The Perfect Chemistry series by Simone Elkeles has ultimately perfected the idea that opposites attract. The first book in the series, Perfect Chemistry, starts with two very different teens Brittney Ellis and Alejandro Fuentes. Set in Chicago, the stories and lives of a North Chicago “princess” and a south Chicago “gang member” are unavoidably intertwined. On the first day of their senior year at Fairfield High School, Brittany nearly runs over Alex when attempting to pull into the same parking space. Their paths cross again when the two are paired together in their chemistry class, which leads them into a relationship neither can understand nor stop.
In the second book of the series Rules of Attraction, Elkeles follows lives of Carlos Fuentes and Kiara Westford. After losing his job at the local sugar mill, Carlos’s mom decides to send him to live with his older brother Alex. Upon arrival, Carlos makes it known that he is not happy about being there and intends to do anything he pleases. After starting at the local high school, Carlos meets Kiara and soon after is nearly suspended. As a result, he is sent to live with his brothers’ former teacher Mr. Westford and his family. Though Carlos plans not to become close to anyone, he soon finds that Kiara isn’t the normal type of girl. Instead of shopping and being a social butterfly, she prefers working on her 1973 Monte Carlo, hiking the Mountains, and spending time with her family and Tucker, her best friend. After being dumped by her boyfriend via text message, she is determined to change herself and become known for something other than her lack of style. When Carlos moves in with Kiara’s family, the pair begin an unexpected relationship that will change everything they know.
The last and final book of the series Chain Reaction, Elkeles follows the lives of Luis Fuentes and Nikki Cruz. This book stars the youngest Fuentes brother, Luis. The risk taker with dreams of becoming an astronaut, was able to avoid gang lifestyle but when he and his mother move back to Chicago, his luck runs out. After arriving, he befriends a known gang member and is sucked into the life that his older brother Alex worked to shield him from. When he discovers a dark family secret that threatens to completely destroy his plans for the future. Daughter of a doctor, she has much more in common with other north siders than the Latino Bloods she attends school with; but that doesn’t stop her from dating one. After ending her first relationship she believes that boys can’t be trusted, especially those involved in the LB. But when she meets Luis, her beliefs are completely thrown away and she finds herself more involved in the Latino Bloods then she could ever imagine.
Simone Elkeles does a phenomenal job capturing the reality of teenage relationships and situations. She keeps the book interesting by putting the reality of teenage life into a romance novel for young adults, including the good times, bad times, and hurtful situations. She also tells of the realities of gang life and how seemingly perfect they aren’t always what they seem. If you’re looking for an edge of your seat, teen romance about the good girl and the bad boy, who always turns out to be better than you think, Perfect Chemistry is the series you would want to read.