Rules of Attraction (Perfect Chemistry, #2)

Rules of Attraction (Perfect Chemistry series, #2) by Simone Elkeles

Product Description: 
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:
Oh My Swoon!!!  I honestly didn’t think I could love Carlos as much as I loved Alex, but I do!! It’s like the brothers keep getting more funnier and better looking with every book!  And they both totally make me gush!

Rules of Attraction had all the elements that I enjoyed from Perfect Chemistry, and I really admired the authenticity the characters and the writing.  Once I started reading, I literally couldn’t put this book down, although, at the beginning, I struggled to connect with Kiara, and reading her POVs didn’t seem as exciting.  But, Carlos had me LMAO at every turn of the page.  His thoughts, the things he said, made him completely lovable.  He definitely didn’t seem as ‘hard core’ as Alex, but he did have his own abandonment issues to over come.

Once I warmed up to Kiara, I found myself really admiring her.  She was not perfect, but she knew what she wanted and she was determined to make Carlos see that he had the potential to live a better life, one in which he doesn’t have to fear people he loves leaving him.

Also, I think the author was brilliant to sprinkle Alex and Brittany (from Prefect Chemistry, Book 1) throughout the story and give them both a little more depth.  As Carlos struggles with his feelings for Kiara and his dangerous lifestyle, Alex continue to struggle with being in a relationship with Brittany when he thinks she deserves better.       

Again, the only things that made me groan a bit about the story were the use of phrases that were too chiche (ex: “And I’m yours, forever and always”) and the epilogue that spells out the perfect ending.  While I’m sure some readers might love the jump in time, I don’t need a Twenty-Six Years Later.  But it is clear that Elkeles is trying to establish a ‘history always repeats itself’ theme with these books, which is nauseatingly sweet.  Regardless, this series is a must read, and I’m now a loyal fan of all things Fuentes Brothers.        

Oh, and remember little Luis Fuentes? Well, guess what? He is getting a book, too!!!  The title has yet to be released, but it will be out sometime in 2010, so hold on to your calsones because it’s gonna be another wild ride!!! I can’t wait!

I could fill up two pages of posts with  my favorite Carlos quotes and moments *le sigh*, but I spare you and only offer a few:

“Me llamo Carlos. You can call me Carlos.”

Lacey is dumber than a beanless burrito.

What the hell is a Labradoodle?

“Tofu tacos are not Mexican.”

“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.”

Q: Who are the actors who play Alex and Carlos in the Rules of Attraction book trailer?
A: Alex is played by Alexander F. Rodriguez, an internationally known Latino model and actor.  (He plays the groom in Katy Perry’s Hot ‘N Cold video.)  Carlos is played by Giancarlo Vidrio, a Mexican-American actor who has acted in plays and television series. You can friend them through their websites at www.myspace.com/alexanderfrodriguez and www.myspace.com/giancarlovidrio.

Q: Are you going to write a third book in the Perfect Chemistry series?
A: Good news!  Yes!  Right now I am working on Luis Fuentes’ story.  I can’t give away any of the exciting details because I just started writing the book so don’t email me asking for details or hints, but I will tell you that all of your favorite characters (Alex & Brittany and Carlos & Kiara) will be back.  Even some of the supporting characters might make an appearance, like Tuck and Isa (and maybe some characters you don’t want to be there will be there, too).

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Posted at 8:27 pm  •  Labels: 2010, 4 stars, Book Review, Simone Elkeles, trailers, YA