, that Alex’s bad-boy persona hides his desire to break free from gang ties, and that when they’re together, life somehow makes more sense. Breaking through the stereotypes and expectations that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart, Perfect Chemistry takes readers to both sides of the tracks in a passionate love story about looking beneath the surface.

I have read so many rave reviews about Perfect Chemistry. I'm just about to add another, so brace yourself!

I was terribly excited for this book, taking into account it has been released in the US a full two years prior to its release here in the UK, which was only yesterday. To be honest I was worried that my expectations would ruin the book for me. I knew it was going to be a good read, only I was not certain it was ever going to meet my expectations - after reading I decided it was a ridiculous thought after all; it actually surpassed my expectations.

What makes Perfect Chemistry a book in its own league is not the fact that everyone is in love with the tale of star crossed lovers, but because Simone has crafted and perfected such endearing characters in both Alex and Brittany. Their voices were strong, were personalised realistically and were very relatable to any reader. I found that Simone has synchronised each of her character's thoughts, words and feelings into the narration. Of course, the sassy, witty, and sometimes deliriously sexy dialogue is incorporated well.

And although the romance is of course a main theme in the novel, for me it is this depth given to her characters that makes the romance special. I found that it is the coming together of such beautiful characters in midst of the social tension and skepticism that swirls around them which makes Perfect Chemistry such a loveable novel.

Although I struggled with the Spanish phrases (needing to consult an online translator to aid my basic, patchy Spanish), its use was very effective and adds flavour to the characters and to the overall plot. I found that and the touch of Mexican culture unique and very enlightening. Not to mention the sense of brotherhood, loyalty, danger, and most of all the sense of self present in Perfect Chemistry very gripping.

I hugely enjoyed the divided neighbourhood that dominates the setting. It creates ample tension and provides a background which reflects the characters. I loved the feeling of tension that lurks whenever the narration is taken over by Alex as equally as I enjoyed the feeling of rich-but-empty lifestyle that Brittany's voice offers. Together, they weave perfectly, further highlighting such a beautiful romance.

The plot was given time to develop - never did I feel rushed - which results to a well-founded, well-narrated and very solid love story I could only love. The uncertainty and the many twists and turns of this novel was engrossing - much so that I was hooked from beginning to end.

Perfect Chemistry is definitely more than just a romance novel. It focuses on not only the coming together of a bad boy Romeo and a princessy Juliet, but also of choices, and carving one's path and of change.

I'm desperate for 27th April - the date the sequel, Rules of Attraction will be out! :)

Five stars!