Mini Reviews XV: Rules of Attraction, Being Nikki & The Book of Tomorrow

Rules of Attraction - Simone Elkeles
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.

Perfect Chemistry, the first book in this series, is one of my favorite books of all time! I loved the characters, especially Alex, and was happy when I found out that both Alex and Britanny was going to make a cameo appearance in Rules of Attraction. But sadly I think I waited to long to read Rules of Attraction (two years?) because I couldn't connect with them at all. But now over to the main characters of this book; Carlos and Kiara!

Carlos is of course the ultimate bad boy; hot, cocky, foulmouthed, a gangmember and Mexican. But surprisingly - both for him and everyone else - he is a very good person underneath his rough exterior. And when he meets Kiara, that gentle side of him slowly submurges.

Kiara is a sweet girl, but insecure and shy because of her stuttering. When she meets Carlos her fiercer sides shows, and she gets bolder and bolder, and her bluntness shines through.

I liked Kara, but I didn't love her. Therefor, this novel will "only" get a

Rating of 4.5 of 5


Being Nikki - Meg Cabot
Things aren't pretty for Emerson Watts.

Em was sure there couldn't be anything worse than being a brainiac the body of a teenaged supermodel. But it turned out she was wrong. Because that supermodel could turn out to have a mother who's gone mysteriously missing, a brother who's shown up on her doorstep demanding answers, a former best friend who's intent on destroying Stark Enterprises to avenge the death of his lost love, and a British heartthrob who's written a song about her that's topping the charts.

How can Em balance all that with school, runway shows, and weekend jaunts to St. Johns — especially when she's got ex-boyfriends crawling out of the woodwork who want more than just a photo op; a sister who is headed to the high school cheerleading championships; a company she represents that seems to be turning to the dark side...
Not to mention trying to convince the love of her life that models aren't really airheads after all...especially one model in particular.

I'm a big fan of Meg Cabot, but Airhead (the first book in this series) wasn't one of my favorite books of her. Being Nikki however, was far better! The book started out quite slow, but the ending was a big improvement, both for the book itself and for the entire series!

I want to get my hands on Runaway, the final book in thise series, right away!

Rating: 3.75 of 5


The Book of Tomorrow - Cecelia Ahern
Tamara Goodwin has always got everything she's ever wanted. Born into a family of wealth, she grew up in a mansion with its own private beach, a wardrobe full of designer clothes and all that a girl could ever wish for. She's always lived in the here and now, never giving a second thought to tomorrow. But then suddenly her dad is gone and life for Tamara and her mother changes forever. Left with a mountain of debt, they have no choice but to sell everything they own and move to the country. Nestled next to Kilsaney Castle, their gatehouse is a world away from Tamara's childhood. With her mother shut away with grief, and her aunt busy tending to her, Tamara is lonely and bored and longs to return to Dublin.When a travelling library passes through Kilsaney Demesne, Tamara is intrigued. Her eyes rest on a mysterious large leather bound tome locked with a gold clasp and padlock. What she discovers within the pages takes her breath away and shakes her world to its core...

Unlike Ahern's previous books, the heroin of The Book of Tomorrow is a teenage girl. So even if this book is marked as an adult book, it is equally fitting for young adults.

Like many other Ahern books, this novel contains a bit of magic. This time showing through "The Book of Tomorrow" (you will have to read the book yourself to find out more!)

The book had great character development, Tamara started out as a spoiled, winy brat, but unlike many others she knew that she acted badly and had faults. With time she became more open, down to earth and caring. I liked the great friendship she developed with Sister Ignatis, a local nun.

Like Tamara, I got really frustrated and angry at her aunt. She was just too clingy, spying and controlling. I am impressed Tamara handled it as good as she did! Tamara couldn't have had it easy, living with that aunt, her depressed mum, and an uncle who didn't say more than a few words a day...

Filled with great frienship, love, mystery and a little magic - this is the perfect book to curl up with next to the fireplace! I also have to comment on the beautiful cover, it truly looks even more wonderful in person.

Rating: 4 of 5