When Carlos Fuentes returns to America after living in Mexico for the past year, he doesn't want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him in Colorado. When he meets Kiara Westford, a good girl totally unlike any of the girls he's usually drawn to, Carlos assumes Kiara thinks she's too good for him. But will he put his pride aside when he realizes that being with Kiara might finally allow him to be his true self?
From the Publisher
Elkeles once again delivers a steamy page-turner bound to make teens swoon.” —School Library Journal on Rules of Attraction“Engaging characters, two of whom share a love that cannot be denied, along with more than a few humorous moments.” —VOYA on Rules of Attraction
“Elkeles pens plenty of tasteful, hot scenes . . . that keep the pages turning.” —Kirkus Reviews on Perfect Chemistry
“Smoldering doesn't quite do justice to the romantic banter.” —School Library Journal on Perfect Chemistry
“Teens with a taste for romance will eat this up like ice cream on a hot day.” —Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books on Perfect Chemistry
“Fans of the series and other females will gobble up this exciting, suspenseful novel.” —VOYA on Chain Reaction
VOYA - Stacey Hayman
Carlos was raised in a tough Chicago neighborhood but moved to Mexico after his older brother Alex was almost killed getting jumped out of a gang. Barely two years later, Carlos is getting into trouble with a gang in Atencingo and is sent back to live with Alex in Boulder, Colorado. In the second week of school, Carlos is caught with drugs planted in his locker, set up to be recruited by a major drug dealer. Hoping to change Carlos' future for the better, Alex relinquishes guardianship of his brother to his former mentor, Dr. Westford. Kiara, Westford's daughter, and Carlos are from completely different worlds but have an instant connection that brings out the best in both of them. Is their connection deep enough to get them through the tough times ahead? If you're looking for a gritty, realistic story of gangs, or a story about a teen trying to escape gang life, this book is not for you. If you're looking for a story with engaging characters, two of whom share a love that cannot be denied, along with more than a few humorous moments, then this surely is your book. There are a few dots that don't seem to connect, but the great relationships make it easy to forgive those missing pieces. Carlos and Kiara begin a mature, sexual relationship but they use protection and most of their intimacy occurs off the page. Adding to the appeal of this book are the short chapters, satisfying epilogue, and anticipation for a book featuring the youngest Fuentes brother. Reviewer: Stacey Hayman
Children's Literature - Myrna Dee Marler
Seventeen-year-old Carlos has moved around a lot in his life. He grew up in Chicago, but when his brother got involved with gangs, his mother moved the family, sans father, to Mexico. Now Carlos finds himself on his way to Colorado to live with his brother (now reformed and in college) and attend his last year of high school. He is resentful, handsome and cocky, and he has no plans to abide by anyone's rules. One of the first people he meets is Kiara, an honor student who has been assigned to escort him around school for the first few days. Carlos is dealing with his past, his current reputation, getting reacquainted with his brother, and the complex social situation at school. Kiara is dealing with her stuttering problem and her own place in the social system at school. She was recently dumped by a boyfriend via text message. Feeling like he doesn't need a babysitter, Carlos blows her off; with her retaliation, sparks fly as two opposite poles of a magnet begin to attract each other. The story is told in their alternating voices, and the final outcome is as predictable as a Harlequin romance novel (especially since this book belongs to "A Perfect Chemistry" series). Nevertheless, it is an entertaining read while still being deep enough and well characterized enough to make the two protagonists interesting as they dance towards, away and then back to each through its pages. Reviewer: Myrna Dee Marler
School Library Journal
Gr 10 Up—These books by Simone Elkles were made to be heard and they are expertly narrated by Roxanne Hernandez and Blas Kisic in alternating chapters. Perfect Chemistry (2009) introduces good girl Britney Ellis and bad boy/Latino Bloods gang member Alex Fuentes. When high school senior Britney is paired with Alex as chemistry lab partners, barriers are broken and romance heats up. This could have come off as predictable and clichéd, but instead the characters are fully developed and the story is gripping. For both characters, there is much more then meets the eye and there are many exhilarating cliff-hangers. There are steamy scenes as the love story flourishes, and male and female listeners will be held rapt by the realistic torment of hormones and emotions that make teenage love so intense. In Rules of Attraction (2010, both Walker) it is Alex's brother Carlos's turn to find out if true love exists and if it really can conquer all. Simone Elkles has captured the full spectrum of emotions and will gain a loyal following with these audiobooks.—Genevieve Gallagher, Charlottesville High School, VA
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