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Perfect Chemistry #2
Rules of Attraction
Carlos Fuentes doesn't want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him in Boulder, Colorado. He wants to keep living on the edge, and carve his own path-just like Alex did. Unfortunately, his ties to a Mexican gang aren't easy to break, and he soon finds himself being set up by a drug lord.
When Alex arranges for Carlos to live with his former professor and his family to keep him from being sent to jail, Carlos feels completely out of place. He's even more thrown by his strong feelings for the professor's daughter, Kiara, who is nothing like the girls he's usually drawn to. But Carlos and Kiara soon discover that in matters of the heart, the rules of attraction overpower the social differences that conspire to keep them apart.
As the danger grows for Carlos, he's shocked to discover that it's this seemingly All-American family who can save him. But is he willing to endanger their safety for a chance at the kind of life he's never even dreamed possible?
When Alex arranges for Carlos to live with his former professor and his family to keep him from being sent to jail, Carlos feels completely out of place. He's even more thrown by his strong feelings for the professor's daughter, Kiara, who is nothing like the girls he's usually drawn to. But Carlos and Kiara soon discover that in matters of the heart, the rules of attraction overpower the social differences that conspire to keep them apart.
As the danger grows for Carlos, he's shocked to discover that it's this seemingly All-American family who can save him. But is he willing to endanger their safety for a chance at the kind of life he's never even dreamed possible?
336 pages, Hardcover
First published April 13, 2010
About the author
Simone Elkeles
37 books13.6k followersSimone Elkeles is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of novels for teens. Simone’s books have won many awards including being YALSA Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, being named to the YALSA Popular Paperbacks and Teens Top Ten lists, and added to the Illinois “Read for a Lifetime” Reading List. Simone also won the coveted RITA award from the Romance Writers of America for her book Perfect Chemistry. Simone is especially proud of the fact that the Illinois Association of Teachers of English named her Author of the Year.
Simone was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, where she still lives today. Simone went to the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and received her Bachelor’s of Science there in Psychology in 1992. She continued her education at Loyola University-Chicago where she received her Master’s of Science degree in Industrial Relations while working for a manufacturing company creating diversity programs for their employees.
She loves animals (she has two dogs – a labradoodle and a German Shepherd), kids (she also has two of those) and her family. In her spare time she’s the Hockey Mom for her kids hockey teams and is an active Girl Scout leader specially trained in outdoor education. She also spends time mentoring other teen and adult authors. (She also loves sushi, which you can probably tell by reading her books.) Simone writes about teens because she was a teen in the 80’s (when spiked hair and blue eye shadow were “rad”) and she loves writing about those exciting teen relationships and romances.
Simone was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, where she still lives today. Simone went to the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and received her Bachelor’s of Science there in Psychology in 1992. She continued her education at Loyola University-Chicago where she received her Master’s of Science degree in Industrial Relations while working for a manufacturing company creating diversity programs for their employees.
She loves animals (she has two dogs – a labradoodle and a German Shepherd), kids (she also has two of those) and her family. In her spare time she’s the Hockey Mom for her kids hockey teams and is an active Girl Scout leader specially trained in outdoor education. She also spends time mentoring other teen and adult authors. (She also loves sushi, which you can probably tell by reading her books.) Simone writes about teens because she was a teen in the 80’s (when spiked hair and blue eye shadow were “rad”) and she loves writing about those exciting teen relationships and romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,033 reviews
September 1, 2012
SIMONE ELKELES: Hola, Elle!
ELLE: Oh. Hi Simone Elkeles.
SIMONE ELKELES: WTF, Elle? You gave my first book in the series, Perfect Chemistry, only two stars? Explain yourself, Senorita.
ELLE: Well, Simone Elkeles, I just thought it was a bit...
SIMONE ELKELES: I know, I know. I hear you, cariño. It was too intensely POWERFUL a novel for your mind. I accept.
ELLE: um, actually, no... it was more that I...
SIMONE ELKELES: Si, chica. I feel you. I suspect the hot-teen-sex-on-filthy-garage-floor scene was far too EXTREME for you.
ELLE: Well no, not really. In fact I kinda’ thought it was a bit lame and...
SIMONE ELKELES: And were you not AROUSED by the Adonis I created in Alex? Did he not get your sangre going?
ELLE: Well, y’know Simone, it takes a bit more than a 17 year old boy to...
SIMONE ELKELES: And then there’s my EPIC CLEVERNESS. Because they meet in Chemistry class and I titled the book: Perfect Chemistry! DO YOU SEE WHAT I DID THERE?
ELLE: Yes. Bravo Simone.
SIMONE ELKELES: And then you must have been completely PERPLEXED by all the twists and turns and UNEXPECTED occurrences throughout the journey?
ELLE: Yes well... all that nonsense aside. Can we talk about Rules of Attraction now? Because this one was so much better and I really enjoyed...
SIMONE ELKELES: Si! Indeed, my talent has no end. I will continue on until I have achieved complete Young Adult Romance world domination!
ELLE: ...right. But as I was saying, I was quite impressed with...
SIMONE ELKELES: And they will name an entire genre after my gift! It shall be called: Young Adult SIMANCE!
ELLE: ...
SIMONE ELKELES: Did you notice how I gave the heroine a stutter so that I would have a tool with which to demonstrate the IMMENSE HEART ACHE from within our little chica? Again, my cleverness is beyond all proportion. Is it not?
ELLE: ...
SIMONE ELKELES: Your silence is praise to my humble ears, Senorita. Now, I must warn you. You simply MUST prepare yourself for the third instalment of my grand trilogy of greatness. Behold: Chain Reaction
ELLE: There’s another brother?
SIMONE ELKELES: Si!
ELLE: Is it going to be the same f’king story with the same f’king characters and the same f’king outcome?
SIMONE ELKELES: ... Si!
ELLE: Balls.
SIMONE ELKELES: Are you telling me that you will no longer succumb to my magnetic pull?
ELLE: I haven’t really decided. I think I might just wait and see what other...
SIMONE ELKELES: Nonsense! I insist that you YEILD to my supremacy. I will be keeping my obscenely talented EYE on you, my little villano. Hasta luego!
ELLE: ... balls.
*******
Dear Goodreaders,
I wish to make it perfectly clear that I have not nor have I ever claimed that I have interviewed Simone Elkeles. The above dialogue is intended as humorous fiction.
Simone Elkeles did not actually say any of the above (to my knowledge, o_O).
Although... I bet she wishes she had thought up YOUNG ADULT SIMANCE herself, ay?
Regards, Elle
*** EDIT ***
The lunacy: http://coffee2words.wordpress.com/201...
July 12, 2016
Before I read the book
Anyone else agree that after this she should write a third book about the youngest Fuentes, Luis?
-----------------------------------------------------
Yay, she is writing another book about Luis!
-----------------------------------------------------
Review Time (I like to give pointers on how I like my reviews to be read in brackets, feel free to ignore my suggestions)
Aaahhh, my Fuentes boys, could you be anymore perfect? (Yes, I am referencing Chandler). Perhaps it is a little bit formulaic, but, its a very nice formula, isn't it? (channelling Salad fingers here, aaahhh, rusty spoons). As you can see above, I am really looking forward to Chain Reaction (awesome name), and, this time it will be Luis reforming a bad girl!, nice huh?
I really loved how Alex and Brittany were in this, best couple ever, but I also thought the relationship between the brothers was amazing. Unlike Alex, Carlos wants to be a tough gang member, just like Alex was, but misses the point that Alex did it to protect him and Luis. He gets to discover what he really wants though, and it is very, very sweet (emphasis on the very's please, too lazy for italics). Epilogue is, well, EPIC!, less cheesy than the first book. My only problem is that this one isn't quite as funny as the first, ah well, can't have it every way.
Anyone else agree that after this she should write a third book about the youngest Fuentes, Luis?
-----------------------------------------------------
Yay, she is writing another book about Luis!
-----------------------------------------------------
Review Time (I like to give pointers on how I like my reviews to be read in brackets, feel free to ignore my suggestions)
Aaahhh, my Fuentes boys, could you be anymore perfect? (Yes, I am referencing Chandler). Perhaps it is a little bit formulaic, but, its a very nice formula, isn't it? (channelling Salad fingers here, aaahhh, rusty spoons). As you can see above, I am really looking forward to Chain Reaction (awesome name), and, this time it will be Luis reforming a bad girl!, nice huh?
I really loved how Alex and Brittany were in this, best couple ever, but I also thought the relationship between the brothers was amazing. Unlike Alex, Carlos wants to be a tough gang member, just like Alex was, but misses the point that Alex did it to protect him and Luis. He gets to discover what he really wants though, and it is very, very sweet (emphasis on the very's please, too lazy for italics). Epilogue is, well, EPIC!, less cheesy than the first book. My only problem is that this one isn't quite as funny as the first, ah well, can't have it every way.
July 24, 2010
Rules of Attraction is the companion novel to Perfect Chemistry. The main characters in Perefect Chemestry are Alex and Brittany, the main characters in Rules of Attratction are Carlos (Alex's little brother) and Kiara. That being said, you don't necessarily have to read Perfect Chemistry first.
I loved Perfect Chemistry, there is something about it that is so very addictive, so when I heard that Elkeles was writing another novel about Alex's little brother, I knew I was in for a treat. Perfect Chemistry is still my favorite but Rules of Attraction was also fantastic!
I'm a complete sap for the bad ass guy with the good heart. I don't know what it is but ay dios mio, I can't get enough! And Carlos definitely knew how to play the bad ass guy card.
Both Carlos and Kiara are complex characters, Kiara might seem like the easier of the two to figure out, but she definitely has some hidden depths. Carlos seems like the bad guy on the outside, and he's made plenty of mistakes to get himself labeled as such, but his bad guy image isn't his problem. His problem is his pride. I loved getting to see that change throughout the novel.
I didn't think the relationship between Carlos and Kiara flowed as nicely as it had with Alex and Brittany in PC. It seemed a little abrupt and rushed, I never felt like I witnessed that "falling in love" moment. I was a little disappointed on that front, but nonetheless, I still reveled in seeing these two get together.
The ending might have came a little too fast and it was just a little unbelievable, not to mention there was another cheesy prologue (that I just ATE UP! I do love the cheese) but it just makes you feel all warm and tingly inside. And darn it, sometimes I just want to feel warm and tingly!
Overall Rules of Attraction was wonderfully written, with intriguing characters and a captivating love story. I’m ready for book three, please.
I loved Perfect Chemistry, there is something about it that is so very addictive, so when I heard that Elkeles was writing another novel about Alex's little brother, I knew I was in for a treat. Perfect Chemistry is still my favorite but Rules of Attraction was also fantastic!
I'm a complete sap for the bad ass guy with the good heart. I don't know what it is but ay dios mio, I can't get enough! And Carlos definitely knew how to play the bad ass guy card.
Both Carlos and Kiara are complex characters, Kiara might seem like the easier of the two to figure out, but she definitely has some hidden depths. Carlos seems like the bad guy on the outside, and he's made plenty of mistakes to get himself labeled as such, but his bad guy image isn't his problem. His problem is his pride. I loved getting to see that change throughout the novel.
I didn't think the relationship between Carlos and Kiara flowed as nicely as it had with Alex and Brittany in PC. It seemed a little abrupt and rushed, I never felt like I witnessed that "falling in love" moment. I was a little disappointed on that front, but nonetheless, I still reveled in seeing these two get together.
The ending might have came a little too fast and it was just a little unbelievable, not to mention there was another cheesy prologue (that I just ATE UP! I do love the cheese) but it just makes you feel all warm and tingly inside. And darn it, sometimes I just want to feel warm and tingly!
Overall Rules of Attraction was wonderfully written, with intriguing characters and a captivating love story. I’m ready for book three, please.
March 24, 2011
4 Stars - Also reviewed at: Lady Jayne's Reading Den
(This is an Adult-who-enjoys-reliving-the-stirrings-of-first-love-and-self-discovery-during-the-teen-years-through-YA books review)
**CONTENT WARNING - Since this is a YA book I will include a warning that this book contains some Sexual, Drug and Alcohol, Course Language and Violent Content - Recommended for Older Teens and Adults who enjoy YA books**
Rules of Attraction is the sequel to Perfect Chemistry, and the second book in the “Fuentes Brothers Trilogy”.
I really love the cover of this book - Very HOT and romantic! I don't know what it is about kissing in the rain... *shivers* ^_^
Perfect Chemistry was one of my favourite reads of 2010. I just absolutely adore Alex and Brittany!
