Rules of Attraction

Simone Elkeles does it again with the Rules of Attraction. Set two years after her hit Perfect Chemistry, Rules of Attraction tells the story of Carlos Fuentes and Kiara Westford.

After losing his job at the local sugar mill, Carlos family decides to send him to Boulder, Colorado to live with his older brother Alex. Upon arriving, Carlos makes it known that he is not happy about living in Boulder and intends to do anything he chooses. Upon starting at the local high school, Carlos meets Kiara. After only a week at school,Carlos is falsely accused and nearly suspended from school. As a result, he is sent to live with Alex’s former teacher Mr.Westford and his family. Though Carlos intends not to become close to anyone, he soon finds that Kiara isn’t someone who can scare away.

Kiara is not the type of girl Carlos is used to. Instead of shopping for the lastest fashion, she prefers working on her 1973 Monte Carlo, hiking the Colorado mountains, and spending time with her parents younger brother Brandon and best friend Tucker. After her boyfriend Michael breaks up with her via text message, she is determined to make herself know for something other than her lack of style and stuttering. After working with a speech therapist all summer, Kiara is ready to start the school year fresh. When Carlos moves in with Kiara’s family, the pair begin a relationship that neither can explain.

Simone, once again, does a great job expressing teenage relationships and the reality of gang life. She tells the story of the newest Fuentes brother and his developing relationship with a few old favorites. If you enjoyed Perfect Chemistry, you’ll love Rules of Attraction.

I also found a trailer for Rules of Attraction posted by TeenLitCenteral.