Rules of Attraction (Perfect Chemistry, #2)

by Simone Elkeles

[Jo]

Carlos Fuentes isn't happy about leaving Mexico to start the "new" life his older brother, Alex, has planned for him. Carlos liked his freedom; living life on the edge - just like Alex did. Kiara Westford doesn't talk much; instead preferring to shut out the world. And when Carlos bounds into her life she struggles to understand him. Carlos is sure that Kiara thinks she's too good for him, which is just fine because he's not interested anyway, right? But when they finally open up to each other, the connection they feel shocks them both. Can they overcome their fears and realise that sometimes opposites really do attract? From Amazon UK

Everyone who visits my blog often enough knows Perfect Chemistry, knows about the gorgeous Alex Fuentes, and knows he stole my heart earlier in the year. So you will all know how excited I was to receive the sequel Rules of Attraction thanks to Simon & Schuster UK and Sophie of So Many Books, So Little Time. I have put off reading it for whatever reason, but I am now kicking myself for not starting it as soon as it was in my hands. If Perfect Chemistry was good, Rules of Attraction is better!

This story is Carlos' story, Alex's younger brother. Where Perfect Chemistry was about there being more to people than what you think, Rules of Attraction is about there being more in the world if you just reach out and grab it, and it's such a sweet story!

In Alex's absence, Carlos followed in his older brother's and his father's footsteps; he became a member of a gang while in Mexico. His mother sends him to live with Alex in the hopes of keeping him safe, giving him a new life - which is the opposite of what Carlos wants. As far as he is concerned, this lifestyle is in his blood, and moving to Colorado isn't going to change that. Where Alex was the bad boy who wanted the better life, Carlos is happy to stay as he is. That is, until he meets Kiara.

Kiara is a quiet girl, a laughing stock to the popular girls at school because of a stutter she has trouble controlling when feeling extremes of emotion - quite the polar opposite to Brittany in Perfect Chemistry, who was the school's "It" girl. She'd rather be climbing mountains or fixing up her vintage car rather than bother with make-up and fashion. She has one friend, Tuck, and is quite happy to keep to herself. That is, until she meets Carlos.

They are both nothing like what the other is used to, initially not who they would normally go for, but after they are thrust together when Carlos gets set up for selling dryugs and is taken in by Kiara's father to try and help him, they get to know each other a little more and see glimmers that surprise them. You have no idea how many times I was "Aww"-ing at this book! They are just so sweet.

And, of course, Carlos is a Fuentes, so there is a lot to drool over. I know there are certain members of the blogosphere who might hate me for this (sorry!), but I think I prefer Carlos to Alex! The dangerous streak, the challenging flirting, the arrogance - it's ridiculously attractive. The guy is just smoking! I don't know how she does it, but Elkeles is a genius at getting into a guy's head and making him seem so real. This is another book that needs to be on screen! I think we should petition for both these books!

I can't really say much more without spoiling the plot, but it's just fantastic! I flew through it, and died at how hot and sweet it is. Really, fans of Perfect Chemistry need to read this book, and those who haven't read Perfect Chemistry need to get their hands on both pronto! The Fuentes brothers are ones to watch out for; you want them in your life. I really cannot wait to see what Elkeles gives us in Luis, the youngest brother's story!

From Once Upon a Bookcase - YA book blog