"Chain Reaction" by Simone Elkeles

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 there 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 the 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 brother 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?"

Simone Elkeles does it again! In this third installment of the Perfect Chemistry series, I fell in love with the youngest Fuentes brother, Luis. I honestly don't know which book I like better, Perfect Chemistry or Chain Reaction. I'm usually all about the originals, but Elkeles spins this tale so fantastically, that I'm torn. Luis is in a field of his own, completely different from Alex or Carlos, and yet similar. Elkeles brings the perfect amount of familiarity in this story so it fits in with the Fuentes world, but makes sure we know it's not the same as the other two books. While similar, they are completely different. 

What I really loved from this book is Nikki. She holds her own and gives Luis a run for his money. I think her story is the easiest to relate to- what girl hasn't be scorned by ex's and puts up a wall? Granted, their wall probably isn't as high as Nikki's. 

I love Luis's boyish charm. He's cocky, and has the possibility to be dangerous, but it's hidden- unlike Alex or Carlos. His life hasn't been touched by the gang violence, so he's more innocent than his older brothers. His personality definitely shines through the most to me.

I would recommend this book to anyone who's interested in the YA genre, and I hope they make a movie out of this series! I think it would do so well in theaters! ...Plus, I would really like to see who they get to play the boys! I'm slightly in love with Giancarlo Vidrio (the guy who plays Carlos in the book trailer).

*SIGH* He's so attractive!


Book Rating: 5/5 stars