Review of Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles

Title: Chain Reaction (Perfect Chemistry #3)
Author: Simone Elkeles
Published by: Walker Books for Young Readers
Pages: 308
Source: Bought
Format: Hardcover
Rating: ★★★★★

Summary from 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.

Oh Luis, you were always the sweet innocent little brother...when did you grow up and become so damn sexy? 

While Luis may be the youngest Fuentes brother, he still has the fire and charm of his two older brothers.  He may be the smart straight-laced brother buy he  has a wild side and the need for an adrenaline rush and what better way to get that rush than by flirting with a sassy Latina lady who won't give him the time of day.  

Nikki is a character that is so real you expect her to step out of the pages and into your life.  I had the chance to meet Simone Elkeles last week and she said the first time she wrote Nikki, Simone Elkeles herself didn't actually like her or feel that her readers could relate to Nikki so she had to rewrite her character.  I feel Simone Elkeles did an amazing job as she always does with her characters.

For me this novel had more surprises than the last two novels.  Unexpected things happened that left you gasping and tearing through the novel at lightening speed just to find out what happens next.  

I absolutely love this series and I'm sad to see if come to an end.  If you want a chance to read Chain Reaction come enter my giveaway here!