In Rules of Attraction, author Simone Elkeles once again uses the formula of “bad-boy” from wrong side of the tracks meets middle-class “good girl”. However, while I really enjoyed this book, it lacked that sizzling, combustible magic that was Perfect Chemistry, for me.
Carlos Fuentes is a rebel who loves living on the edge. He is forced to move to Boulder, Colorado, to live with his older brother, Alex, to finish off his senior year of high school. One his first day of school, Carlos gets assigned to Kiara Westford, who is to be his “peer guide”. Kiara is an avid hiker, dresses in baggy T-shirts and hiking boots, and is wholesome – definitely not Carlos’ type.
When Carlos ends up getting into some trouble, he moves in with the Westford family, as part of the REACH program. Through living in close proximity to each other, Carlos and Kiara get to know each, and well, much to both their surprises, sparks eventually fly and they end up falling for each other. Hey, this is a YA Romance! ^_^
Like in Perfect Chemistry, I really enjoyed the alternating point-of-views that allows the reader into both Carlos’ and Kiara’s heads. Simone Elkeles is really connected with her “inner teen”. Her writing keeps me engaged and makes me remember what it was like to be a teen falling in love.
I didn’t like Carlos much from the snippet I got in Perfect Chemistry and wasn’t sure how much I would like this book, but ended up really enjoying it. The reason I love Alex so much more is because he didn’t want to be in a gang, but felt he had no choice. He wore a “mask” to convince others he was bad, yet longed for something more in his life. His internal struggle moved me so much…plus, he was so gosh-darned sexy! ^_^ Whereas, while Carlos was a hottie, too, I felt that he had an attitude problem and enjoyed being a “badass”. I really enjoyed watching Carlos’ growth throughout this book. Though at the end of the day, Alex is still my numero uno Fuentes brother, mi corazon. Aahh…Alex… *sighs*
I loved Kiara. She is the kind of girl I could see myself having been friends with in high school. She is smart, funny, strong, determined and caring. Though, actually, her love of cars and hiking wouldn’t have aligned with my interests of reading and talking about hot guys, at that age. Oh, wait, those are still my interests! LOL
I really liked Kiara’s best friend, Tuck, and her adorable younger brother, Brandon.
The epilogue was sweet but was a little corny.
But what I most especially loved, was getting more of Alex and Brittany in this book and seeing them in college, even though things were not smooth sailing. I loved the realism of their relationship. They are one of my favourite YA couples. I just love them!
All in all, Rules of Attraction was funny, romantic, angsty, and tugged at my heartstrings, just at the right moments. I happily recommend this YA series for adults who enjoy reading YA and want a sexier, grittier read, and for older teens.
I'm looking forward to the youngest Fuentes brother's (Luis') book, out on 24th May 2011 16th August 2011:
Love the cover! It seems that in this 3rd book, Luis Fuentes is the "good boy" with big dreams who falls for the "wrong" girl. And I already have a cutie image of "my Luis", so bring on Chain Reaction! ^_^
I originally had Mark Salling, who plays Puck on Glee (Love Glee!), in my mind as Carlos, as he has the same sort of attitude. But Mel, who commented on my Perfect Chemistry review, led me to a new Carlos (Thanks, Mel!).
My Carlos (Marlon Teixeira)
My Kiara (Hayley Erin)
Some of my favourite quotes/scenes:
“We kiss all the time." I clear my throat, then add, "We just...do it in private."
"A smug expression crosses his face. "I don't buy it for a second, 'cause if you were my girlfriend and a stud like me was livin' in your house, I'd kiss you in front of the guy every chance I got as a reminder."
"A reminder of w-w-what?"
"That you were mine."
…
"Tell me somethin’ you do that would shock me.”
She sits back on the couch. “Shock you?”
“Yeah. Shock me to the core.”
She sits up on her knees and leans toward me. “I’ve thought about you, Carlos,” she whispers in my ear.
“At night, in bed. I think about kissing you, our tongues sliding against each other’s, while your hands are buried in my hair. When I think about feeling those ripples in your naked chest I touch my—”
“Here’s more popcorn!” Westford says, barging into the room with two big bowls filled to the rim with freshly popped popcorn.
“Kiara, what are you doing?"
…
"You know about fixing cars, you're athletic, and you know when to shut up."
"That last one isn't a skill."
"Honey, trust me. It's a skill."
…
"La cucaracha, La cucaracha, Ya no puede caminar, porque no tiene, porque le falta, I don't know the rest, la la la la!"
...
“K, The lady at the store said yellow means friendship and red means love. The Rosary is the only thing I own that has value to me. It’s yours. I’m yours. C.”
...
Reading Order for the series:
1. Perfect Chemistry - Review here
2. Rules of Attraction
3. Chain Reaction - Review here
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: I do not hold the copyright to any of the images used in this review. They are posted to add visuals to the review and for fun. If any of these images are yours and you would like me to remove them, please let me know, and I will do so as soon as possible. If I can identify the copyright, I will do so.
April 17, 2010
I loved Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles, so when I heard about this sequel needless to say, I picked it up as soon as it hit the stands. I was not disappointed… NOT.ONE.BIT! Rules of Attraction is funny, romantic, edgy and unforgettable! I loved the dialog, pranks and slapstick funny scenes throughout the novel, but most of all, I loved the sincere moments between bad-boy Carlos and goodie two shoes Kiara. It’s a page turner that will leave you sad at the end, but only because you’ve finished the book so quickly.
In Rules of Attraction, we meet Alex’s hot headed and rebellious younger brother Carlos. He arrives in Colorado to live with his brother, but immediately lands himself in trouble with the law after a school drug bust where he was clearly framed. Carlos meets Kiara who is so opposite of anyone he ever imagined falling for and through a series of circumstances, finds himself living with her family because of the good graces of her father who wants to give Carlos the second chance he feels he deserves. This begins Carlos and Kiara's rollercoaster of a ride with its fair share of ups and downs.
This was such a great sequel to Perfect Chemistry, and I loved revisiting two of my fave characters, Alex and Britt. But most of all, what a great cover to the book! I loved it because it captured one of the most endearing moments in the story between the two main characters. Oh! AND great title, as it serves to remind us there are no rules of attraction, it just happens naturally. Awesome read that I recommend without hesitation.
In Rules of Attraction, we meet Alex’s hot headed and rebellious younger brother Carlos. He arrives in Colorado to live with his brother, but immediately lands himself in trouble with the law after a school drug bust where he was clearly framed. Carlos meets Kiara who is so opposite of anyone he ever imagined falling for and through a series of circumstances, finds himself living with her family because of the good graces of her father who wants to give Carlos the second chance he feels he deserves. This begins Carlos and Kiara's rollercoaster of a ride with its fair share of ups and downs.
This was such a great sequel to Perfect Chemistry, and I loved revisiting two of my fave characters, Alex and Britt. But most of all, what a great cover to the book! I loved it because it captured one of the most endearing moments in the story between the two main characters. Oh! AND great title, as it serves to remind us there are no rules of attraction, it just happens naturally. Awesome read that I recommend without hesitation.
May 12, 2020
If you haven't read
Perfect Chemistry by Ms Elkeles... there may be spoilers ahead.
“Want to get in trouble with me, Carlos?”
Initial Final Page Thoughts.
OK, so I have to admit I originally picked this book up with every intention of laughing at it as opposed to with it.
But Ms Elkeles definitely got the last laugh because this book and I had a whale of a time together and I'm thinking of proposing soon.
Also:
Some Things I Will Never Understand.
Why some girls (and some boys…) where leggings as pants. How they get the tiny writing to go all the way through Blackpool Rock. Dr Who. My 8 times table. Olly Murs. Why so many people prefer Perfect Chemistry over this book.
I don’t know whether I have to hand in my YA reader card in to someone or get a strike against my name or something… but I much much muuuuuch preferred this book.
High Points.
Carlos. Kiara. Being a badass. Perky privates. Shared bathrooms. Mountain walks. Homecoming dances. Lake side canoodles. Magnetic cookies. Chicas. Cowboys. The Ultimate Queers. Mr Westford’s Home for Wayward Boys. Swapping germs.
Low Points.
I didn’t really like the whole gangbanger (LOL) thing in this book. In Perfect Chemistry it worked with Alex’s character but with Carlos it just seemed like Ms Elkeles was like “Meep, we need more angst. I know… I’ll add a gang! That worked for the first one!”
Also… the whole pretend boyfriend/girlfriend thing. I have no idea why Carlos and Kiara did that at all. It just seemed a bit random….
I probably don’t need to tell you that the epilogue made me want to claw my eyes out but not as much as the first one.
Hero.
Hola Carlos.
Oh wait… sorry, I know you don’t like white kids try and sound Mexican. I’m sorry but you might have to get over that if we’re going to hang out because I like to pretend I’m Mexican on a regular basis.
I thought you were going to be a mini-version of Ale-ale-Alejandro but, by gum, was I wrong about you!
Maybe I have a defective girl gene because Alex never did anything for me but Carlos, amigo… sorry friend… you were a million times better. Especially in this book because yawn, Alex. Have you always been so dull?
I thought you were a much more entertaining narrator than your olderhermano brother. Where he was funny, you were hysterical. Where he was a bit cheeky, you were a full on rummon. Where he was cute with Brittany, you were a bona fide BOTS (Bringer of the Swoon) with Kiara.
Also you said things like this:
(For the record, I would be all over that book like a rash.)
PERFECTO.
I mean… um perfect.
So yeah, whatever with your Ale-Ale-Alejandro.
I’m a Carlos girl, through and through.
Heroine.
And so, it seems, is our Kiara.
Oh what a little sweetheart.
I wish my occasional stutter was as endearing as yours. I also wish I had a sexy Latina in the next room that walked around in his undies… maybe one day.
I was nervous about you when I read the synopsis.
Oh she’s shy. Oh and she has a stutter. Oh and she wears oversized t-shirts. She’s really awkward. And don’t even mention the fact that she has a ponytail… eeerrrurrgh. What kind of self-respecting girl wears a ponytail?!
But don’t worry because a sexy Latina is going to bring her out of her shell.
So what did our sexy Latina do to bring Kiara out of her shell?
Nada.
Sorry…. Nothing.
Because she did it all on her own.
I loved that she gave as good as she got and never let Carlos get away with crossing the line. Also, even though I kinda wanted a make-over scene, I liked that Kiara didn’t change anything about herself and Carlos didn’t push it.
He didn’t make her change out of her oversized t-shirts and tell her she had car grease all over her face and he only asked her to put on high heels because he’s a bit of a perve. But that’s why we love him!
Also, I loved how she was just as naughty as Carlos.
That bit in her parent’s living room?!
Eh up.
You know what they say about the quiet ones….we’re awesome.
Theme Tune.
Ego by Beyonce.
LOL.
Oh Carlos, I love your ego.
AlsoBeyoncelookssofitinthisvideoitmakesmewanttocry.
Sadness Scale.
3/10.
Unless you find all the Alejandro and Brittany ANGST seeping into this story heart breaking you’ll be absolutely fine.
Although…. There is a brief mention of Paco.
PACOOOOO.
Recommended For.
People who were born to be a badass. People who think that just kissing in the rain is too tame. People who like orange marmalade cookies. People who will never stop using random Spanish words incorrectly in conversation.
Perfect Chemistry by Ms Elkeles... there may be spoilers ahead.
“Want to get in trouble with me, Carlos?”
Initial Final Page Thoughts.
OK, so I have to admit I originally picked this book up with every intention of laughing at it as opposed to with it.
But Ms Elkeles definitely got the last laugh because this book and I had a whale of a time together and I'm thinking of proposing soon.
Also:
Some Things I Will Never Understand.
Why some girls (and some boys…) where leggings as pants. How they get the tiny writing to go all the way through Blackpool Rock. Dr Who. My 8 times table. Olly Murs. Why so many people prefer Perfect Chemistry over this book.
I don’t know whether I have to hand in my YA reader card in to someone or get a strike against my name or something… but I much much muuuuuch preferred this book.
High Points.
Carlos. Kiara. Being a badass. Perky privates. Shared bathrooms. Mountain walks. Homecoming dances. Lake side canoodles. Magnetic cookies. Chicas. Cowboys. The Ultimate Queers. Mr Westford’s Home for Wayward Boys. Swapping germs.
Low Points.
I didn’t really like the whole gangbanger (LOL) thing in this book. In Perfect Chemistry it worked with Alex’s character but with Carlos it just seemed like Ms Elkeles was like “Meep, we need more angst. I know… I’ll add a gang! That worked for the first one!”
