Whispering Words: Chain Reaction

Chain Reaction– Book Review

Simone Elkeles

Book #3 of the Perfect Chemistry Trilogy

YA Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Like his brothers, Luis Fuentes is a risk taker; whether he's scaling the Rocky Mountains or dreaming of a future as an astronaut, Luis is always looking for the next thrill. Nikki Cruz lives her life by certain rules -, don't trust a boy who says "I love you", boys lie to get their own way and never date a boy from the south side of Fairfield. Then she meets Luis at his brother Alex's wedding and suddenly she's tempted to break all her rules. Getting Nikki to give him a chance is Luis's biggest challenge, until he finds himself targeted by the head of the gang that nearly destroyed his brothers' lives. Will Luis's feelings for Nikki be enough to stop him from entering a dark and violent world that could prove to be the ultimate risk?

Review:

I truly loved Chain Reaction! Although after thoroughly enjoying the first two books of the perfect chemistry trilogy, I had no doubts that this third and final book would be an equally fantastic read. With romance, bad boys and a little bit of action thrown in – this book makes a perfect summer read!

Unlike his two older brothers, Luis Fuentes has always been the golden child of the family. Handsome, smart and charismatic he keeps himself out of trouble by funnelling his excess energy into extreme sports and loose girls. But then he meets Nikki Cruz. A girl who is beautiful, sarcastic and keeps her heart locked safely behind a steel plated door.

Instantly Luis feels drawn to her but Nikki isn’t interested in Luis’ flirtatious, playboy ways. However just as Luis’ charm begins to win her over, dark secrets start to unravel and suddenly Luis finds himself the newest member of the Latino Blood –the violent gang that nearly killed his brother Alex and terrorized the neighbourhood. But as Luis is to learn, the gang is more than an obligation, it’s his birthright – and it will cost him everything he has ever loved and worked for, including Nikki…

I really have loved this series! The characters are all amazing, the drama is intense and I think its brilliant how Alex and Carlos got to make cameo appearances in this last and final book. The romance and relationships are just so well written and even though the books all tie together, they are each uniquely their own story.

As with Simone Elkeles other books, Luis and Nikki come from two very different backgrounds and each lead very different lives. Nikki growing up in the suburbs of the rich upper-class while Luis and his family stem from the hardworking poorer neighbourhoods where every penny counts. However watching how their relationship developed was both very sweet and highly entertaining. Nikki is a girl who likes to take care of herself and unaccustomed to girls turning him down, Luis loves the challenge that Nikki brings.

Yet I also enjoyed how this book had slightly darker roots than its predecessors – its plot thick with intrigue caused through Luis connection to the Latino Blood Gang. However the story also touched on themes of trust, friendship, loyalty and family which woven together paved the way for a great ending, not just for this book but the trilogy as a whole.

Naturally it made for a really satisfying read and I whole heartedly recommend this series to everyone! Although I have to admit, the first book remains my ultimate favourite (what can I say – I’ve been team Alex all the way) however Chain Reaction was a brilliant read chocked full of steamy goodness! 4 Stars!