The Rules of Attraction is a controversial tale of student sex and romantic entanglements in a New England college. Lauren is the centre of a love triangle involving the passionate and bisexual Paul, and Sean whose cynicism conceals his own romantic yearnings. The Rules of Attraction also introduces Sean's brother, the successful, yet aggressive Patric Bateman. The novel is presented through each of the character's voices, showing their expectations and frustrations and the fear of a future they have no plans or hope for. The Rules of Attraction received great reviews and "Serves to establish Mr. Ellis's reputation further as one of the primary inside sources in upper- middle-class America s continuing investigation of what has happened to its children." (New York Times)