Does Perfect Chemistry pass the test?

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Synopsis: 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. Forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, Brittany finds herself having to protect everything she's worked so hard for - her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend and, most importantly, 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 the closer Alex and Brittany get to each other the more they realise that sometimes appearances can be deceptive and that you have to look beneath the surface to discover the truth.

Review: This is a story of love against conforms of society expectations. Meet Brittany Ellis – perfect cheerleader dating the captain of the football squad, achieving top grades but hiding secrets from her friends. Then meet Alex Fuentes, Latino bad boy with an eye for a pretty girl. In their own, individual worlds, they are the top, the respected, the successful. Together, they are complete opposites, deigned never to be the best of friends, never mind lovers.

However, this is something Alex insists they will be. Placing a bet with his friends, Alex sets out to woo Miss Prissy-Knickers. Hiding their feelings from themselves, like a modern day Romeo and Juliet, Alex and Brittany fight to hide their love, then fight to win acceptance from those around them. I’m not going to tell you if the ending follows Shakespeare’s tragic tale: you will have to read it to find out for yourself.

Like Brittany, I first was annoyed and frustrated by Alex’s behaviour but grew to love him and fear for his safety. Brittany was so pompous and unlikeable as well, but when you saw what went on at home and the loyalty she had to her sister, you realise how likeable she is. A tale of love across the greatest divide and a moral of not judging by appearances, this is a book you cannot judge by its cover. A modern romance told sensitively for readers of all ages.