Rules Of Attraction (Perfect Chemistry, Book #2)

Title: Rules of Attraction (Perfect Chemistry Book 2)

Author: Simone Elkeles

Publisher: Walker

Release Date: April 27, 2010

Edition: US Hardcover

Page Number: 324

First Sentence: I want to live life on my own terms.

 

Quick Blurb:

There was a lot of hesitance when I knew that Rules of Attraction was my next read. After reading the preceding book, I can’t help but feel nostalgia, because the second book shifts focus to different characters. I wanted a continuation of Alex and Brittany’s love story, but instead I’m handed a book starring Carlos and Kiara, who were complete strangers. I was insanely disappointed and wanted to forget the book altogether…until I read the first chapter.

The book centers on two main characters who embark on this journey of finding themselves, finding each other, and falling in love. Born and raised in a Mexican family, Carlos Fuentes lives a life of struggling and violence as he involves himself to a gang. Kiara, a rich professor’s daughter, is healing from a recent breakup. Together, these two discover a strong love, one of which defies the accepted moral values of those against them.

Rules of Attraction is just as good as the first book, but comparisons are unavoidable. I found myself comparing a lot of scenes and situations, weighing down the score of this book. Fortunately it redeems itself for having a strong beginning, middle, and end. The story pace and flow was never dull, and the chapter lengths were short and straightforward, not needing to delve into unnecessary lengthy details.

The plot was very similar to the first book, but this one was less complicated. I found that the conflict only resulted from Carlos and his arrogance, not much of Kiara. Fortunately, this book was lighter, a lot steamier, and easier to read that it was so much fun to cruise along. The characters were hilarious and have distinct and diverse personalities that mesh well together. However, Carlos’s arrogance can be off putting and sometimes, I felt that there was a lot of cheesy moments between Kiara and Carlos that made me want to vomit.

The cover itself is so cute, showcasing a lot of the book’s passion and one of the most climactic scenes, It fit’s the book well and attracts the female young adult readers. Simone Elkeles’s writing is amazingly concise and funny! She presents male characters realistically and attractively that made them extremely enjoyable! The book isn’t as original, but I love the way it presented the relationship between a young Caucasian and a young Mexican.

Beginning: 15/15 100%

Middle: 20/20% 100%

Ending: 24/25 96%

Plot: 9/10 90%

Characters: 8.5/10 85%

Writing: 10/10 100%

Cover: 4/5% 80%

Originality: 3.5/5 75%

OVERALL: 94% A- Fast paced and romantic, Rules of Attraction delivers steamy scenes, heart wrenching moments, and hilarious characters!