Rules of Attraction
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.
Rules of Attraction is the second book in the Perfect Chemistry series. It tells the story of Alex Fuentes’ younger brother Carlos, the bad boy, and Kiarra the good girl.
At the end of Perfect Chemistry, the Fuentes family moves back to Mexico. There, Carlos gets himself into quite a bit of trouble. As a result of his shenanigans, Carlos’ mother sends him to live with his brother Alex, who is currently going to college in Colorado. But trouble seems to follow Carlos everywhere, for he is soon framed and forced to live with Alex’s former professor. By coincidence, the professor has a daughter in Carlos’ class who is not the type of person he wants to be associated with at a new school. How can things get any worse? Oh yeah, he can fall in love with this nerdy, mountain climbing freak named Kiarra.
After being branded as a quiet girl for the first three years of high school, Kiarra is determined to change her image. She plans to break out of her shell and make a new name for herself. She starts with getting rid of her stutter, fixing up her old broken down car, and showing Carlos Fuentes around school. Despite her efforts to change her image, all of her plans fall apart when she develops an unlikely friendship with Carlos. What will her best friend, Tucker, say when he finds out Kiarra is falling head over heals for the bad boy?
I really liked this book. I enjoyed Perfect Chemistry as well, but I REALLY liked this book. I appreciated its individuality. Kiarra has a stutter and there isn’t even an instant attraction (Carlos finds her icky). I appreciate how the author brings together two conflicting personalities through their similar wit. After Carlos gets off his high horse, he sees Kiarra as a challenge and will do anything to win her over. And I love it!
My only disclaimer is that their are some steamy parts, but the steamy parts are also kind of (really) awkward. Or at least I found them awkward. On the other hand, the awkwardness kind of adds to the charm of it all! Let’s be honest with ourselves here, teenage relationships are often one big ball of awkwardness. I mean not every relationship is as sultry and sexy as Brittany and Alex’s!
On to my recipe (insert hand motion). Note: Story recipe is inspired by an actual recipe for pecan pie with a hint of jalapeno in it. Kiarra is the nuts, Carlos is the jalapeno (Get it? It’s a metaphor).
Recipe:
- Take chilled story line out of refrigerator
- Add in some Jalapenos ( The heat from the Jalapenos will cook out during the baking process. A.K.A, Carlos gets a taste of humble pie.)
- Add in some pecans
- Mix together (tension)
- Add a splash of romance (Cinnamon and nutmeg)
- 1/4 teaspoon of awkward (1/4 teaspoon of salt)
- Bake (climax)
- Let cool (everything settling into place)
I recommend this book for anyone who enjoyed Perfect Chemistry. I also recommend this book if your love life is awkward, it’ll be like looking in a mirror. I wouldn’t know though (choked sob).
Guest Review by Kristin.
About Guest Reviewer, Kristin
