Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

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.(from Goodreads)

I just finished Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles and I think that is an exciting read. Told in alternating chapters, Brittany and Alex reveal their innermost thoughts which they keep hidden while they both strive so hard to project an image of perfection (Brittany) or toughness (Alex). The story sucked my in from the very beginning with the back and forth banter in Chemistry class and I couldn't wait to read how these two people were going to be brought together. I didn't like that it was a bet that initially encouraged Alex to go after Brittany. It didn't seem natural to the story and whenever it was mentioned it seemed like an afterthought. And maybe it was, something said without thought during a "guy moment" between Alex and Lucky.

I loved moments when Brittany and Alex revealed their true selves to each other, especially when Alex met Brittany's sister Shelly for the first time and when Brittany went to Alex's cousin's wedding. The wedding scene was my favorite part of the book because I felt that it was then that both characters were completely relaxed with each other (even though some drama did ensue), but they were real, open and without pretenses. I could really see that they were falling for each other in these moments. 

When their relationship begins to unravel because of Alex's gang involvement, I was torn because, by this point, I wanted them to be together. Seeing how Brittany was finally living her life for herself, and stand up to her family, I wanted Alex to do the same. His pressures were more life-threatening and life-changing, but I was rooting for the couple all along the way.

This is the first book by Elkeles that I have read and it won't be the last. I already have the How I Ruined Series and Leaving Paradise waiting on my bookshelf ready to be read.