Also… the whole pretend boyfriend/girlfriend thing. I have no idea why Carlos and Kiara did that at all. It just seemed a bit random….
I probably don’t need to tell you that the epilogue made me want to claw my eyes out but not as much as the first one.
Hero.
Hola Carlos.
Oh wait… sorry, I know you don’t like white kids try and sound Mexican. I’m sorry but you might have to get over that if we’re going to hang out because I like to pretend I’m Mexican on a regular basis.
I thought you were going to be a mini-version of Ale-ale-Alejandro but, by gum, was I wrong about you!
Maybe I have a defective girl gene because Alex never did anything for me but Carlos, amigo… sorry friend… you were a million times better. Especially in this book because yawn, Alex. Have you always been so dull?
I thought you were a much more entertaining narrator than your older
Also you said things like this:
“Ever since I got fired from the sugar mill two months ago, I’ve lived la vida loca.”
“Whether Alex wants to admit it or not, being a badass is my legacy.”
“Hell, I could write a book on kissing chicas if I wanted to.”
(For the record, I would be all over that book like a rash.)
PERFECTO.
I mean… um perfect.
So yeah, whatever with your Ale-Ale-Alejandro.
I’m a Carlos girl, through and through.
Heroine.
And so, it seems, is our Kiara.
Oh what a little sweetheart.
I wish my occasional stutter was as endearing as yours. I also wish I had a sexy Latina in the next room that walked around in his undies… maybe one day.
I was nervous about you when I read the synopsis.
Oh she’s shy. Oh and she has a stutter. Oh and she wears oversized t-shirts. She’s really awkward. And don’t even mention the fact that she has a ponytail… eeerrrurrgh. What kind of self-respecting girl wears a ponytail?!
But don’t worry because a sexy Latina is going to bring her out of her shell.
So what did our sexy Latina do to bring Kiara out of her shell?
Nada.
Sorry…. Nothing.
Because she did it all on her own.
I loved that she gave as good as she got and never let Carlos get away with crossing the line. Also, even though I kinda wanted a make-over scene, I liked that Kiara didn’t change anything about herself and Carlos didn’t push it.
He didn’t make her change out of her oversized t-shirts and tell her she had car grease all over her face and he only asked her to put on high heels because he’s a bit of a perve. But that’s why we love him!
Also, I loved how she was just as naughty as Carlos.
That bit in her parent’s living room?!
Eh up.
You know what they say about the quiet ones….
Theme Tune.
Ego by Beyonce.
“I want to make sure Kiara’s got a boyfriend who has more to offer than a hot bod and a face that could make angels weep.”
LOL.
Oh Carlos, I love your ego.
Sadness Scale.
3/10.
Unless you find all the Alejandro and Brittany ANGST seeping into this story heart breaking you’ll be absolutely fine.
Although…. There is a brief mention of Paco.
PACOOOOO.
Recommended For.
People who were born to be a badass. People who think that just kissing in the rain is too tame. People who like orange marmalade cookies. People who will never stop using random Spanish words incorrectly in conversation.
December 29, 2010
Rules of Attraction was a good story that I enjoyed reading but I didn't think Carlos and Kiara had the crazy chemistry that Alex and Brittany did. So the romance wasn't as satisfying and electric. Carlos was also not as sympathetic a character as Alex because I felt like Alex only did bad things because he had no other choice while Carlos acted like a punk just because he wanted to. But overall the story was a good read that I enjoyed a lot.
We got to see more of Alex and Brittany as they are both in college. They hit a rough patch in their relationship when Alex doesn't want to meet with her parents because he is afraid she will realize she can do better than him but they work things out when she convinces Alex that she wants to be with him no matter when anyone thinks and she refuses to hide their relationship at all. So by the end they are fine :) They just have such great chemistry as a couple, it was great seeing more of them.
We got to see more of Alex and Brittany as they are both in college. They hit a rough patch in their relationship when Alex doesn't want to meet with her parents because he is afraid she will realize she can do better than him but they work things out when she convinces Alex that she wants to be with him no matter when anyone thinks and she refuses to hide their relationship at all. So by the end they are fine :) They just have such great chemistry as a couple, it was great seeing more of them.
May 2, 2012
I am not in love with Carlos Fuentes. I do not want him. I don't think about him all the time--
Just kidding.
Even though I do feel the same way about Carlos, I'm not going to mention it. I'm going to try to control myself this time.
TRY.
Miss Simone Elkeles is officially one of my favorite authors now. I love her damn work! I love her characters. I want to meet her so badly. That woman knows what she's talking about. I finished this whole book in one day. All 324 pages of it. I eat it all up, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Why are her books so damn good!? I'll tell you why. Sit down, folks. Sit down.
1. I don't care how cliche her stories are. I don't care how one can predict what can happen. I don't care. Her characters are too damn developed for that. They're too damn funny, thoughtful, emotional, and complex for that. It can be as cliche as Elkeles wishes, she's still good at voice and character development. I forgot all the things about love stories that annoy me the most. I was too distracted by her awesome writing and characters.
2. Even though Rules of Attraction is super unrealistic, it was truly adorable. Yeah, yeah. Bad boy falls in love with good girl, we've seen that plenty of times. Then why I'm I LOVING THIS SO MUCH?! Because Elkeles wrote this with such beauty and emotion. I love Carlos so much. Yes, he's a jerk and super annoying, but I still love him for what's inside him. Cheesy, I know. What can I do? I'm hypnotized. This was my same reaction with Perfect Chemistry.
3. Just like Alex and Brittany, I like how Carlos and Kiara's romance developed. It was so sweet. Their relationship was more fun than Alex and Brittany's, in my opinion. I can feel so much sexual tension just by their little pranks, and I love that. The cookie/locker prank made me laugh my buttocks off. I love Kiara for that, and I love how Carlos played it cool and got her back. It was so adorable. Although, at times, I felt like their romance was too rushed, I love how there were small events that strengthened it.
1. Locker prank - hilarious
2. Mountain climb/almost kiss where they both can't stop thinking about each other
3. Modeling session where Kiara feels sexual tension *oh sexual tension yes*
4. Game when Carlos finds out he doesn't want Kiara to be with another guy *swoon*
5. Make-out session at Kiara's house, where they both realize they've fallen in love
6. Homecoming where they--- you know the rest, don't you?
I loved those events. However, it's not completely oh-so-perfect-I-know-what-I'm-doing moments. I love how uncertain Kiara was about where to touch Carlos. It showed that some girls really are clueless and shy and not everything goes by wonderfully. It was the same when Brittany felt the pain of sex back in the first book. Even though both the boys had sex in the most weirdest/dirtiest/why the hell would you do it there kinds of places. Alex - floor of Enrique's auto shop Carlos - at the lake house in the rain, they didn't seem to care. I mean, as long as they're together. I wouldn't want to do that, though.
Carlos is hilarious. I want to smack him, then kiss him because I smacked him, then smack him again for kissing him. Alex and Carlos are so alike. Well, Alex is twenty in this book so he's changed. Back when he was seventeen, though, like Carlos, he was just the same. They were both snarky, egotistical, insanely confident, and slightly rude. However, they were the life of the books. I loved them. If only guys like that existed. Nah... Guys suck most of the time. Too sad.
I thought Rules of Attraction was better than Perfect Chemistry because of Carlos. Besides his immense sexual appeal, tattoos, confidence, bad boy attitude, (which always attract me), I thought he was hilarious. His sense of humor was dirty and wacked up, but the best. I loved Kiara as well. Brittany didn't astonish me. I didn't like her much. Meh. Kiara is strong, intelligent, and knows what she's doing.
One problem was that I felt like she shouldn't have had sex with Carlos before marriage. I felt like she would probably stick to her terms, that her good girl image would stay and change things. I don't know if she was planning on abstaining, but most likely she would have. I'm just assuming. It would have been nice to see at least one couple actually waiting for marriage to come and being patient. I mean, one thing I would probably change about Elkeles's stories is to have her characters actually have sex after marriage. My respect for them would have increased more, but realistically speaking, it would make sense for them to have sex before marriage. Since when do teens in general wait? Yeah, no. Not going to happen.
Another thing I would change is the cover. I mean, it's a little too... yeah. I mean, I know they could be naked, but I just wished there would be more meaning to the cover than just two people kissing. Maybe gazing into each other's eyes and blocking out the world. *cheese*
I also liked this one better because of how their romance developed. The events were a lot more cuter and more fun for me, as a reader. I'm more of a playful girl who likes to have fun. Carlos and Kiara had so much fun. I'm not saying Alex and Brittany didn't. Brittany just felt like a drama queen to me, and kinda controlled what Alex did. It felt like she was asking him to confess his love all the time. Kiara just went with the flow and waited for Carlos to confess his love. She was patient and understanding.
Anyway, another one of my favorites. I loved it. I'm planning on reading her Paradise books as well. I hope I enjoy them just as much as I enjoyed this series.
Just kidding.
Even though I do feel the same way about Carlos, I'm not going to mention it. I'm going to try to control myself this time.
TRY.
Miss Simone Elkeles is officially one of my favorite authors now. I love her damn work! I love her characters. I want to meet her so badly. That woman knows what she's talking about. I finished this whole book in one day. All 324 pages of it. I eat it all up, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Why are her books so damn good!? I'll tell you why. Sit down, folks. Sit down.
1. I don't care how cliche her stories are. I don't care how one can predict what can happen. I don't care. Her characters are too damn developed for that. They're too damn funny, thoughtful, emotional, and complex for that. It can be as cliche as Elkeles wishes, she's still good at voice and character development. I forgot all the things about love stories that annoy me the most. I was too distracted by her awesome writing and characters.
2. Even though Rules of Attraction is super unrealistic, it was truly adorable. Yeah, yeah. Bad boy falls in love with good girl, we've seen that plenty of times. Then why I'm I LOVING THIS SO MUCH?! Because Elkeles wrote this with such beauty and emotion. I love Carlos so much. Yes, he's a jerk and super annoying, but I still love him for what's inside him. Cheesy, I know. What can I do? I'm hypnotized. This was my same reaction with Perfect Chemistry.
3. Just like Alex and Brittany, I like how Carlos and Kiara's romance developed. It was so sweet. Their relationship was more fun than Alex and Brittany's, in my opinion. I can feel so much sexual tension just by their little pranks, and I love that. The cookie/locker prank made me laugh my buttocks off. I love Kiara for that, and I love how Carlos played it cool and got her back. It was so adorable. Although, at times, I felt like their romance was too rushed, I love how there were small events that strengthened it.
1. Locker prank - hilarious
2. Mountain climb/almost kiss where they both can't stop thinking about each other
3. Modeling session where Kiara feels sexual tension *oh sexual tension yes*
4. Game when Carlos finds out he doesn't want Kiara to be with another guy *swoon*
5. Make-out session at Kiara's house, where they both realize they've fallen in love
6. Homecoming where they--- you know the rest, don't you?
I loved those events. However, it's not completely oh-so-perfect-I-know-what-I'm-doing moments. I love how uncertain Kiara was about where to touch Carlos. It showed that some girls really are clueless and shy and not everything goes by wonderfully. It was the same when Brittany felt the pain of sex back in the first book. Even though both the boys had sex in the most weirdest/dirtiest/why the hell would you do it there kinds of places. Alex - floor of Enrique's auto shop Carlos - at the lake house in the rain, they didn't seem to care. I mean, as long as they're together. I wouldn't want to do that, though.
Carlos is hilarious. I want to smack him, then kiss him because I smacked him, then smack him again for kissing him. Alex and Carlos are so alike. Well, Alex is twenty in this book so he's changed. Back when he was seventeen, though, like Carlos, he was just the same. They were both snarky, egotistical, insanely confident, and slightly rude. However, they were the life of the books. I loved them. If only guys like that existed. Nah... Guys suck most of the time. Too sad.
I thought Rules of Attraction was better than Perfect Chemistry because of Carlos. Besides his immense sexual appeal, tattoos, confidence, bad boy attitude, (which always attract me), I thought he was hilarious. His sense of humor was dirty and wacked up, but the best. I loved Kiara as well. Brittany didn't astonish me. I didn't like her much. Meh. Kiara is strong, intelligent, and knows what she's doing.
One problem was that I felt like she shouldn't have had sex with Carlos before marriage. I felt like she would probably stick to her terms, that her good girl image would stay and change things. I don't know if she was planning on abstaining, but most likely she would have. I'm just assuming. It would have been nice to see at least one couple actually waiting for marriage to come and being patient. I mean, one thing I would probably change about Elkeles's stories is to have her characters actually have sex after marriage. My respect for them would have increased more, but realistically speaking, it would make sense for them to have sex before marriage. Since when do teens in general wait? Yeah, no. Not going to happen.
