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. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she’s worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and 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 soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.

In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart. -Goodreads

Review: I had been meaning to read this one for awhile now, and I wish I’d read it sooner. If I had, I probably would have read it five times by now, it’s that good. A definite rereader. This story is a beautiful, modern love story, somewhat reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet, although in this case it’s their circumstances more than their families that try to keep them apart.

Alex and Brittany are so different but it’s easy to understand how they managed to fall for each other. Both characters are wonderfully fleshed out. The story alternates between both perspectives so you really get a chance to feel like you know these interesting, deep individuals. I like that we got to see the male point of view, where most romances focus solely on what the girl or heroine is going through.

I thought it might be hard to like Alex’s character. He’s a gang member, which is something I find a little scary. But he has his reasons, and it definitely isn’t all of who he is. His life is hard and that’s made him hard but he’s still an easy guy to like.

Brittany is a bit more of a typical character but she is so well fleshed out that you just have to think about the girls in your life that she reminds you of and wonder if maybe they have more going on behind the scenes than you would think as well. Brittany keeps everyone out, is extremely private and values her public image. But like Alex, she had her reasons for everything.

While the love story in this book is the reason I picked it up, there is just so much more to it. Some tough life decisions are made, friendships built and families whose lives just aren’t as easy as they appear from the outside. There is really something in here for everyone, but what will keep you coming back is the love story. *melt*

I managed to whip through this story in an afternoon because I just couldn’t put it down. From beginning to end, this book is masterful and addictive. Let’s call it additively masterful, or even masterfully addictive. Either way, it’s THAT good. Now I need to get my act together and find time to read the next book in this series, which follows Alex’s younger brother Carlos.

Rating:

Second Opinions
@ My Keeper Shelf
@ The Book Bell
@ Y.A. Love