review: Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles
Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers
Release date: August 16, 2011
book info: goodreads author site
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?
all me – Fans of Elkeles won’t be disappointed in the last of the Fuentes brothers, Luis is just as hot and passionate as Alex and Carlos! He plays the Mexican hottie scandalously. His one defining characteristic is that he is a thrill seeker, an adventure junkie. So, it’s no surprise he finds himself in over his head and ends up in a perilous situation reminiscent of his brothers.
Luis and Nikki’s relationship is a hot mess. Lies and deception mar their totally sensuous, passionate love for one another. Their intense relationship is proven with the hot and fiery scenes of their “time” together * bow chicka bow wow*
Chuy Soto says in the book, “Well, well…it’s a Fuentes family reunion,” and it totally is! We get bigger glimpses into Alex and Carlos’s life. Some of the best and most hilarious dialogue comes from Carlos. Seriously, I laughed out loud at some of the things he said. I also wanted to punch him in the gut for his stupidity too (he is my fav brother, if you couldn’t tell!).
The brothers make this book, their dedication and loyalty to their family is admirable and contagious. The love for they have for their girls (mama included) is sweet, endearing and such a precious thing that each of them holds so dear.
Oh, and least I forget Elkeles throws in a twist I didn’t see coming!!
post note: while Luis is the last of the Fuentes brothers, I’m hoping that she decides to take one of the many off spring and writes about them, *whispers* sans the Latino Blood.
I give this book 4.5 STACKS
Stacy
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! LOVED the book. Love all the brothers. Loved that all three of them are in this a lot. Luis was a little hottie! Love these bad boys. I have a soft spot for Carlos too. My fav line
Alex– “You were an asshole”
Carlos– “Damn straight. Girls like assholes. At least they did when I was in high school” LOL’d a lot at that one.
@Kelley – I really think we are soul sisters!!!
One of the best parts of this book for me was how much time the brothers spent together. It was great to see them as a family some as opposed to the individual views (for the most part) we’ve gotten previously.
Can’t WAIT for this book!!!!!
I should clarify… I can’t wait to get MY HANDS on this book
. Thanks for the great review. I’m looking forward to the family reunion!
Loved the book! I didn’t think the third book could be better then the first two. Read the book in one day. I just love those Fuentes brothers….
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OMG I LOVED THIS BOOOK THE ENDING TAKES YOU BY SURPRISE TO SOMETHING YOU WOULD HAVE NEVER SUSPECTED
I am in LOVE with these books. I’m really glad that this review (and the comments) are so positive. It’s been driving me crazy because I’ve seen so much negativity towards Chain Reaction. I’ve got a soft spot for Luis… I’ve loved him since we first met him in Perfect Chemistry. To me, Luis stands for innocence. Everything about him from the beginning has said “INNOCENCE” to me. I cannot see a better ending for the series.
<3