Rules of Attraction

Title: Rules of Attraction
Author: Simone Elkeles
Genre: YA
Page Count: 324
Why I read it: 2nd in series
Grade: C

Synopsis:
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.

My review:
I didn't like this one as well as Perfect Chemistry. It was basically the same story, but with less likable characters. While I thought Perfect Chemistry was masterfully written, this one had me rolling my eyes a bit.

I did not care for Carlos at all. I found him self-absorbed and whiny, with a poor me, nobody has ever had it as hard as me, nobody from my background could come out on top attitude. Even though, as we know from the first book in the trilogy, that's exactly what his ...more I didn't like this one as well as Perfect Chemistry. It was basically the same story, but with less likable characters. While I thought Perfect Chemistry was masterfully written, this one had me rolling my eyes a bit.

I did not care for Carlos at all. I found him self-absorbed and whiny, with a poor me, nobody has ever had it as hard as me, nobody from my background could come out on top attitude. Even though, as we know from the first book in the trilogy, that's exactly what his brother Alex did--rise above the life he was given. So, even with the inevitable turn around, I still didn't like his character, and felt that it was too rushed when he goes from complete jerk to sweet, caring guy in about 2 seconds.

And was any of it a surprise? Not really. Not only because the story isn't all that original in the first place, but because we'd already read it in the first book. I think Simone Elkeles is a good writer, but I wasn't impressed with this one.

Perfect Chemistry

Title: Perfect Chemistry
Author: Simone Elkeles
Genre: YA
Page Count: 357
Why I read it: heard it was good
Grade: A

Synopsis:
When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more. In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.

My review:
I really didn't expect to like this one very much.  In fact, even after checking it out from the library, I almost didn't read it.  I mean, I'm a 30 year old woman, and this book is about two teenagers falling in love.  But I'd heard the writing is good, so I was willing to give it a try.  I'm so glad I did.  Simone Elkeles is one awesome writer.

You know how sometimes when you read a book, the dialogue just feels stilted and not true to life?  I've found that in a lot of books, and, as silly as it sounds, it reminds me that I'm reading a book.  Well, in Perfect Chemistry, the dialogue was flawless.  I never once thought, "nobody says that kind of thing".  I was just caught up in the story.

I absolutely fell in love with these characters and their story.  I really enjoyed going back and forth between the perspectives of Brittany and Alex.  It definitely enriched the story.  I loved the different cultures they came from, and felt like Simone Elkeles did an excellent job of writing both.     

I highly recommend this one.  There's swearing, and some of the characters treat sex very casually, so I wouldn't recommend it to younger teens, but to anyone else, it's a great read!  I will definitely be reading the next book in the series, Rules of Attraction.