Rating - 4
Young Adult
When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Bad-boy Alex makes a bet with his friends that he can sleep with Brittany, but he soon realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more. (Des. Amazon)
Elkeles flawlessly depicts the differences between the "haves" and "have-nots" at many urban high schools in this country, especially when gangs are involved. This story is full of tension and romance and probably ends better than it might in real-life, but it is an engaging read and high school students should definitely relate.
