REVIEW: Chain Reaction (Perfect Chemistry #3) by Simone Elkeles

Author: Simone Elkeles

Series: Perfect Chemistry

Pages: 308

Genre: Young Adult

Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers

AMAZON: Chain Reaction (Perfect Chemistry Novels)

Synopsis (Goodreads)

Luis Fuentes has always been sheltered from the gang violence that nearly destroyed his brothers’ lives. But that didn’t stop him from taking risks—whether he’s scaling a mountain in the Rockies or dreaming of a future as an astronaut, Luis can’t stop looking for the next thrill.

Nikki Cruz lives her life by three rules—boys lie to get their way, don’t trust a boy who says “I love you,” and never date a boy from the south side of Fairfield. Her parents may be from Mexico, but as a doctor’s daughter, she has more in common with her north-side neighbors than the Latino Blood at her school. Then she meets Luis at Alex’s wedding, and suddenly, she’s tempted to break all her rules.

Getting Nikki to take a chance on a southsider is Luis’s biggest challenge, until he finds himself targeted by Chuy Soto, the new head of the Latino Blood. When Chuy reveals a disturbing secret about Luis’s family, the youngest Fuentes finds himself questioning everything he’s ever believed to be true. Will his feelings for Nikki be enough to stop Luis from entering a dark and violent world and permanently living on the edge?

REVIEW: 4 out of 5 stars

I absolutely loved Perfect Chemistry and Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles so was quite anxious to get hold of Chain Reaction, the last installment in the Perfect Chemistry series.

Chain Reaction is Luis Fuentes story, the youngest of the brothers, a charming, smart, thrill seeker with ambitions to study aeronautics

Luis first meets Nikki Cruz at Alex and Brittany’s wedding, at the time he was 15 years-old and living in Colorado but returns to his childhood home of Fairfield, Chicago to complete his senior year and to be closer to his family. Luis and Nikki have an attraction and chemistry but Nikki is still reeling from a painful past and Luis reminds her too much of what she is trying to forget – her ex, she is pessimistic and reserved and has no interest in getting involved in a relationship.

Luis is drawn to Nikki’s feisty attitude and delicate vulnerability; she intrigues him as well as inspires a few fantasies but their relationship doesn’t come without hurdles, the biggest being the lies and deception between them, especially when it comes to the Latino Blood gang and Luis affiliation with them.

There is a revelation in Chain Reaction that I certainly didn’t expect and wish there was further explanation about how it came to happen (A big spoiler so I won’t mention what this is). Each of the scenes associated with the gang culture is realistic and heart-breaking; I wish Luis could have gone to his brothers with what was happening rather than taking it all on himself.

Elkeles has a way of writing passionate, intense, emotional relationships that aren’t without their ups and downs but draws the reader in and lets us see each of her characters weaknesses.

I truly love the Fuentes family dynamic and the bond the brothers share, they have each others backs and know if one is in trouble they will all be in it together. Each of the Perfect Chemistry books has the same underlying theme which I really enjoy.

Each chapter is written from each of the main characters perspectives, it was great to get a glimpse of what each was thinking as well as what they were feeling and going though. I love this style of writing and Ms Elkeles does it perfectly.

My only problem with this book was the extreme similarities with Perfect Chemistry; Alex and Brittany’s story.

All in all, a wonderful conclusion to this brilliant series – a definite must read for YA fans.