Another thing I would change is the cover. I mean, it's a little too... yeah. I mean, I know they could be naked, but I just wished there would be more meaning to the cover than just two people kissing. Maybe gazing into each other's eyes and blocking out the world. *cheese*
I also liked this one better because of how their romance developed. The events were a lot more cuter and more fun for me, as a reader. I'm more of a playful girl who likes to have fun. Carlos and Kiara had so much fun. I'm not saying Alex and Brittany didn't. Brittany just felt like a drama queen to me, and kinda controlled what Alex did. It felt like she was asking him to confess his love all the time. Kiara just went with the flow and waited for Carlos to confess his love. She was patient and understanding.
Anyway, another one of my favorites. I loved it. I'm planning on reading her Paradise books as well. I hope I enjoy them just as much as I enjoyed this series.
November 25, 2010
I haven't read a single book by this author that didn't make my stomach do flip flops every few chapters. Can somebody please explain to me how this is possible? I don't do sappy romances. Don't get me wrong, I love romantic stuff, but just not too much of it. It's hard to explain, but there is a fine line between OMG WOW and OMG EW. I'm hard to please, yes, what's your point?
Simone Elkeles (I can never read that name without hearing that ridiculous rap video of Perfect Chemistry in my head) only writes about over the top romances. AND I JUST INHALE IT LIKE IT'S GODDAMN APPLE PIE.
I look like a 16-year old girl with pigtails while I read her books. I blush, I grin, I giggle, I gasp, I squeal and I live through every moment like they're my own.
GAH. This is so frustrating.
Simone Elkeles (I can never read that name without hearing that ridiculous rap video of Perfect Chemistry in my head) only writes about over the top romances. AND I JUST INHALE IT LIKE IT'S GODDAMN APPLE PIE.
I look like a 16-year old girl with pigtails while I read her books. I blush, I grin, I giggle, I gasp, I squeal and I live through every moment like they're my own.
GAH. This is so frustrating.
September 20, 2011
Damn you Latino boys... hot, tattooed, sweet-talking, Latino boys... Now, no one is going to be good enough!
February 19, 2017
4/5 stars
Aww!! This book was just too sweet. Angsty teens, a school mean girl, the gay best friend, first loves and the perfect homecoming... this book epitomises everything I enjoy about YA romance.
It's been so long since I read Perfect Chemisty (no, really, it's been like two or three years) and I've only now finished the second book. Rules of Attraction follows Carlos, Alex's brother, in his very rebellious yet redeeming love story. Carlos doesn't want to turn out like his brother who is completely whipped for his girlfriend. Instead, Carlos wants to live on the edge, continue his gang life and sleep with as many girls as he wants. Carlos has been made to move to Colorado to live with his brother, but he is determined to make it clear that he doesn't want to be there and won't act like the snobby, privileged kids at his school. In a whole big misunderstanding, Carlos is accused of possessing drugs and is forced to join the REACH program for at risk teens. He is also forced to live with a professor/ psychologist and his All-American family.
Yeah, sure Carlos, whatever you say! Let me just tell you, he didn't have the same opinion by the end of the book!
Kiara, the daughter of the professor, is not like most other girls. She loves hiking, vintage cars and sports. She's proud of her differences, but at the same time she just wants to fit it, find more friends and stop her stuttering. Kiara doesn't fall for Carlos' charms at first and instead formed a sort of respect and even friendship with him. Though, this is a romance book so how long is that supposed 'friendship' really going to last?
This book was just so fun and snarky! I mean, what else can you expect from a bunch of rowdy teenagers with serious attitude problems? There were so many one-liners which just made me laugh so hard! For me, this book just had an overall positive feel to it, I was happy whilst reading it. I was laughing out loud, rooting for the characters from the start and cooing at all the sweet moments. Because of the positive vibes, I just flew through this book! When I got to the last chapter I couldn't believe that I'd actually gotten that far because I was just so immersed in the story! This is one of the best feel-good books that I've read so far this year.
The characters in this book were my favourite element without a doubt. The plot line wasn't too original or fast-paced, so the story really fell onto the shoulders of the characters. Carlos and Kiara's relationship was just angsty enough to get me anticipating their coming together, but not so much so that it made the book frustrating. As soon as the pair met, they formed this fun banter and playful side to their relationship which made me smile from ear to ear! They're dynamic was just so great! The couple had sweet moments, angry moments and accepting moments; they were the complete package and an absolutely satisfying duo to read about.
Karia and Carlos were not the only great characters though, I totally believe that some of the minor characters stole the show. I loved the return of Brittany and Alex and how they contributed just enough to bring back some nostalgia, but not too much that they overshadowed Carlos and Kiara. I even enjoyed the parental characters in this book, which is definitely rare in YA books where the parents are generally dead, abusive or just not around. I think my favourite character (besides Carlos and Kiara) would have to be Tuck! He was just an all-round hilarious guy. Tuck was Kiara's gay best friend who was loud, bold and downright hilarious. He was one of the only characters who didn't put up with Carlos' shit (that kid had some undeniable attitude problems).
Just take a moment to appreciate Tuck's "get well soon" message to Carlos!
I really enjoyed this book on a whole, however, I can't give it a higher rating because there were just so many cliche and predictable parts in the book. I never expected the book to be unique or life-changing, but I did at least want a plot line more different from the last book. Even though I read Perfect Chemisty a long I've ago, I distinctly remember many scenes that were very similar to the ones in this book. In saying that, there were also many differences that I can appreciate. For one, Kiara and Brittany are completely different characters which is a main reason why I chose to mostly overlook the major similarities.
Overall, this book was entertaining, light and romantic. I'm so glad that I finally picked this book up!
“Look at me, chica." When she does, I repeat, "Eres hermosa."
"What does it mean?"
"You're beautiful.”
Aww!! This book was just too sweet. Angsty teens, a school mean girl, the gay best friend, first loves and the perfect homecoming... this book epitomises everything I enjoy about YA romance.
It's been so long since I read Perfect Chemisty (no, really, it's been like two or three years) and I've only now finished the second book. Rules of Attraction follows Carlos, Alex's brother, in his very rebellious yet redeeming love story. Carlos doesn't want to turn out like his brother who is completely whipped for his girlfriend. Instead, Carlos wants to live on the edge, continue his gang life and sleep with as many girls as he wants. Carlos has been made to move to Colorado to live with his brother, but he is determined to make it clear that he doesn't want to be there and won't act like the snobby, privileged kids at his school. In a whole big misunderstanding, Carlos is accused of possessing drugs and is forced to join the REACH program for at risk teens. He is also forced to live with a professor/ psychologist and his All-American family.
“It’s not natural for a guy to be with one girl, Alex. I’m a free agent and I plan to stay one forever.”
Yeah, sure Carlos, whatever you say! Let me just tell you, he didn't have the same opinion by the end of the book!
Kiara, the daughter of the professor, is not like most other girls. She loves hiking, vintage cars and sports. She's proud of her differences, but at the same time she just wants to fit it, find more friends and stop her stuttering. Kiara doesn't fall for Carlos' charms at first and instead formed a sort of respect and even friendship with him. Though, this is a romance book so how long is that supposed 'friendship' really going to last?
This book was just so fun and snarky! I mean, what else can you expect from a bunch of rowdy teenagers with serious attitude problems? There were so many one-liners which just made me laugh so hard! For me, this book just had an overall positive feel to it, I was happy whilst reading it. I was laughing out loud, rooting for the characters from the start and cooing at all the sweet moments. Because of the positive vibes, I just flew through this book! When I got to the last chapter I couldn't believe that I'd actually gotten that far because I was just so immersed in the story! This is one of the best feel-good books that I've read so far this year.
“We kiss all the time." I clear my throat, then add, "We just...do it in private."
"A smug expression crosses his face. "I don't buy it for a second, 'cause if you were my girlfriend and a stud like me was livin' in your house, I'd kiss you in front of the guy every chance I got as a reminder."
"A reminder of w-w-what?"
"That you were mine.”
The characters in this book were my favourite element without a doubt. The plot line wasn't too original or fast-paced, so the story really fell onto the shoulders of the characters. Carlos and Kiara's relationship was just angsty enough to get me anticipating their coming together, but not so much so that it made the book frustrating. As soon as the pair met, they formed this fun banter and playful side to their relationship which made me smile from ear to ear! They're dynamic was just so great! The couple had sweet moments, angry moments and accepting moments; they were the complete package and an absolutely satisfying duo to read about.
Karia and Carlos were not the only great characters though, I totally believe that some of the minor characters stole the show. I loved the return of Brittany and Alex and how they contributed just enough to bring back some nostalgia, but not too much that they overshadowed Carlos and Kiara. I even enjoyed the parental characters in this book, which is definitely rare in YA books where the parents are generally dead, abusive or just not around. I think my favourite character (besides Carlos and Kiara) would have to be Tuck! He was just an all-round hilarious guy. Tuck was Kiara's gay best friend who was loud, bold and downright hilarious. He was one of the only characters who didn't put up with Carlos' shit (that kid had some undeniable attitude problems).
“Fifty percent of all doctors graduate in the bottom half of their class - Hope your surgery went well!”
Just take a moment to appreciate Tuck's "get well soon" message to Carlos!
I really enjoyed this book on a whole, however, I can't give it a higher rating because there were just so many cliche and predictable parts in the book. I never expected the book to be unique or life-changing, but I did at least want a plot line more different from the last book. Even though I read Perfect Chemisty a long I've ago, I distinctly remember many scenes that were very similar to the ones in this book. In saying that, there were also many differences that I can appreciate. For one, Kiara and Brittany are completely different characters which is a main reason why I chose to mostly overlook the major similarities.
Overall, this book was entertaining, light and romantic. I'm so glad that I finally picked this book up!
“I wish I could help you" I whisper.
"You are," he murmurs against my knee. "just dont leave me, okay? Everyone leaves me.”
March 19, 2010
Best romantic YA book of 2010! Simone Elkeles delivered again, with another rebellious, gorgeous and intelligent Fuentes brother stealing our hearts.
SPOILER ALERT!!! In this second installment of three in the "Perfect Chemistry" YA series, our favorite struggling couple, Alejandro "Alex" Fuentes and Brittany Ellis are back and are now 20 years old and still attending college in Colorado. A minor character in the first book now takes center stage - middle brother Carlos Fuentes, being sent back to the United States from Mexico by his mother and uncle to give him a chance to escape a life of crime and gangs.
In Fuentes style, Carlos immediately makes it clear to big brother Alex and saintly Brittany that he doesn't need them or their sympathy and help, and that he would rather be in Chicago or back in Mexico than see his complacent, do-gooder brother continue on the path of higher learning and a better life. Of course, Carlos doesn't have a choice in the matter, and begins high school immediately, where he meets Kiara, the daughter of Alex's professor. Kiara is a nature girl who gets high on walking, hiking, jogging and any physical activity that keeps her happy and healthy. Add to this, she has two idealistic and organic parents, and one nifty little brother - enough to make Carlos want to gag. Needless to say, Kiara and Carlos don't hit it off, despite poor Kiara's best efforts to be his school buddy his first week in classes. Carlos is soon lured back into bad habits by the disgustingly beautiful Madison, a girl who is nothing but trouble. No sooner than Carlos decides not to take up Madison's offers of her body, Carlos finds himself framed for possession of drugs at school. Before all else is lost and Carlos is headed for prison, in walks Kiara's family to the rescue, offering to take Carlos into their home and rehabilitate him.
"Rules of Attraction" follows a similar pattern of awkward friendship just like Alex and Brittany, but Kiara and Carlos blaze their own trail on the path to true love. Carlos finds and excellent father figure in Professor Westford, a man with his own shady past who has a beautiful family and a great career in academia. Although Carlos rails against the goodness of a family who don't know him but embrace him anyway, he begins to slowly make personal changes, and takes notice of Kiara. Kiara who is true to herself, has her own problems, namely battling with a stuttering problem, being dumped by her jerk of a boyfriend by text, not having any girlfriends to speak of, never has been to a high school dance, and gets picked on at school by the likes of the snobby Madison.
