Author: Simone Elkeles
Series: A Perfect Chemistry Novel
Genre: YA Fiction/Romance
Synopsis: 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?
My favorite aspect of Elkeles's writing is her raw dialogue. Readers of Perfect Chemistry and Leaving Paradise are familiar with her ability to bring each character alive through each point of view, and her latest book will not disappoint. Few YA books today use profanity and even fewer intimately describe sexual situations, Elkeles does both. However, I believe her use of profanity, though prevalent, does not detract from the book in anyway. The reality is teens today speak that way, especially teens brought up in an environment like Carlos'. Her vivid descriptions of sensuality is enough to satisfy any romance lover, without overwhelming them. She strikes the perfect balance. I loved this book, which was a pleasant surprise because Perfect Chemistry is one of my favorite YA books of all time and I was a little worried that Rules of Attraction would not be up to par. I have never been happier to be wrong about a book.
**This book is a must read for reluctant teen reader and avid readers alike.
I loved this as much as Perfect Chemistry.I agree with you that this would be a good one for reluctant readers. I bet it will make the YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers list.
ReplyDeleteI am a new fan of Simone Elkeles and didn't start reading her books until last month. I just read Leaving Paradise and can't wait to read Return to Paradise.
Great review!