The Secrets of Attraction - Robin Constantine
Set in the same world as The Promise of Amazing, this smart, surprising, and romantic follow-up to Robin Constantine’s debut novel follows two New Jersey teens as they become friends and fall in love. Perfect for fans of Sarah Mlynowski, Jenny Han, and Morgan Matson. Book Synopsis: Madison Pryce thinks she’s got everything figured out—she’s working on a portfolio for a summer art program and hanging with her friends. Plus she has her hot boyfriend, Zach. But then a visit from a family friend turns Maddie’s life upside down. Jesse McMann is still reeling from a breakup that shattered his heart and his band. Then pride (and some goading from his bass player and fellow barista) forces him to find a new drummer—and the inspiration to write music again. Kismet arrives in the unlikely form of Grayson Barrett, who tries out for Jesse’s band, and whose girlfriend is BFFs with the cute girl who orders a chai latte after yoga every Thursday: Maddie. What Jesse and Maddie thought they knew about the secrets of attraction and the rules of romance changes once they start falling for each other.
Trigger warning: this book is a bit vulgar, but if you've been to a public school, you'll be used to it. Just some minor swearing and scenes that are not that age appropriate for someone under the age of 16.
I picked this book out from the library right after I finished reading The Promise Of Amazing (debut book). It is set in the same world as the first book and I'm kind of glad.
Madison or Maddie is the main character and she's got a lot of spunk. She's not afraid to say what she feels or to be who she is and I quite like that aspect of her.
What worked and what didn't work for me...
The setting, totally, completely got it right, especially the fact that it's set in the same universe as the first novel. Me and other readers were dying to find out what happened to Wren and Grayson. I needed answers my burning questions.
However, as much as I was eager to return to this fictional world, I did have some complaints. Skip ahead if you don't want to see any minor spoilers.
Here they are...
Zach, Paul, Leif, and Jazz. Before you start scratching your heads, these are the names of the characters that I didn't like. Zach was a real piece of work. It was like the author was trying to write a horrible boyfriend trope. Behind door number one is your father, really this was the best that they could do? She deserves better, and to only find out the truth at her age about her dad. A cruel, cruel world for Maddie. Leif (hot yogi) and Jazz (best friend), two characters that really weren't necessary to progress the story.
All in all, I actually liked reading this book and am looking forward to reading more from Robin Constantine in the near future.
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4/5 Stars