Chain Reaction (Perfect Chemistry #3) by Simone Elkeles

The latest Perfect Chemistry book is told in the youngest Fuentes, Luis' point of view. Luis may have big plans to become an astronaut, but that doesn't mean he lacks that rebellious streak his older brothers have. He falls for Nikki, and is determined to make her his girlfriend. He is also drawn into the Latino Blood, who reveal a devastating secret to him. Nikki had been dating Marco for a year when he broke her heart, saying he was going to be involved in the LB. Nikki was heartbroken, especially since she was pregnant with Marco's baby. Ever since then, she hasn't let any guy get close to her and keeps her guard up. She's skeptical of love, until Luis.

Overall, I the plot and characters were enjoyable as always. There was just the right amount of romance mixed with action and family. I liked how all the previous characters are still involved in this book and how they've come along. I did like how the shower scene from the cover was Incorporated into the story, it was a nice surprise than what was expected.

The only thing I can say is that after reading this series I felt like I basically read the same story three times. Because that's basically what it was. Fuentes meets rich girl, they don't click right away, then eventually fall hopelessly in love. Throw in some gang violence and other various complications, and there you have it! A Perfect Chemistry story. I was excited to read that Nikki was Mexican because I was expecting a variation in the plot, but I was pretty wrong because you might as well put her in the same category as the other girls.

Something else I find amusing about the Fuentes is that they are so driven on breaking the stereotypes of Mexicans and gangs, yet they enforce those stereotypes. Like when they say things like "I'm a Fuentes, it's in our blood." or "violence is in my blood" "I have to fulfill my father's footsteps" bla bla bla. Anyway...

I thought Chain Reaction was pretty good, even though it's basically the same as the other books in the series. 4 out of 5 stars.

Rules of Attraction (Perfect Chemistry #2) by Simone Elkes

Perfect Chemistry left us off with Brittany and Alex going off to college together, and the rest of Alex's family being sent back to Mexico for their protection. Rules of Attraction tells the story of Alex's younger brother Carlos when he returns to Colorado. After an incident, he ends up living with his peer guide, Kiara. And what happens when you have Carlos, the cocky rebel, and Kiara, the insecure sharp one? Perfect Chemistry.

I really liked Perfect Chemistry, and I was reluctant to read Rules of Attraction, basically because it seems like it was the same plot. gangbanger + white girl = unpredictable love. But I do have to give props to the author. Kiara was nothing like Brittany. She wasn't popular and confident, in fact she was just the opposite. And Carlos was similar to Alex, but that's because they're brothers. But it wasn't exactly the same and it was different enough to be enjoyable.

I really liked how Alex and Brittany were part of this story, so it's not like they were cast off into some other world. Carlos is hotttt. The only bad thing about that is that he knows it. It just adds to his charm :). Kiara was a great character, I liked how she could keep up with Carlos and challenge him. I loved the cookie magnet thing! However, I felt like she didn't get as many pages as Carlos did.

As for the cover... Not doing it for me. It looks like it was badly photoshopped, and just... no. Haha that's all about the cover. And the epilogue? Really cheesy and unnecessary. You think Elkes would have learned from her last novel! But anyway.

Overall, Rules of Attraction was a cute romance story and a nice sequel to Perfect Chemistry, despite the similar plot. I look forward to reading the third one. 4 out of 5 stars.

Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry #1) by Simone Elkeles

Brittany Ellis is beautiful, rich, and popular. All the guys want to date her, and the girls want to be her. She's the head cheerleader, and is dating the quarterback, Colin. Her life is perfect, or at least that's what she wants you to believe. Hidden under the stereotype she feels pressured by everyone to keep up the act. Her parents expect too much of her, because their other daughter has cerebral palsy. "Shelley can't be perfect, so she has to be." She's running from her own demons and trying to figure out what she wants and how to keep everyone happy.

Alex Fuentes is a member of the Latino Blood Gang. He's a total bad-a... most of the time. Most people stay are scared of him and stay away. You never know who he'll pick a fight with next, and he has the scars to prove it. No one expects too much of him. Everyone is just waiting for him to drop out of high school. What they don't know is that Alex loves his family very much. The only reason he joined the gang was so that he could protect them from harm. He's a lot smarter than people give him credit for, and has a secret desire to graduate from high school and go to college.

So what happens when these two very different people get put together as partners in chemistry class? The preppy, popular cheerleader and the cocky, dangerous gangbanger? Well, that should be obvious. Perfect Chemistry. They can't believe it, but they fall in love with each other. And then they are way over their heads with decisions to make for themselves, each other, friends, and their family.

I really did enjoy this book. I liked how it showed that you can't judge people by looking at them, because we all have our secrets. Brittany wasn't just some blonde ditz, she was smart and just wanted to follow her heart. Alex isn't the bad guy all the time, he's smart and actually has goals. The characters were stereotypical, but broke the mold at the same time.

While the overall story was kinda unrealistic, I loved it just the same. It was sweet and the characters were honest and relatable. The concept wasn't very original, but it was still intriguing and very fun to read. I wonder what a book would be like if the roles were reversed, where there was a preppy guy and a girl from a gang. Hmm... Someone should write that story.

The only thing I didn't really like was the epilogue. I liked it, but it wasn't really necessary. If it was a stand alone book, I would have liked it. But since there are two more books, I think it could have been taken out and the story would have been fine. It was sweet, but unnecessary.

I think this book would have been fine on its own, without other books in the series, but I will be reading the other ones when I get the chance :) I really did enjoy this romance novel, and I would recommend it if it sounds interesting to you.  5 out of 5 stars !!