Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles - Review

When I first learned that Perfect Chemistry was going to become a trilogy, I was slightly alarmed, not because I did not enjoy Perfect Chemistry on the contrary, I did...very much (as you can read in my review), but I was worried – typically 2nd books tend to NOT be as good as there counter parts...and frankly Alex and Brittney's story I felt was done. I was happy where it ended, content even, and I did not want anyone (even an awesome author like Elkeles) to come rain on my happy parade!

After I read the synopsis, and found out that Rules of Attraction was going to be about Carlos, with Brittney and Alex only making a few appearances; I felt a bit better. But still, I worried, how could Rules Of Attraction possibly live up to it's "older, wiser" brother, Perfect Chemistry...

The answer simply is – it can't!

What Rules of Attraction delivered is so much more than what I expected, and I enjoyed it even more than Perfect Chemistry...As all authors do, even one's as amazing as Elkeles, they grow, into there style, never being satisfied with "merely" being amazing and loved – they want more...and Rules of Attraction proved that Ms. Elkeles has grown as an author, taking what was already an amazing start to a trilogy and building on it!

Synopsis via Goodreads:

New sparks will fly in the sequel to Simone Elkeles’s breakout book Perfect Chemistry.

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.

With new characters to fall in love with and the same hot romance found in Perfect Chemistry, Simone Elkeles has crafted another sure-fire hit for teens.

It's hard to describe just how Simone Elkeles has grown, because I already loved her, her characters have always read "real" to me...but in a way, I can't quite put my finger on...this novel to me, was more...each and every thing that I love about Elkeles writing is just somehow better, richer, full of more vibrant descriptions and epic conversations. She takes a bad boy, Carlos, with a chip on his shoulder and a smart comment for everyone he meets; a sweet, smart girl, Kiara, with a speech problem and a gay best friend; a "do gooder" father, Dick, whom has a past, the likes of which I did not see coming; and Alex, a brother whom only wants what is best but who can't seem to figure that what's best for himself much less his brother! Melds them seamlessly into a story that touched my heart and warmed my soul. (Gosh that sounds so cliché doesn't it? But it's true...and its the only way to describe the way I felt while reading Rules of Attraction.)

While I loved both Alex and Brittney in Perfect Chemistry, I enjoyed the chemistry so much more between Kiara and Carlos – where as Brittney is seemingly perfection personified; Kiara is tough, athletic and is into cars! It's nice to see a female lead with such a "tom boy" type quality. She's beautiful in an understated way, wearing big baggy tee shirts and little to no make-up. I also loved Alex, though he's got bad boy written all over him, it was tough to show that "soft side" to anyone but Brittney...were as Carlos from the very beginning of Rules shows a tender, loving side to him, to the family that takes him in...it's though that tender, side I found Carlos endearing from the very first chapters...I never thought I would say it but Carlos won over my heart...which is tough to do when your battling against a guy like Alex!

Today, my whole family went to see Ringling Brothers – and I even found myself sitting in the stands, watching thinking back to the characters; Last night I dreamed about Carlos and Kiara; I felt fully vested in there futures...and I was so happy that they were in the capable hands of Simone, I was just sure that the answer had to be there....Even if I could not have imagined how the story comes to a head!

Bottom Line – I know I am being vague, but honestly I don't want to ruin the plot for anyone who has not read Perfect Chemistry...and I am finding that a bit tough to do...so I will leave you with this, one of the best love stories I have read this year (at least one with out a super natural twist). Simone Elkeles, has been a favorite of mine since I read Leaving Paradise, and will continue to be...she's remarkable raw, yet extremely polished; she brings characters to life, much like GE brings "good things to life." I give Rules of Attraction a 5 mushrooms, oh and one finial note – I LOVED how this book got it's name, it's PERFECT! And that cover, yep another thing that leads to its perfection, not only is it amazing to look at, but it's a pivotal moment in the book as well! Go, quick, pick up this book - you will NOT be sorry!

Rules of Attraction (Perfect Chemistry Trilogy, #2)
Written by: Simone Elkeles
304 Pages
Published: April 27, 2010
Publisher: Walker & Company