Carlos's Unwanted Colorado Arrival

Carlos Fuentes, a rebellious teenager from Mexico, is sent to Colorado to live with his older brother, Alex, in hopes of steering him away from trouble. Carlos arrives with a chip on his shoulder, feeling out of place and resentful of his family's decision. He notices a stark change in Alex, who now leads a responsible life, contrasting sharply with Carlos's chaotic lifestyle. This move sets the stage for Carlos's internal and external conflicts as he navigates a new environment.

Kiara's Unexpected Breakup

Kiara Westford, a high school student in Boulder, is blindsided when her boyfriend, Michael, breaks up with her via text. This event shakes her confidence, exacerbating her struggles with self-worth and her stutter. Her best friend, Tuck, offers support, but Kiara is left to grapple with the pressures of high school and the cruelty of the popular crowd, led by Madison Stone. This breakup marks a turning point in Kiara's journey toward self-discovery and resilience.

Carlos's Rocky School Start

On his first day at Flatiron High, Carlos's defiance is on full display. He resists authority and dismisses the peer guide program, where Kiara is assigned to help him. Carlos challenges Kiara's patience and tests the boundaries of school rules, feeling judged by peers and teachers alike. His rebellious nature is a defense mechanism against the vulnerability he feels in this unfamiliar setting, setting the stage for his eventual growth.

Kiara's Peer Guide Challenge

As Carlos's peer guide, Kiara is determined to help him adjust to school life despite his provocations. She faces her own challenges, including managing her stutter and maintaining composure. Kiara's resilience is tested as she navigates the complexities of guiding someone as headstrong as Carlos. Her interactions with him push her to confront her insecurities and develop a deeper understanding of herself and others.

Carlos's Party and Consequences

Carlos attends a party at Madison Stone's house, where he is introduced to the local drug scene. Despite initial reluctance, he gets caught up in the chaos, leading to a night of drinking and drug use. The next day, drugs are found in his locker, resulting in his arrest and potential expulsion. This incident forces Carlos to confront the consequences of his actions and the reality of his situation.

Kiara's Stuttering Struggles

During an English class, Kiara's stutter returns, leading to ridicule from Madison and her friends. Despite support from her teacher, Mr. Furie, Kiara is humiliated and retreats to collect herself. This incident highlights her ongoing battle with self-confidence and the impact of peer pressure on her speech, underscoring her journey toward self-acceptance and resilience.

Carlos's New Home Dynamics

After his arrest, Carlos is placed in the custody of Kiara's family. The Westfords offer him a stable home environment, but Carlos struggles with their rules and expectations. He clashes with Kiara and her family, yet moments of vulnerability reveal his potential for change. The Westfords' kindness begins to chip away at his tough exterior, though Carlos remains wary of their intentions, setting the stage for his transformation.

Kiara's Mountain Escape

Seeking refuge from school pressures and her complicated feelings for Carlos, Kiara retreats to her favorite mountain spot. Carlos follows, leading to a tense yet revealing encounter. Their conversation touches on personal insecurities and challenges, hinting at a deeper connection beneath their antagonistic interactions. The mountain symbolizes their personal journeys and the obstacles they must overcome.

Carlos's REACH Program Reality

As part of his court-mandated agreement, Carlos is enrolled in the REACH program for at-risk teens. Resistant to group therapy and expectations, Carlos begins to see the potential for change, though he remains skeptical. The program serves as a catalyst for his growth, challenging him to reevaluate his choices and consider a different path, highlighting the theme of redemption.

Carlos's Conflicted Heart and Kiara's Resolve

As Carlos and Kiara's relationship deepens, Carlos is torn between his growing affection for Kiara and his fear of commitment. Kiara is determined to break through Carlos's defenses, even as she struggles with her own insecurities. Their interactions are filled with tension and unspoken desires, as they both try to understand what they truly want from each other, setting the stage for emotional growth.

Grocery Store Revelations and Dough Wars

During a grocery trip, Carlos and Kiara bond over cultural differences, leading to a playful dough war at the Westfords' home. This symbolizes their growing comfort and connection. However, Carlos is still haunted by his past, which threatens their newfound happiness. This moment underscores the balance between lightheartedness and the serious challenges they face.

Homecoming Dance and Unspoken Truths

At the Homecoming dance, Carlos and Kiara's chemistry is undeniable. They share a passionate kiss, but Carlos's internal conflict overshadows the night. He fears his past will catch up and hurt Kiara. Despite the joy of the evening, Carlos is forced to confront his feelings and the reality of his situation, leading to a pivotal moment in their relationship.

Dangerous Dealings and Unexpected Allies

Carlos is drawn back into the dangerous world he tried to escape when dealing with Devlin, a local drug lord. With help from Kiara's father, who has a surprising past in military intelligence, Carlos devises a plan to free himself. The situation escalates, leading to a tense confrontation that tests Carlos's resolve and the strength of his support system, highlighting themes of courage and loyalty.

Love Confessions and New Beginnings

After a harrowing encounter with Devlin, Carlos is injured but survives, thanks to the intervention of Kiara's father and the DEA. In the hospital, Carlos and Kiara confess their love, realizing they are stronger together. Carlos decides to enlist in the military, seeking a fresh start and a future with Kiara. Their relationship is solidified as they look forward to building a life together.

A Future Together and Unforeseen Challenges

With Devlin's threat neutralized, Carlos and Kiara focus on their future. Carlos's decision to join the military is met with support from Kiara and her family. As they navigate the challenges ahead, they are determined to face them together. Their journey is a testament to the power of love and resilience, as they embrace the possibilities of a life filled with hope and promise.

