Rules of Attractions by Simone Elkeles

Rules of Attractions by Simone Elkeles

Walker & Company/April 27, 2010/Young Adult/304 pages

Summary: When Carlos Fuentes returns to America after living in Mexico for a year, he doesn’t want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him at a high school in Colorado . Carlos likes living his life on the edge and wants to carve his own path—just like Alex did. Then he meets Kiara Westford. She doesn’t talk much and is completely intimidated by Carlos’ wild ways. As they get to know one another, Carlos assumes Kiara thinks she’s too good for him, and refuses to admit that she might be getting to him. But he soon realizes that being himself is exactly what Kiara needs right now.

Review: After reading PERFECT CHEMISTRY and absolutely loving it, I had to get a copy of the sequel! I expected it to be good but I definitely didn't expect to like it more than the first book, as I almost never like sequels better than the first.

RULES OF ATTRACTION is just fantastic. I don't even know how to explain it. There were many similarities to PERFECT CHEMISTRY, so the originality was lacking a bit, but at the same time, there were different, unique things about it – which were the things that ultimately made me like it more than the first book; and believe me, I adored it.

Carlos Fuentes is sent from Mexico to live with his brother, Alex, in Boulder, Colorado. After getting into some trouble he finds himself living at living at the Westford's house. Kiara, their daughter, and Carlos don't exactly connect right away; There's the bantering, the pranks and so many other things. The romance is pretty amazing once they do. I loved this couple. (Warning: there are almost sex scenes)

I am always on the lookout for books that feature strong, independent girls and Kiara Westford is one of them. I wasn't sure what this character would be like but after reading just one chapter from her POV, she instantly became a favorite. I loved that she was sportive, knew how to fix cars, and had flaws such as stuttering. Elkeles writes characters with real qualities.

With characters like the two main characters and Tuck, Kiara's gay best friend, it was hard not to laugh. I enjoyed Tuck's personality -so funny and charming! If you are looking for an amazing, romantic and humorous book you should check this out! I can not wait until the 3rd book comes out. In the meantime, I'll have to get Simone's other books.

RATING

Writing: 5/5

Originality: 3/5

Characters: 5/5

Voice: 5/5

Ending: 4.5/5

Overall: 5 stars

Favorite character(s): Kiara & Tuck. I really enjoyed their friendship and for reasons listed above. Cover: C+ I found myself absolutely loving the cover for PERFECT CHEMISTRY but this cover is only okay. I like the cars but other than that, I really don't care for it.

Put-down-ability: Very low! Probably a 2/10. The only time I really put it down was when I went to eat some pancakes at IHOP. Even then, I brought it in with me to read while I waited for my food! Haha

*Source: bought from B&N

As you can see, I kind of changed how I do my reviews around a little. If you would take just a few minutes, I would love your input on my reviews!