Kiara and Carlos through witty banter, close-up fights, and moments of closeness begin to understand each other better. The romantic scenes are tastefully done, and Elkeles makes sure the message of safe sex is there without hitting you over the head. Never too far away from Carlos' thoughts are his mother and little brother, and his longing for his country that is rife with the crippling problems of the drug trade. Carlos never dismisses his heritage, and his love for Mexico comes through in his shopping and cooking, sharing his culture with the Westfords through dinner. Carlos never denies his Latino heritage, but there is room in his heart for a girl from a vastly different background and color, and you can't help but root for them to find a way to be together forever, much like Alex and Brittany. I highly recommend this book for teenagers, grades 8 and up, especially for Simone Elkeles fans, and for teens looking for an intelligent romance book with enough humor and drama, and a realistic interracial couple that do get their happy ending. Another smash hit for Simone Elkeles!
SPOILER ALERT!!! In this second installment of three in the "Perfect Chemistry" YA series, our favorite struggling couple, Alejandro "Alex" Fuentes and Brittany Ellis are back and are now 20 years old and still attending college in Colorado. A minor character in the first book now takes center stage - middle brother Carlos Fuentes, being sent back to the United States from Mexico by his mother and uncle to give him a chance to escape a life of crime and gangs.
In Fuentes style, Carlos immediately makes it clear to big brother Alex and saintly Brittany that he doesn't need them or their sympathy and help, and that he would rather be in Chicago or back in Mexico than see his complacent, do-gooder brother continue on the path of higher learning and a better life. Of course, Carlos doesn't have a choice in the matter, and begins high school immediately, where he meets Kiara, the daughter of Alex's professor. Kiara is a nature girl who gets high on walking, hiking, jogging and any physical activity that keeps her happy and healthy. Add to this, she has two idealistic and organic parents, and one nifty little brother - enough to make Carlos want to gag. Needless to say, Kiara and Carlos don't hit it off, despite poor Kiara's best efforts to be his school buddy his first week in classes. Carlos is soon lured back into bad habits by the disgustingly beautiful Madison, a girl who is nothing but trouble. No sooner than Carlos decides not to take up Madison's offers of her body, Carlos finds himself framed for possession of drugs at school. Before all else is lost and Carlos is headed for prison, in walks Kiara's family to the rescue, offering to take Carlos into their home and rehabilitate him.
"Rules of Attraction" follows a similar pattern of awkward friendship just like Alex and Brittany, but Kiara and Carlos blaze their own trail on the path to true love. Carlos finds and excellent father figure in Professor Westford, a man with his own shady past who has a beautiful family and a great career in academia. Although Carlos rails against the goodness of a family who don't know him but embrace him anyway, he begins to slowly make personal changes, and takes notice of Kiara. Kiara who is true to herself, has her own problems, namely battling with a stuttering problem, being dumped by her jerk of a boyfriend by text, not having any girlfriends to speak of, never has been to a high school dance, and gets picked on at school by the likes of the snobby Madison.
Kiara and Carlos through witty banter, close-up fights, and moments of closeness begin to understand each other better. The romantic scenes are tastefully done, and Elkeles makes sure the message of safe sex is there without hitting you over the head. Never too far away from Carlos' thoughts are his mother and little brother, and his longing for his country that is rife with the crippling problems of the drug trade. Carlos never dismisses his heritage, and his love for Mexico comes through in his shopping and cooking, sharing his culture with the Westfords through dinner. Carlos never denies his Latino heritage, but there is room in his heart for a girl from a vastly different background and color, and you can't help but root for them to find a way to be together forever, much like Alex and Brittany. I highly recommend this book for teenagers, grades 8 and up, especially for Simone Elkeles fans, and for teens looking for an intelligent romance book with enough humor and drama, and a realistic interracial couple that do get their happy ending. Another smash hit for Simone Elkeles!
August 11, 2016
Bulgarian review: https://bookishipster.wordpress.com/2...
The second book in the 'Perfect Chemistry' trilogy was just as lovely as the first one. Even though Carlos was a bit annoying at first and a little bit different than his brother, i still enjoyed 'Rules of Attraction' very much. I liked Carlos and Kiara's relationship, they had some really cute moments and i loved the family atmosphere in this book. It was nothing special, but still really cute and lovely.
The second book in the 'Perfect Chemistry' trilogy was just as lovely as the first one. Even though Carlos was a bit annoying at first and a little bit different than his brother, i still enjoyed 'Rules of Attraction' very much. I liked Carlos and Kiara's relationship, they had some really cute moments and i loved the family atmosphere in this book. It was nothing special, but still really cute and lovely.
January 24, 2012
Carlos, you smexy pie, come here, LET ME LOVE YOUUUUUUU!!!
I can't believe I just said that.
Okay, I'm clearly still in fangirl mode, so. I'll come back later. :3
December 1, 2011
Everyone knows by now how much I adore my book boyfriends. I fall, swoon, and crush often and hard. Let’s see there was Thomas, Griggs, Shawn, Josh, Conrad, Dimitri, Alex….well you see where this is going. Giggle, giggle. So this might shock a few people—it surprised me—but Rules of Attraction grabbed my heart and got all of my 5 shiny stars for Kiara.
Finally a main female character in a romance I could identify with, be proud of, root for, and want as my new bff! This girl kicked ass! A character that can fix and talk cars, speak her mind, stand up for herself, and pull off the perfect prank gets buckets of love from me. Simone Elkeles created a character that went after her man with honesty, an open heart, and just put herself out there. I admire that. This chica even has a cool car! I do hope she never repairs the car door though—hehe—I have always wanted a getaway car where you have to crawl through the window to get in. Still hoping Santa will come through for me on that one! :D
Now do not get me wrong, Carlos and Kiara had oolala, “light-up-the-night-sky” chemistry that made this book sizzle and come to life. I loved how they challenged and inspired each other. Believe me—the famous Fuentes sex appeal definitely made this an entertaining ride. Carlos’s smirk, abs, and attitude made me smile and blush. The boy has it going on! I believe Carlos said it best though: “a hot bod and a face that could make angels weep”. He is that and so much more.
For me, the book also held a strong message of caring, giving, volunteering, and just sharing your heart. Carlos’s story made me realize what a little help or act of love can do to someone in need or a little lost in this world. It is a feeling that stuck with me. Any book that can inspire readers to maybe give of themselves and put out a helping hand is a joy to come across.
I cannot wait to continue this series and meet baby brother in book three!
Finally a main female character in a romance I could identify with, be proud of, root for, and want as my new bff! This girl kicked ass! A character that can fix and talk cars, speak her mind, stand up for herself, and pull off the perfect prank gets buckets of love from me. Simone Elkeles created a character that went after her man with honesty, an open heart, and just put herself out there. I admire that. This chica even has a cool car! I do hope she never repairs the car door though—hehe—I have always wanted a getaway car where you have to crawl through the window to get in. Still hoping Santa will come through for me on that one! :D
Now do not get me wrong, Carlos and Kiara had oolala, “light-up-the-night-sky” chemistry that made this book sizzle and come to life. I loved how they challenged and inspired each other. Believe me—the famous Fuentes sex appeal definitely made this an entertaining ride. Carlos’s smirk, abs, and attitude made me smile and blush. The boy has it going on! I believe Carlos said it best though: “a hot bod and a face that could make angels weep”. He is that and so much more.
For me, the book also held a strong message of caring, giving, volunteering, and just sharing your heart. Carlos’s story made me realize what a little help or act of love can do to someone in need or a little lost in this world. It is a feeling that stuck with me. Any book that can inspire readers to maybe give of themselves and put out a helping hand is a joy to come across.
I cannot wait to continue this series and meet baby brother in book three!
February 24, 2012
This series is so hot it's on fire.
December 13, 2014
“You’re dangerous.”he says.
“Why?”
“Because you make me believe in the impossible.”
Sometimes I wish I would have started by reading this book before "Perfect chemistry" because I am sure I would have liked this one a lot better.. and indeed this book is great. I must confess that I felt in love with "Perfect Chemistry" and now it's so damn hard not to compare them, but I'll give it a try.
I should start by saying that I was NOT disappointed by this book, and it was a great pleasure to read it. If you just keep in mind that this is another book, and just stop comparing them, you will see that this book will give you the same amount of joy after reading it as the first one. I didn't get to read an amazing love story, but I got to read a really funny one, and deep into my heart it was the same feeling of delight.
Even though the romantic part of the story was not as great as I expected it to be (something was missing and I don't really know what that might be), there were some other things about this book that I really loved:
- the hilarious little brother Kiara has, that turns every scene with him into a comedy;
- Kiara's best friend who is smart and funny and it was always a pleasure to read his lines (I would love to have a best friend like him.. and I might think that the fact that hi is gay is really part of his charm );
- the family relationship it's amazing, I want some parents like that;
- also there were some sweet moments between Kiara and Carlos that i liked a lot;
- .... Oh, and I love that we get to see Alex and Brittany in this book too <3
I can't really say that there are things that I don't like, but I don't know why I couldn't relate to the love story.
Maybe (in books) I don't like the really-nice-girls, and the not-so-bad-boys because they are a bit boring (now i said it). In the previous book the chemistry was so great (and I know that now I'm comparing them, I just can't help it) and that might be why I just felt that something was missing here. There was no real danger (and i missed it), and I missed the "flirty" attitude of the main characters from the first book.. and also some character seemed to be there just to fill in the space (like for example the "beautiful Madison")
All in one, if you ask me if it's worth reading this book, well I think it is. I think that it's hard for a book to have a great romance in it and to be really funny and appealing to all people, and this book had a lot of competition with "Perfect chemistry" on our hands... But Simone E. is doing a good job and with every new book she gets better at it.
4.5 stars - Can't wait for the next one :)
This review can be found at ReadingAfterMidnight.com
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December 4, 2012
ANOTHER AMAZING BOOK FROM SIMONE ELKELES!!! I found another book boyfriend, definitely swoon worthy! Carlos, you got me breaking the rules! LOL!
I'm in love again! And I'm wondering if it's okay to have two brothers for myself? LOL! I love Alex from Perfect Chemistry, and I admit it took me a long time to read the sequel because I'm too in love with him. I didn't expect that they'll have the same effect on me. Can I marry both and take them home??? LOL!
I love this book, it rocked my world, every chapter made me want for more. I think this is funnier and lighter than the first. The characters are so cool! At first, Carlos kind of annoyed me, it felt like he's too bad to everyone. But he gradually changed and he's like the sweetest bad boy I've ever met. LOL! And let's admit it, he's too hot! Kiara, on the other hand, is such a good girl with a lot of insecurities and imperfections, but those things really made her so likable. There are so many things to like about her, so I'm very happy that she gets to have Carlos. I understand all her qualities that made him fall hopelessly in love with her. I also like Tuck, Kiara's gay best friend, he's too funny! Her family is so cool, especially her dad, the professor, I didn't expect that he'll play a big role here. And of course, I love it because Alex is in it, along with his very lucky girlfriend, Brittany!
I think you can guess my favorite part from the book. Yes, that part, the scene from that book cover. *sigh*
Here are my favorite lines from Carlos:
"Tonight was... well, it was perfect for me too. You've turned my world upside down. I've fallen in love with you, chica, and it scares the fuckin' shit outta me. I've been shakin' all night, because I knew it.I've tried to deny it, to make you think I wanted you as a fake girlfriend, but that was a lie."
"I'm in deep shit, cause I think I'd like nothing better than to wake up with her every morning."
I'm in love again! And I'm wondering if it's okay to have two brothers for myself? LOL! I love Alex from Perfect Chemistry, and I admit it took me a long time to read the sequel because I'm too in love with him. I didn't expect that they'll have the same effect on me. Can I marry both and take them home??? LOL!
I love this book, it rocked my world, every chapter made me want for more. I think this is funnier and lighter than the first. The characters are so cool! At first, Carlos kind of annoyed me, it felt like he's too bad to everyone. But he gradually changed and he's like the sweetest bad boy I've ever met. LOL! And let's admit it, he's too hot! Kiara, on the other hand, is such a good girl with a lot of insecurities and imperfections, but those things really made her so likable. There are so many things to like about her, so I'm very happy that she gets to have Carlos. I understand all her qualities that made him fall hopelessly in love with her. I also like Tuck, Kiara's gay best friend, he's too funny! Her family is so cool, especially her dad, the professor, I didn't expect that he'll play a big role here. And of course, I love it because Alex is in it, along with his very lucky girlfriend, Brittany!
I think you can guess my favorite part from the book. Yes, that part, the scene from that book cover. *sigh*
Here are my favorite lines from Carlos:
"Tonight was... well, it was perfect for me too. You've turned my world upside down. I've fallen in love with you, chica, and it scares the fuckin' shit outta me. I've been shakin' all night, because I knew it.I've tried to deny it, to make you think I wanted you as a fake girlfriend, but that was a lie."
