Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers.
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. 
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Perfect Chemistry was one of the most adorable novels I've ever read.

There were times where I would catch myself with a huge goofy grin on my face while reading this. There were also times my muscles would tighten up because I was so drawn into the story that when a character was feeling tense I would, too. Anytime I literally have a physical reaction to a story, that's when I want to clear my schedule because nothing is going to stop me from reading the rest of it right then. I think that says a lot. Either I get way too into what I'm reading or the author has some serious talent. My money's one numero dos.

I fell completely in love with the characters. Alex was a Mexican gang member yet his love for Brittany completely overshadows his less-than-savory extracurricular activities. The lengths he goes to to be with her make for no small amount of "awws." His gang activity does cause problems and may even be a dealbreaker, however. After all, Alex is a "bad boy" and on paper they look completely wrong for each other and nowhere near their supposed "types."

Meanwhile, Brittany is trying to plan her future around her mentally-challenged sister and overbearing parents. She must figure out what place Alex might hold in it.

The novel is a supercute, against-all-odds romance that breaks all the stereotypes. It is definitely one of my favorites of 2009!

10/10