Characters

Carlos Fuentes

Carlos is a rebellious Mexican teenager sent to live with his brother in Colorado. He struggles with authority and resists expectations, masking vulnerability and a desire for change. His journey is one of self-discovery and redemption, as he learns to trust and open his heart to love, particularly through his interactions with Kiara and the Westfords.

Kiara Westford

Kiara is a high school student assigned as Carlos's peer guide. She faces challenges, including a stutter and self-doubt, but remains compassionate and resilient. Her unwavering support and love play a crucial role in Carlos's transformation, as she challenges him to confront his fears and embrace a new path, while also confronting her own insecurities.

Alex Fuentes

Alex is Carlos's older brother, who has turned his life around and is now attending college. He is a stabilizing force in Carlos's life, offering guidance and support. Alex's relationship with Brittany serves as a model for Carlos, showing him the possibility of a loving and committed partnership, and highlighting themes of family and redemption.

Tuck Reese

Tuck is Kiara's best friend, known for his humor and unwavering support. He provides a sounding board for Kiara and offers a lighthearted perspective on her challenges. Tuck's presence is a source of comfort and encouragement for Kiara as she navigates her complex relationship with Carlos, underscoring the importance of friendship.

Madison Stone

Madison is a popular student at Flatiron High, known for her mean-spirited behavior. She is a source of tension for Kiara, often mocking her stutter and undermining her confidence. Madison's interactions with Carlos are marked by manipulation and ulterior motives, highlighting themes of peer pressure and social dynamics.

Richard Westford

Kiara's father, Richard, is a former military intelligence officer who uses his skills to help Carlos escape the clutches of a drug lord. His past experiences and connections prove invaluable in orchestrating a plan to protect Carlos. Richard's actions demonstrate his deep care for his family and his willingness to go to great lengths to ensure their safety.

Colleen Westford

Colleen, Kiara's mother, is warm and welcoming, providing a stable home environment for Carlos. She is supportive of her husband's efforts to help Carlos and is a calming presence in the household. Colleen's kindness and empathy are instrumental in Carlos's adjustment to his new life, highlighting themes of family and acceptance.

Brandon Westford

Brandon is Kiara's younger brother, full of energy and curiosity. He quickly forms a bond with Carlos, seeing him as a role model. Brandon's innocence and enthusiasm provide a contrast to the more serious challenges faced by the older characters, underscoring themes of innocence and family dynamics.

Devlin

Devlin is a local drug lord who seeks to exploit Carlos's past connections for his own gain. His presence looms over Carlos, representing the life Carlos is desperate to leave behind. Devlin's eventual downfall is a turning point in the story, allowing Carlos to break free from his influence and start anew, highlighting themes of redemption and courage.

Ted Morrisey

Ted is the director of the REACH program, committed to helping at-risk teens. He is firm in his expectations but believes in the potential for change in each student. Ted's leadership is a key component of Carlos's journey through the program, highlighting themes of redemption and personal growth.

Plot Devices

Dual Narratives

The story is told through the alternating perspectives of Carlos and Kiara, providing insight into their individual struggles and growth. This narrative structure allows readers to understand the complexities of their relationship and the impact they have on each other's lives, enhancing the emotional depth of the story.

Symbolism of the Mountain

The mountain represents both a physical and emotional challenge for Carlos and Kiara. It serves as a place of refuge for Kiara and a test of endurance for Carlos. The mountain symbolizes their personal journeys and the obstacles they must overcome to find peace and understanding, highlighting themes of resilience and self-discovery.

The REACH Program

The REACH program is a central plot device, representing the opportunity for Carlos to change his life. It serves as a catalyst for his growth and forces him to confront his past and consider his future. The program's structure and expectations challenge Carlos to reevaluate his choices and potential, highlighting themes of redemption and personal growth.

The Cookie Prank

Kiara's cookie prank on Carlos is a humorous yet significant plot device that highlights their antagonistic relationship. It serves as a turning point, forcing Carlos to confront his feelings toward Kiara and setting the stage for their evolving dynamic. The prank symbolizes the playful yet contentious nature of their interactions, underscoring themes of conflict and connection.

The Homecoming Dance

The Homecoming dance serves as a pivotal moment in Carlos and Kiara's relationship. It is a night of revelations and confessions, where both characters confront their feelings and the reality of their situation. The dance symbolizes a turning point, as they move from uncertainty to a deeper understanding of their love for each other, highlighting themes of love and self-discovery.

The Confrontation with Devlin

The confrontation with Devlin is a climactic moment that tests Carlos's resolve and the strength of his support system. It highlights the dangers of Carlos's past and the lengths he must go to secure his future. The resolution of this conflict is a testament to the power of teamwork and the importance of having allies in times of crisis, underscoring themes of courage and loyalty.

The Military Enlistment

Carlos's decision to enlist in the military represents his commitment to change and his desire to build a better future. It is a significant step in his journey of self-discovery and redemption, as he seeks to leave his troubled past behind and embrace the possibilities of a new life with Kiara, highlighting themes of hope and transformation.

Analysis

"Rules of Attraction" by Simone Elkeles is a compelling narrative that explores themes of redemption, love, and self-discovery. Through the dual perspectives of Carlos and Kiara, the story delves into the complexities of personal growth and the power of human connection. Carlos's journey from a troubled past to a hopeful future is marked by his interactions with Kiara and the Westfords, who challenge him to confront his fears and embrace change. The novel highlights the importance of resilience, the impact of supportive relationships, and the courage required to break free from the constraints of one's past. Ultimately, it is a testament to the transformative power of love and the potential for new beginnings, offering readers a poignant exploration of the human experience.

Last updated: March 26, 2025