"I'm in deep shit, cause I think I'd like nothing better than to wake up with her every morning."
December 28, 2012
4.5 Stars!
If I let myself care about someone, they’ll leave me, push me away, or die. That’t the way it’s been, and will always be.
Carlos Fuentes moves to Colorado to live with his brother Alex for his senior year of high school. He has been living in Mexico the last few years with his mama and little brother, but he got into a bit of trouble so here he is. And just so we’re clear, Carlos does not want to be here. Carlos is the typical badass teenager. He likes to party, hook up and have fun. He starts school and meets Kiara Westford. Kiara is nothing like Carlos. She is just an average girl, dresses in jeans and t-shirts and wears her hair in a pony tail everyday. She is smart and fun. She has a bit of a stutter when she gets nervous. She knows Carlos’s brother Alex, so Alex asks her to show Carlos around. That goes over well... not.
Carlos immediately falls into the popular group at the high school. He runs into some trouble and some drug possession charges get filled against him. Even though he was set up, he still has to join a special after school program and move out of Alex’s studio apartment and into an appropriate home. The Westford’s. Carlos isn’t happy about this, but after some time passes, he realizes that there are people out there that are willing to help him, that care about him and want him to do well. Even though he and Kiara are nothing a like, they both have this pull to one another, she sees something in him others don’t.
On the outside, Carlos is a tough jerk who doesn’t let anyone get close to him. But when I get little glimpses of his hidden warmth and compassion, I feel that inner wall of mine start to crumble.
Loved the characters in this book!
Carlos- Although he started off with a bit of an attitude problem, I loved the growth of his character. Even though he could be a jerk at times, he could also be pretty damn swoony! Like the note and roses he put in Kiara’s locker:
K- the lady at the store said yellow means friendship and red means love. The Rosary is the only thing I own that has value to me. It’s yours. I’m yours. -C
Plus, he was a hottie just like his brother! yum!
Kiara- Kiara was my kind of girl! She was funny, smart, and caring. She stuck to her guns and didn’t give up on Carlos. I loved how she interacted with her family and friends. She really came out of her shell by the end of the book.
“Do I hear a challenge?” she whispers, then leans forward and says against my lips, “Oh, Carols. You know I can’t resist a challenge.”
We got the double pov’s again in this one, which I love! I loved that this book wasn’t a clone of Perfect Chemistry. It had some major differences which was great. Kiara’s Dad was one of my favorite characters. He was just straight up awesome. And we got more Alex and Brittany (<3 ALEX :D ) As much as I loved Carlos, Alex is still my favorite Fuentes brother... for now! Off to read book 3!!!
If I let myself care about someone, they’ll leave me, push me away, or die. That’t the way it’s been, and will always be.
Carlos Fuentes moves to Colorado to live with his brother Alex for his senior year of high school. He has been living in Mexico the last few years with his mama and little brother, but he got into a bit of trouble so here he is. And just so we’re clear, Carlos does not want to be here. Carlos is the typical badass teenager. He likes to party, hook up and have fun. He starts school and meets Kiara Westford. Kiara is nothing like Carlos. She is just an average girl, dresses in jeans and t-shirts and wears her hair in a pony tail everyday. She is smart and fun. She has a bit of a stutter when she gets nervous. She knows Carlos’s brother Alex, so Alex asks her to show Carlos around. That goes over well... not.
Carlos immediately falls into the popular group at the high school. He runs into some trouble and some drug possession charges get filled against him. Even though he was set up, he still has to join a special after school program and move out of Alex’s studio apartment and into an appropriate home. The Westford’s. Carlos isn’t happy about this, but after some time passes, he realizes that there are people out there that are willing to help him, that care about him and want him to do well. Even though he and Kiara are nothing a like, they both have this pull to one another, she sees something in him others don’t.
On the outside, Carlos is a tough jerk who doesn’t let anyone get close to him. But when I get little glimpses of his hidden warmth and compassion, I feel that inner wall of mine start to crumble.
Loved the characters in this book!
Carlos- Although he started off with a bit of an attitude problem, I loved the growth of his character. Even though he could be a jerk at times, he could also be pretty damn swoony! Like the note and roses he put in Kiara’s locker:
K- the lady at the store said yellow means friendship and red means love. The Rosary is the only thing I own that has value to me. It’s yours. I’m yours. -C
Plus, he was a hottie just like his brother! yum!
Kiara- Kiara was my kind of girl! She was funny, smart, and caring. She stuck to her guns and didn’t give up on Carlos. I loved how she interacted with her family and friends. She really came out of her shell by the end of the book.
“Do I hear a challenge?” she whispers, then leans forward and says against my lips, “Oh, Carols. You know I can’t resist a challenge.”
We got the double pov’s again in this one, which I love! I loved that this book wasn’t a clone of Perfect Chemistry. It had some major differences which was great. Kiara’s Dad was one of my favorite characters. He was just straight up awesome. And we got more Alex and Brittany (<3 ALEX :D ) As much as I loved Carlos, Alex is still my favorite Fuentes brother... for now! Off to read book 3!!!
February 13, 2017
4.25 "What happens when I break one of your fuckin' rules" stars
It's been a long time since I've last read Perfect chemistry by Simone Elkeles, book one in Perfect chemistry series , where we first meet the Fuentes brothers – Alejandro, Carlos and Luis, but basically the story in book 1 revolves around the oldest brother Alejandro/Alex Fuentes.
But now, Carlos is getting his own story. And even though there's a certain pattern in the storyline, and one almost identical scene as it was in the previous book, I still loved Carlos, now 17 year old young man, who transfers from Mexico for his senior year to the US, Bolder, where his older brother Alex lives and goes to college. Carlos is extracting himslef from the mexican gang but almost the first week of him staying in the new school, he gets set up by the very same gang and gets busted for drug possesion. The only way he can avoid the juvie is to stay under the guardianship of professor Westford and his family who will vouch for him while he attends the REACH programm set for „kids at risk“ after his regular school.
Carlos doesn't trust easy, or better yet he doesn't trust anyone at all. He's sarcastic and a brush off to everyone even though he's intelligent and could make smth of himself if only he puts a little bit of effort. But his life so far proved him wrong that he can't let his guard down, he can't let anyone get close to him.
If I let myself care about someone, they'll leave me, push me away, or die. That's the way it's been, and it will always be.
But slowly one girl will show him that there's more to life, more opportunities, more options…
Kiara Westford has dealt with her own flaw for years, she stutters when she's nervous or emotionally affected, but she worked hard to control it and reign it in. She's the quiet one, with only one close gay friend, she enjoys outdoors, nature, painting, and working on cars that's where she feels free and being just herself…until Carlos turns out to be the one who affects her in many ways she's not used to. BUT he's a bad boy who acts like a jerk but he also makes her alive, he challenges her and vice versa…
Carlos is a tough jerk who doesn't let anyone get close to him. But when I get little glimpses of his hidden warmth and compassion, I feel that inner wall of mine start to crumble.
and their friendship shifts into different shapes and forms of affection as time passes by
One of these days, kiara, we're gonna get in trouble. You know that, don't you?
And no matter how much they fight against it, it's there, the attraction, the allure, the physical pull with an emotional twist BUT Carlos still holds himself back…
especially when Kiara wants more…
“What do you want from me? You want me to tell you lies, is that what you want? Okay, i'll give you lies. Kiara, without you I'm nothin'. Kiara, you own my heart and soul. Kiara, when I'm not with you I feel like life has no meaning. Kiara, I love you. Is that what you want to hear?“
„Yes.“
And when the gang ties reach to pull Carlos down, he will have to make a choice. In order to protect his family and the people he came to care about, will he sacrifice himself by cutting all realtions or will he let in the people that love him by facing the trouble together.
Even if it did seem predictable and „to safe“ in writing pattern, the characters were lovable, intriguining and enticing in their portrayal and this book right along book 1 in the Perfect chemistry series is still, in my opinion considered at its finest in the YA/NA genre .
March 28, 2016
I think I enjoyed this more than the first book. Carlos is way more trouble than Alex was. You could tell Alex had a heart of gold from the very beginning and his bad attitude was all an act. Carlos was a good guy too, but his bad attitude was real and I think it made him really interesting and made his turnaround a bigger deal. I also really enjoyed Kiara. She was not a typical girl at all and the last person you would expect to fall for Carlos.
August 21, 2010
I absolutely loved the first book, Perfect Chemistry, and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the next one. Each is a complete story - their connection is that each is the story of a different Fuentes brother - so you really don't need to read them in order.
Carlos Fuentes, the middle brother, used to idolise his older brother Alex - until Alex got a rich white girlfriend, cut himself free of gang life in Chicago, and got a scholarship to go to university to study science. There's no way Carlos would ever be so stupid as to commit to a girl, and now it's up to Carlos to protect his family, whether they live in the States or Mexico. But his mother still has hope that Carlos can get out of the gang he's in before it's too late and make something of himself, so she sends him to live with Alex in Colorado.
Handsome, confident, muscular Carlos is an instant attraction at his new high school, to everyone except Kiara, daughter of one of Alex's professors, who's given the job of guide and mentor as part of the school's "peer outreach program". That's okay with Carlos; while he enjoys baiting her, he likes girls like his ex, Destiny, back in Chicago: pretty and petite and in need of a strong man to protect them. Kiara is smart, athletic, likes mountain climbing, has a gay best friend, never dresses up and is just too frumpy for words.
But when Carlos gets caught with a stash of drugs that aren't his, it's Kiara's dad who keeps him from being expelled or worse and makes a deal with the judge: Carlos has to stay with Kiara's family, since Alex isn't a suitable guardian and has only student accommodation, and he has to take part in REACH, an after-school program for delinquent youth. It sucks, but Carlos has no choice, and he needs to be free in order to find out who framed him and why. In the meantime, it's still fun to bait Kiara, and have her as a pretend girlfriend, though soon it's hard for him to remember that it's all just pretend, and that he never wanted to be in a real relationship.
Elkeles is one YA author who doesn't write like everyone else - it's nothing obvious, just in the way she uses language, her voice, how her characters develop and so on. I always think of her and Jennifer Echols together, because I read Perfect Chemistry and Going Too Far side by side, and I've read this and Echols' newest book side by side too - that, and they both write excellent YA Romance with originality and skill. It reassures me that I'm not becoming too jaded after all: there just really are some crap YA writers out there.
Narrated by both Carlos and Kiara in alternating first-person POV chapters, the difference in their individual voices is apparent but not over-done - Carlos narrates and thinks and speaks quite differently than Kiara, and Elkeles has captured it superbly, without hamming vernacular or accent. It makes both characters highly realistic, tangible, sympathetic, likeable. Kiara could have been a rather syrupy goodie-goodie and Carlos a two-dimensional "thug with potential", but both were saved from this fate by subtleties, by avoiding clichés, by not walking completely along the straight line of the YA romance formula.
It's not that the story line is particularly original, or that there aren't things typical of the formula here - it's in the execution that Elkeles breathes new life into the genre. Neither character "changed" or underwent some profound corny change-of-heart etc.; they mature, grow up, become adult, understand themselves better etc. Carlos doesn't become a whole new person. The two meet somewhere in the middle, but it's more about Carlos "emancipating" himself from the gang culture. What really makes it stand out for me is their chemistry, made all the more endearing by the banter and baiting that goes on between them.
In the previous book, the whole inter-racial, star-cross'd-lovers structure worked particularly well because of the setting: an area of Chicago where white people live on one side, Mexicans on the other, meeting only at the high school. Perfect Chemistry established some taught racial boundaries and delved into racial stereotyping; with Rules of Attraction, this set-up, being already established, is rather a given - what I liked about it is that the relationship between a white girl and a Latino boy isn't over-thought: it comes naturally to the characters, develops organically, and is less about race and more about class.
While some readers might find the storyline a little too neat and tidy, I honestly didn't mind - like with Twilight, when the characters are intensely developed and I'm drawn in and I care, other things just lose their significance. I do wish the girls in these YA romances weren't always from rich families - it does become tiresome, and I have a hard time relating to that aspect. I couldn't really relate to Carlos either, of course, because we don't really have anything in common; luckily, I could relate to Kiara well because in terms of her personality she felt familiar.
This is a great story, mature and honest, with great characters who breathe and feel and felt realistic to me, so the book wasn't at all a disappointing sequel.
