RULES OF ATTRACTION by Simone Elkeles

RULES OF ATTRACTION is the sequel to Perfect Chemistry (which was one of my favorite books I read last year - of course I'm a sucker for a good romance story), and continues with some of Alex and Brittany's story while showcasing Alex's younger brother, Carlos, who unwillingly moves from Mexico to Colorado where Alex is in college. Carlos is not happy about moving because he still feels like Alex betrayed him when they all had to move from Chicago; however, since Carlos got caught up in the gang's in Mexico, his mom sends him to live with his brother. Although he acts tough, he doesn't really do anything wrong, but still gets into some trouble and can't live with his brother anymore. Alex arranges for Carlos to move in with one of Alex's professors (who has his own reasons for wanting to help out), who has a daughter who Carlos met at his high school. Carlos was not impressed with her at first, but she seems to be the only one who can break through his tough exterior and see the decent person he is inside. As Carlos works through his issues and they get to know each other, they realize there is a deeper connection there.  As this develops, Carlos gets deeper into trouble and has to learn to rely on others to help him get out of a sticky situation.

It is again a good romance and coming-of-age story. The thing about this book, though, is that it does stick to the tried-and-true formula of the first book and as such at times seems a little familiar/too similar. It doesn't seem quite as new (although, of course, the first was essentially an updated Romeo and Juliet wrong side of the tracks type love story) in the second book because Carlos' story is similar to Alex's from the first book. However, it was still a really enjoyable escape to read. If you loved Perfect Chemistry, you will like reading Rules of Attraction and getting to spend more time in this world with these characters.
4 Stars for RULES OF ATTRACTION