The Secrets of Attraction

Gr 9 Up—In this companion novel to the author's The Promise of Amazing (HarperCollins, 2013), Madison dreams of going to design school and becoming an architect. She's hopeful that with her grades and portfolio she will get a scholarship. Madison lives with her mom and they make a great team. She also has two close friends and a hot, athletic boyfriend. The teen has her life in order. Then along comes broody barista Jesse. He is coping with a recent breakup; his ex is now dating the drummer of his band. With his heart and his band broken, Jesse feels a bit lost. When the protagonists meet at a coffee shop, it isn't love at first sight, but eventually they warm up to each other. Madison and Jesse's story unfolds in alternating points of view, giving readers a look at both perspectives, sprinkled with gushy hormone-infused moments and driven by teen angst.