Carlos Fuentes, the middle brother, used to idolise his older brother Alex - until Alex got a rich white girlfriend, cut himself free of gang life in Chicago, and got a scholarship to go to university to study science. There's no way Carlos would ever be so stupid as to commit to a girl, and now it's up to Carlos to protect his family, whether they live in the States or Mexico. But his mother still has hope that Carlos can get out of the gang he's in before it's too late and make something of himself, so she sends him to live with Alex in Colorado.
Handsome, confident, muscular Carlos is an instant attraction at his new high school, to everyone except Kiara, daughter of one of Alex's professors, who's given the job of guide and mentor as part of the school's "peer outreach program". That's okay with Carlos; while he enjoys baiting her, he likes girls like his ex, Destiny, back in Chicago: pretty and petite and in need of a strong man to protect them. Kiara is smart, athletic, likes mountain climbing, has a gay best friend, never dresses up and is just too frumpy for words.
But when Carlos gets caught with a stash of drugs that aren't his, it's Kiara's dad who keeps him from being expelled or worse and makes a deal with the judge: Carlos has to stay with Kiara's family, since Alex isn't a suitable guardian and has only student accommodation, and he has to take part in REACH, an after-school program for delinquent youth. It sucks, but Carlos has no choice, and he needs to be free in order to find out who framed him and why. In the meantime, it's still fun to bait Kiara, and have her as a pretend girlfriend, though soon it's hard for him to remember that it's all just pretend, and that he never wanted to be in a real relationship.
Elkeles is one YA author who doesn't write like everyone else - it's nothing obvious, just in the way she uses language, her voice, how her characters develop and so on. I always think of her and Jennifer Echols together, because I read Perfect Chemistry and Going Too Far side by side, and I've read this and Echols' newest book side by side too - that, and they both write excellent YA Romance with originality and skill. It reassures me that I'm not becoming too jaded after all: there just really are some crap YA writers out there.
Narrated by both Carlos and Kiara in alternating first-person POV chapters, the difference in their individual voices is apparent but not over-done - Carlos narrates and thinks and speaks quite differently than Kiara, and Elkeles has captured it superbly, without hamming vernacular or accent. It makes both characters highly realistic, tangible, sympathetic, likeable. Kiara could have been a rather syrupy goodie-goodie and Carlos a two-dimensional "thug with potential", but both were saved from this fate by subtleties, by avoiding clichés, by not walking completely along the straight line of the YA romance formula.
It's not that the story line is particularly original, or that there aren't things typical of the formula here - it's in the execution that Elkeles breathes new life into the genre. Neither character "changed" or underwent some profound corny change-of-heart etc.; they mature, grow up, become adult, understand themselves better etc. Carlos doesn't become a whole new person. The two meet somewhere in the middle, but it's more about Carlos "emancipating" himself from the gang culture. What really makes it stand out for me is their chemistry, made all the more endearing by the banter and baiting that goes on between them.
In the previous book, the whole inter-racial, star-cross'd-lovers structure worked particularly well because of the setting: an area of Chicago where white people live on one side, Mexicans on the other, meeting only at the high school. Perfect Chemistry established some taught racial boundaries and delved into racial stereotyping; with Rules of Attraction, this set-up, being already established, is rather a given - what I liked about it is that the relationship between a white girl and a Latino boy isn't over-thought: it comes naturally to the characters, develops organically, and is less about race and more about class.
While some readers might find the storyline a little too neat and tidy, I honestly didn't mind - like with Twilight, when the characters are intensely developed and I'm drawn in and I care, other things just lose their significance. I do wish the girls in these YA romances weren't always from rich families - it does become tiresome, and I have a hard time relating to that aspect. I couldn't really relate to Carlos either, of course, because we don't really have anything in common; luckily, I could relate to Kiara well because in terms of her personality she felt familiar.
This is a great story, mature and honest, with great characters who breathe and feel and felt realistic to me, so the book wasn't at all a disappointing sequel.
April 26, 2010
I.Loved.This.Book! I.Love.ALL.Simone.Elkeles.Books!!
Perfect! That's my one word to describe this masterpiece!
I loved the Perfect Chemistry and even though this was a book companion to the first and I'm usually fussy about that, it just never occurred to me to mind. This book was everything I hoped it would be and then some. It was perfect!
In Rules of Attraction we meet Carlos Fuentes, Alex's seventeen year old brother, who was shipped to Colorado to live with him. But Carlos lands with a big chip on his shoulder the size of Meh-hee-co, being that he doesn't do rules and he thinks his brother is uncool since he's no longer the legendary thug he once looked up too.
Needless to say he's not very happy when he learns that he can't just hang out and have fun, he's got to go to high school, and even worse he's got this unattractive girl named Kiara who has to be his "peer guide" and show him around school for a week.
What happens when the rules of attraction change, but you just don't know it yet?
Hands down! Simone Elkeles has this amazing gift the way she breaths heart and soul into her writing. Her plots, her characters are all filled with this incredible energy that leaves you completely involved that your world just disappears. This was devoured in one sitting and once again left me with this unbelievable awed reaction every time I read her books. Powerful and strong, I could never get enough! One of my all time greats!
Told from both Carlos and Kiara POV's, get ready to read one masterful tale of two completely different people who will blow open each others world in all the greatest ways.
Carlos is the biggest punk I ever did read, even more so then Alex (if you could believe it), at times he was infuriating and exasperating being such a hot head with an overly confident ego to boot. But there are always two sides to a soul and Carlos has a side to him you wouldn't want to miss for the world.
I loved Kiara right away, she's the perfect match. For a shy girl, she's someone who doesn't take his crap and isn't afraid to dish it out herself. I admire that in a character, plus she has one of thee sweetest families that play secondary, but have a huge impact in this book and I can't leave out Tuck, who I thought was HILARIOUS. I loved those parts with him and Carlos, so, so entertainingly funny!!
This plot was intense, but not in the dramatic and dangerous ways that Perfect Chemistry was in.
Rules of Attraction is a love story, the kind that you'll always remember with a happy smile on your face. It's challenging, unsure, vulnerable, sweet and smoldering-hot that rings true when it comes to these Fuentes boys. A lot of laugh out moments and honest touching moments and then there are moments that made my inner-teen gush like a love sick girl that I most definitely am. Oh, and for any fans out there that want to see Alex and Brittany, no worries, they make frequent appearances which I absolutely adored since it wouldn't be the same without them.
All in all Rules of Attraction is about letting go of the past, love, trust, and to believe in a life you didn't think you could have.
Beautiful, Sexy and Unforgettable!
Simone Elkeles has done it again, and my only hope is she keeps doing it again and again and again...!
(A)Must Read This Now Please!(book);)
Perfect! That's my one word to describe this masterpiece!
I loved the Perfect Chemistry and even though this was a book companion to the first and I'm usually fussy about that, it just never occurred to me to mind. This book was everything I hoped it would be and then some. It was perfect!
In Rules of Attraction we meet Carlos Fuentes, Alex's seventeen year old brother, who was shipped to Colorado to live with him. But Carlos lands with a big chip on his shoulder the size of Meh-hee-co, being that he doesn't do rules and he thinks his brother is uncool since he's no longer the legendary thug he once looked up too.
Needless to say he's not very happy when he learns that he can't just hang out and have fun, he's got to go to high school, and even worse he's got this unattractive girl named Kiara who has to be his "peer guide" and show him around school for a week.
What happens when the rules of attraction change, but you just don't know it yet?
Hands down! Simone Elkeles has this amazing gift the way she breaths heart and soul into her writing. Her plots, her characters are all filled with this incredible energy that leaves you completely involved that your world just disappears. This was devoured in one sitting and once again left me with this unbelievable awed reaction every time I read her books. Powerful and strong, I could never get enough! One of my all time greats!
Told from both Carlos and Kiara POV's, get ready to read one masterful tale of two completely different people who will blow open each others world in all the greatest ways.
Carlos is the biggest punk I ever did read, even more so then Alex (if you could believe it), at times he was infuriating and exasperating being such a hot head with an overly confident ego to boot. But there are always two sides to a soul and Carlos has a side to him you wouldn't want to miss for the world.
I loved Kiara right away, she's the perfect match. For a shy girl, she's someone who doesn't take his crap and isn't afraid to dish it out herself. I admire that in a character, plus she has one of thee sweetest families that play secondary, but have a huge impact in this book and I can't leave out Tuck, who I thought was HILARIOUS. I loved those parts with him and Carlos, so, so entertainingly funny!!
This plot was intense, but not in the dramatic and dangerous ways that Perfect Chemistry was in.
Rules of Attraction is a love story, the kind that you'll always remember with a happy smile on your face. It's challenging, unsure, vulnerable, sweet and smoldering-hot that rings true when it comes to these Fuentes boys. A lot of laugh out moments and honest touching moments and then there are moments that made my inner-teen gush like a love sick girl that I most definitely am. Oh, and for any fans out there that want to see Alex and Brittany, no worries, they make frequent appearances which I absolutely adored since it wouldn't be the same without them.
All in all Rules of Attraction is about letting go of the past, love, trust, and to believe in a life you didn't think you could have.
Beautiful, Sexy and Unforgettable!
Simone Elkeles has done it again, and my only hope is she keeps doing it again and again and again...!
(A)Must Read This Now Please!(book);)
March 2, 2013
This book was a great installment of the Perfect Chemistry series. There are so many similarities to the first book, yet it's somehow different. Very enjoyable, sweet love story.
In Perfect Chemistry, Elkeles tried to start the story with the two characters, Brittany and Alex, not getting along. That was okay, but it was just so obvious he was going to fall for the pretty cheerleader, and she would give in to the cute bad boy. With this story even though you pretty much know the two characters would end up together, it was more exciting to read about because they just did not seem to be good together at all.
Carlos is very similar to Alex. He hides behind the tough exterior, but deep down he's a good guy. He just needs that perfect someone to bring out the best in him. Kiara is the complete opposite of Brittany from book 1. She loves to work on her car, she is very smart, and not too popular. She's a virgin who hasn't dated much, but she knows what she wants in a man. And Carlos is so not her type. Just like Carlos doesn't think she is his type. As he says, he likes the stupid, easy girls. It's a fun ride to see how the author brings these two together, and the romance is sweet. When reading this I got so many memories of young love and just how exciting everything felt.
Along with the romance there is still a backstory about the Fuentes boys and their former gangs. Alex is done with the gangs, but the leader has other plans for Carlos. He is staying at Kiara's house, because her father likes to take in at-risk teens. Her father is really trying to help Carlos turn his life around, but he has to want it.
Overall I really liked this book. The only thing I did not like was how similar Alex and Carlos are. It was like they were the same character, and I understand that they are brothers, but still. I would have liked a little more originality. I hope for the final book, Luis is more unique. Other than that these are fast paced, sweet, romantic books with a bit of excitement. Very quick reads.
November 4, 2010
Ooohhh!! Simone Elkeles posted 3 excerpts here: http://perfectchemistrythebook.com/ro...
Only 4 days until release! :)
I have a massive library fine now - why? Because I'm being selfish and don't want to give this one up. After reading
, I was excited about the change to a trilogy, but doubtful that one of my favorite YAs could be topped. I was pleased to be wrong - to echo a few friends who read this with me, Rules of Attraction was in a league of its own. This heroine, who wears odd clothing combos and has a stutter when she's nervous, was more likable than Perfect Chemistry's heroine. When you read a library copy, then insist on owning your own copy, you know you've found a winner. It's not imperative, but I would recommend reading this trilogy in order. Also, the video teaser for Rules of Attraction is pretty impressive, and not at all cheesy like the very inaccurate video for Perfect Chemistry. Unfortunately, the Rules of Attraction video hasn't been uploaded to the Goodreads author page yet, but you can catch it on her official website. Elkeles has once again given me a gorgeous, complex latino bad-boy hero to fall for in her interracial romance series, and I'm not all surprised Rules of Attraction debuted at #3 on the New York Times bestseller list, right behind my other favorite YA series, The Hunger Games trilogy (Books #1 & #2). The ROA bookcover is just perfect, too - that's an actual scene in the book! :) Everyone I've rec'd this series to has also fallen in love with it - you won't be disappointed~
Only 4 days until release! :)
I have a massive library fine now - why? Because I'm being selfish and don't want to give this one up. After reading
, I was excited about the change to a trilogy, but doubtful that one of my favorite YAs could be topped. I was pleased to be wrong - to echo a few friends who read this with me, Rules of Attraction was in a league of its own. This heroine, who wears odd clothing combos and has a stutter when she's nervous, was more likable than Perfect Chemistry's heroine. When you read a library copy, then insist on owning your own copy, you know you've found a winner. It's not imperative, but I would recommend reading this trilogy in order. Also, the video teaser for Rules of Attraction is pretty impressive, and not at all cheesy like the very inaccurate video for Perfect Chemistry. Unfortunately, the Rules of Attraction video hasn't been uploaded to the Goodreads author page yet, but you can catch it on her official website. Elkeles has once again given me a gorgeous, complex latino bad-boy hero to fall for in her interracial romance series, and I'm not all surprised Rules of Attraction debuted at #3 on the New York Times bestseller list, right behind my other favorite YA series, The Hunger Games trilogy (Books #1 & #2). The ROA bookcover is just perfect, too - that's an actual scene in the book! :) Everyone I've rec'd this series to has also fallen in love with it - you won't be disappointed~
April 4, 2012
YES!!! I'm finished!!!!!! Review to come!
