To be honest, the story of this book is really cliche, but Elkeles was able to turn it into classic. A rather Romeo and Juliet kind of story, but without the tragic ending thankfully. 
 So, meet Brittany Ellis, the Fairfield Queen bee. Blonde, the captain of the cheerleader squad, rich, smart, not to mention has a hot body. All the boy all drooling over her. 
 And then meet Alejandro Fuentes, the gangbanger, a hardcore bad boy, with all scary rumors surrounded him. 
 They come from different side of the river, from two different culture, and social class. Thanks to Mrs.Patterson they end-up as chemistry partners, and of course, not knowing each other,they start to despise and banter hate words to each other. 
 but a stupid bet made by alex and his friend, lead them to learn about each other more, and seeing through the facade that they put on theirselves. how Brittany life is not at all perfect, how Alex was not bad as she thought he was. And how they felt that they finally met somebody in the same position, who can understand who they really were. 
 Their interaction with each other was really sweet and fun to watch. I like how Brittany wasn't this lame girl who didn't know what she wanted, and how she was brave to tell Alex about her feeling. 
 I was really sad to see how Alex didn't have choice of his own. He had to sacrificed his life in order to gave a better and safe life for his family. Thank God for Brittany he can had hope,and be able to fight for a better life. 
 I really like this book. Although this is a young adult book,but the story is deep, with a lot if important issues. The romance between them is not at all cheesy. It gave us lesson not to judge people just by their appearance only, and never to trust rumors, no matter how great they sound.