She has a dysfunctional family life that is hidden behind a big home and weathly parents. For example, in Perfect Chemistry, Brittany is not the shallow rich girl that everyone thinks she is. Even though each story revolves around a Fuentes brother and his struggle with gang life, Simone brilliantly gives her female characters a 'problem' or 'issue' that many teens go through. Then again, I know first hand how seriously she wants to get things right, so that aspect of her writing was not a surprise.One of the things I enjoyed about Simone's Perfect Chemistry series is the way she weaves in different motifs. From the language to the descriptions of gang culture, you can tell Simone did her research. It was fresh, engaging, gritty and most importantly realistic. Simone, you are my hero!Now to Chain Reaction, the last in the Perfect Chemistry series. I just couldn't go another day without putting something in writing as to how eternally grateful I am. But to give people an idea as to why I am thanking Simone, her books not only got both boys to read, but once the line of communication was opened and she felt the same connection I did with them, she decided to meet them in person. My family, friends, and most of my collegues already know the story and I don't want to write a book here since this is also supposed to be a review for Chain Reaction. Simone Elkeles helped me accomplish this heavy task. I kept trying to find ways to break through their tough boy exteriors, to show them that someone cared. When I came across the first book in this series called Perfect Chemistry a couple of years ago, I had 2 students like the Fuentes brothers.

Will Luis's feelings for Nikki be enough to stop him from entering a dark and violent world and permanently living on the edge?ĭon't miss any of these other books from New York Times bestselling author Simone Elkeles: Then a disturbing revelation about Luis's family puts him in the sights of Chuy Soto, the new head of the Latino Blood, who is determined to draw him into the gang life his brothers left behind. But when chemistry with south sider Luis becomes too hot to ignore, Nikki is tempted to break all her rules. Nikki Cruz lives 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. Luis Fuentes has always been sheltered from the gang violence that nearly destroyed his brothers' lives, but that has never stopped him from taking risks to feed his craving for adrenaline. In the third book in Simone Elkeles' New York Times bestselling YA contemporary romance series, Luis Fuentes must choose-his family's past or a future with Nikki Cruz, the girl he loves.

Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles