Title:  Chain Reaction (Perfect Chemistry #3)
Author:  Simone Elkeles
Release date:  August 16, 2011
Publisher:  Walker BFYR
Pages:  308
Source:  Publisher

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?

Perfect Chemistry will always be my favorite Simone Elkeles book but Chain Reaction is a close second.  From the very first sentence I was hooked and I loved Luis and Nikki’s story. I can’t believe it is all over!

Luis is not like his older brothers.  He is smart, funny, ambitious, and not at all involved with gangs.  I liked him from the start and I was very invested in his story.  Nikki was the perfect match for Luis.  She was scared and vulnerable but she hid it with a nasty attitude and a lot of snark.  They definitely had just as much chemistry as Alex and Brittany, and Carlos and Kiara.

Speaking of the other couples; they are back!  Both of the couples played a pretty big role in this book and it was wonderful to see how their relationships progressed.  I have to say, Alex and Brittany will always be my favorite couple but there was a scene between Carlos and Kiara in this book that made me tear up!  It was so sweet and romantic!

The plot was, once again, fabulous.  It doesn’t start out focusing on the gang but that is quickly introduced and things get crazy.  Not only do things heat up between Nikki and Luis but also between the gang members.  By the end I had no idea what was going to happen.  There were some shocking twists in this book.  And that ending!  Go Nikki!  Score one for bad-ass girlfriends!  (Once you read it you will know what I am talking about.)

Oh and one other thing I love about this trilogy is that all the scenes depicted on the cover actually happen in the books.  This one was a mix of steamy, sweet, and funny!

Overall, I am sad to see the end of the Fuentes brothers trilogy but Chain Reaction was a great way to end it. I’m hoping now for a Fuentes sons trilogy.  Pretty please?  =)

First line:  Being the youngest of three boys definitely has its advantages.

Rating:  A++

Cover:  A++