Gr 10 Up-In this sequel to Perfect Chemistry (Walker, 2009), Elkeles once again delivers a steamy page-turner bound to make teens swoon. After getting involved with a dangerous gang in Mexico, Carlos Fuentes is sent to live in Colorado with his older brother, Alex. Unwilling to straighten up and abide by Alex's rules, he soon gets into trouble when he is framed for narcotics possession by a drug lord with powerful gang ties. Carlos avoids expulsion from high school by living with Alex's former instructor, Professor Westford, and his family, and attending an after-school program for at-risk teens. Romance ensues when tough-talking, authority-flouting Carlos finds himself inexplicably drawn to Kiara, the professor's studious, outdoorsy, and vintage-car-loving daughter. Unfortunately, love is complicated, because while Carlos wants to be with Kiara, he is also struggling to extricate himself from the grasp of the drug lord who framed him. After he is seriously beaten up, he, Alex, and Professor Westford concoct a plan to bring the drug lord to justice. As in Perfect Chemistry , the brothers' dialogue is infused with plenty of Spanish, but it's clear in context. The ending is somewhat contrived and rushed, and minor characters are not as well developed. However, the passion between Carlos and Kiara, who tell their story in alternating narratives, is compelling enough to engage teens, especially those who were taken with Alex and Brittany's romance in the previous book. Lalitha Nataraj, Chula Vista Public Library, CA

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 CarlosÆ future for the better, Alex relinquishes guardianship of his brother to his former mentor, Dr. Westford. Kiara, WestfordÆs 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 youÆre 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 youÆre 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 donÆt 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.ùStacey Hayman.