OKAY, I think I have waited long enough to write this review. So let's get down to biz shall we?
Upon reading this book, I wasn't sure if I wanted to. After reading Perfect Chemistry, I was convinced I wouldn't like the other books or other brothers near as much as I loved Alex Fuentes. I was obsessed with the sexy mexy!!!! But friends kept telling me I would love this one as much as more. SO, I decided what the Hell I will give it a shot. WOOOOOOOOOOW! I was so surprised by how much I loved this book. I devoured every page. The story was different and nothing short of amazing. The characters were utterly and absolutely unforgettable!!! Simone Elkeles has floored me again with her awesomeness, though I shouldn't be surprised since each book of hers that I read gets better and better!!! I LOVED RULES OF ATTRACTION! I LOVED CARLOS FUENTES! OMG!!! The HOT N STEAMY SEXUAL TENSION IS FUCKING UHHHHHH-MAZING! It was as good as Obsidian, between Daemon and Katy. Fucking Hell I thought I was gonna faint from the hot sticky sweat I was producing. But not only that, the relationship between the other characters was awesome as well. I loved this story more than Perfect Chemistry...though Alex is still my #1. OH AND WE GET TO SEE ALEX AND BRIT IN THIS STORY TOO! It was wonderful!
Story:
Carlos Fuentes moves to Colorado from Mexico to live with Alex and Brit. Things are a bit difficult for Carlos because he feels out of place. He is still in the mindset of a gangbanger and is a bit of a rebel. He likes to party hard and hook up with chicks just because he can. He meets Madison who is the popular girl in school and they have alot of fun together. He thinks he's hot shit and the king of world.
Kiara Westford is an average girl at the school who speaks her mind but stutters when she's nervous. Her best friend Tuck is always there to make her feel special. Her dad is a professor and doesn't take shit from anyone though, his thing in life is to help those who are in trouble and want to better themselves. He always sees past all the bad things and believes anyone can make a difference.
Carlos causes problems between Alex and Brit and gets in trouble for drug possession in school, eventhough it wasn't his. The professor allows Carlos to live with his family to keep him from going to jail. Things get a little hectic when Carlos and Kiara butt heads. He doesn't like following rules...the professor doesn't put up with shit. It gets interesting and soon Carlos realizes there's more to life than partying, booze and sex. And he also realizes there are actually people who care about him and want him to succeed in life. Carlos was always afraid to get close to anyone since they always left him. But Kiara and her family won't dare give up on him-with the help of Alex. Nothing is what it seems and sometimes, you just have to believe in yourself.
MY THOUGHTS:
Wow, this book was amazing! So different from Perfect Chemistry which I loved because they are both unique and special and amazing in their own ways. But nonetheless, I couldn't get enough of these characters! I loved getting to see more of Alex and Brit and their relationship. I also loved getting to see Carlos and Kiara and their blossoming relationship as well.
OKAY, I think I have waited long enough to write this review. So let's get down to biz shall we?
Upon reading this book, I wasn't sure if I wanted to. After reading Perfect Chemistry, I was convinced I wouldn't like the other books or other brothers near as much as I loved Alex Fuentes. I was obsessed with the sexy mexy!!!! But friends kept telling me I would love this one as much as more. SO, I decided what the Hell I will give it a shot. WOOOOOOOOOOW! I was so surprised by how much I loved this book. I devoured every page. The story was different and nothing short of amazing. The characters were utterly and absolutely unforgettable!!! Simone Elkeles has floored me again with her awesomeness, though I shouldn't be surprised since each book of hers that I read gets better and better!!! I LOVED RULES OF ATTRACTION! I LOVED CARLOS FUENTES! OMG!!! The HOT N STEAMY SEXUAL TENSION IS FUCKING UHHHHHH-MAZING! It was as good as Obsidian, between Daemon and Katy. Fucking Hell I thought I was gonna faint from the hot sticky sweat I was producing. But not only that, the relationship between the other characters was awesome as well. I loved this story more than Perfect Chemistry...though Alex is still my #1. OH AND WE GET TO SEE ALEX AND BRIT IN THIS STORY TOO! It was wonderful!
Story:
Carlos Fuentes moves to Colorado from Mexico to live with Alex and Brit. Things are a bit difficult for Carlos because he feels out of place. He is still in the mindset of a gangbanger and is a bit of a rebel. He likes to party hard and hook up with chicks just because he can. He meets Madison who is the popular girl in school and they have alot of fun together. He thinks he's hot shit and the king of world.
Kiara Westford is an average girl at the school who speaks her mind but stutters when she's nervous. Her best friend Tuck is always there to make her feel special. Her dad is a professor and doesn't take shit from anyone though, his thing in life is to help those who are in trouble and want to better themselves. He always sees past all the bad things and believes anyone can make a difference.
Carlos causes problems between Alex and Brit and gets in trouble for drug possession in school, eventhough it wasn't his. The professor allows Carlos to live with his family to keep him from going to jail. Things get a little hectic when Carlos and Kiara butt heads. He doesn't like following rules...the professor doesn't put up with shit. It gets interesting and soon Carlos realizes there's more to life than partying, booze and sex. And he also realizes there are actually people who care about him and want him to succeed in life. Carlos was always afraid to get close to anyone since they always left him. But Kiara and her family won't dare give up on him-with the help of Alex. Nothing is what it seems and sometimes, you just have to believe in yourself.
MY THOUGHTS:
Wow, this book was amazing! So different from Perfect Chemistry which I loved because they are both unique and special and amazing in their own ways. But nonetheless, I couldn't get enough of these characters! I loved getting to see more of Alex and Brit and their relationship. I also loved getting to see Carlos and Kiara and their blossoming relationship as well.
December 19, 2011
Absolutely AMAZING! I stayed up to the wee hours of the morning because I couldn't put the book down, I had to know how it ended. I am in love with the Fuentes brothers and can't wait to read the third book of this series. Simone did an amazing job. I was quite skeptical about reading this book at first because I didn't know how Rules of Attraction could measure up to Perfect Chemistry well it exceeded my expectations. I think I prefer Carlos to Alex. Carlos' character was amazing, his whit and attitude was so well written and loved the banter between him and Kiara. I could go on for hours about why someone should read this book. It will for certain be on my favorites list and reading it a second or perhaps a third time is certainly not out of the question.
October 21, 2020
I am not disappointed! Rules of Attraction is funny. I love Carlos.. He is sweet, fun and sassy. Yes ladies, sassy hero! He flirts shamelessly. Actually I like Rules of Attraction tad more tan Perfect Chemistry.
This is romance story for YA audience. Following the theme from Perfect Chemistry, the story between 2 characters that come from 2 different world. Kiera's world is loving, strong support and loving parents. While Carlos's world is full of gang member and violence. Carlos was forced to live with Kiera's family to avoid jail. Kiera and Carlos chemistry is off the chart with their fun, sexy banter. I love to see Tucker too as secondary character.
Like I said, I fall for Carlos.
4 stars
This is romance story for YA audience. Following the theme from Perfect Chemistry, the story between 2 characters that come from 2 different world. Kiera's world is loving, strong support and loving parents. While Carlos's world is full of gang member and violence. Carlos was forced to live with Kiera's family to avoid jail. Kiera and Carlos chemistry is off the chart with their fun, sexy banter. I love to see Tucker too as secondary character.
Like I said, I fall for Carlos.
4 stars
August 23, 2020
Translation widget on The blog!!!
“Legile atracției” este povestea celui de-al doilea frate Fuentes— Carlos, un rebel ca și fratele său. Cel puțin așa vrea să pară.
O lectură intensă, care te ține cu sufletul la gură.
Carlos este un membru al bandei Guerreros din Mexic, unde a plecat în urmă cu doi ani, când Alex a fost aproape de moarte. De atunci nu și-a mai văzut fratele mai mare, iar el a fost nevoit să-și susțină financiar familia.
Dar acum, la doi ani după evenimentele din primul volum, se trezește în Colorado la fratele său, după ce mama lui l-a trimis de acasă.
Aici merge la liceu, își face prieteni dar și dușmani, se trezește în pragul expulzării fiind acuzat de posesie de droguri, dar are noroc cu fostul profesor al lui Alex — domnul Westford, care devine tutorele lui pentru următorul an. Pentru ca lucrurile să devină și mai complicate, tânărul Carlos se trezește atras irezistibil de fiica acestuia, Kiara.
Kiara este o fată sinceră, veselă, care are ca hobby reparatul unei mașini clasice, are un prieten homosexual și atunci când se emoționează, se bâlbâie.
Volumul de față nu ne mai vorbește despre rasism, dar primim o altă lecție de viață: o persoană care se căiește pentru greșelile sale merită o a doua șansă.
Impresiile mele despre serie aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
“Legile atracției” este povestea celui de-al doilea frate Fuentes— Carlos, un rebel ca și fratele său. Cel puțin așa vrea să pară.
O lectură intensă, care te ține cu sufletul la gură.
Carlos este un membru al bandei Guerreros din Mexic, unde a plecat în urmă cu doi ani, când Alex a fost aproape de moarte. De atunci nu și-a mai văzut fratele mai mare, iar el a fost nevoit să-și susțină financiar familia.
Dar acum, la doi ani după evenimentele din primul volum, se trezește în Colorado la fratele său, după ce mama lui l-a trimis de acasă.
Aici merge la liceu, își face prieteni dar și dușmani, se trezește în pragul expulzării fiind acuzat de posesie de droguri, dar are noroc cu fostul profesor al lui Alex — domnul Westford, care devine tutorele lui pentru următorul an. Pentru ca lucrurile să devină și mai complicate, tânărul Carlos se trezește atras irezistibil de fiica acestuia, Kiara.
Kiara este o fată sinceră, veselă, care are ca hobby reparatul unei mașini clasice, are un prieten homosexual și atunci când se emoționează, se bâlbâie.
Volumul de față nu ne mai vorbește despre rasism, dar primim o altă lecție de viață: o persoană care se căiește pentru greșelile sale merită o a doua șansă.
Impresiile mele despre serie aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
November 25, 2016
4.5 "Fuentes Brothers" Stars!
What's it about? A teenage guy comes to stay with a college professor and his family, trying to start a new life, away from drugs and crime. Falling in love with his daughter was NOT part of the plan.
The best bits: I absolutely LOVED that the scene shown on the cover ACTUALLY HAPPENS IN THE STORY. Not only is it fantastic that the cover actually matches a pivotal scene... but I'm a sucker for kissing in the rain, so I was totally in swoon heaven.
The worst bits: I thought the female character, Kiara, was so interesting... and so under-developed. Unfortunately, she was almost completely useless for most of the story. I liked her a lot, but she was no more developed than the supporting characters of the book. It was really the smart-talking Carlos who carried the book from start to finish (but Kiara's cookies were a good sign that she could hold her own as a main character, if she'd been given half a chance).
Recommended for: Fans of the series; fans if opposites-attracting in YA romance. I can't wait to read the third book in this series!
What's it about? A teenage guy comes to stay with a college professor and his family, trying to start a new life, away from drugs and crime. Falling in love with his daughter was NOT part of the plan.
The best bits: I absolutely LOVED that the scene shown on the cover ACTUALLY HAPPENS IN THE STORY. Not only is it fantastic that the cover actually matches a pivotal scene... but I'm a sucker for kissing in the rain, so I was totally in swoon heaven.
The worst bits: I thought the female character, Kiara, was so interesting... and so under-developed. Unfortunately, she was almost completely useless for most of the story. I liked her a lot, but she was no more developed than the supporting characters of the book. It was really the smart-talking Carlos who carried the book from start to finish (but Kiara's cookies were a good sign that she could hold her own as a main character, if she'd been given half a chance).
Recommended for: Fans of the series; fans if opposites-attracting in YA romance. I can't wait to read the third book in this series!
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