YA Review: Time After Time by Tamara Ireland Stone

Title: Time After Time (Time Between Us #2)

Author: Tamara Ireland Stone

# of Pages: 368

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Publication Date: October 8th 2013

Source: NetGalley

Level: Young Adult

Rating: 5 Hearts

Synopsis

Calling Anna and Bennett’s romance long distance is an understatement: she’s from 1995 Chicago and he’s a time traveler from 2012 San Francisco. The two of them never should have met, but they did. They fell in love, even though they knew they shouldn't. And they found a way to stay together, against all odds. 

It’s not a perfect arrangement, though, with Bennett unable to stay in the past for more than brief visits, skipping out on big chunks of his present in order to be with Anna in hers. They each are confident that they’ll find a way to make things work...until Bennett witnesses a single event he never should have seen (and certainly never expected to). Will the decisions he makes from that point on cement a future he doesn't want?

Told from Bennett’s point of view, Time After Time will satisfy readers looking for a fresh, exciting, and beautifully-written love story, both those who are eager to find out what’s next for Time Between Us's Anna and Bennett and those discovering their story for the first time.

My Verdict    

TIME BETWEEN US was one of my favorite books of 2012, at the time I wasn't sure if it was a standalone or if there would be another. The story ended nicely and could easily stand on its own but I just wasn't ready to let go of Anna & Bennett. I crossed my fingers and hoped for more!! Thankfully Tamara soon announced that there would be a book two, TIME AFTER TIME, and I was beyond ecstatic. Even more so when I learned it was going to be told from Bennett's point-of-view. I LOVE Bennett, he is one of the greatest guys in contemporary fiction.

The story transitioned to Bennett's point-of-view so seamlessly I forgot the first book had been told by Anna. The best part about this book was getting to see more of the details about when Bennett travels. From Anna's perspective, POOF, he's just gone, but this way we got to see more of what exactly Bennett has to go through each time he travels.

One of the many things I love about these books is that there is nothing objectionable; no swears, no sex, no drugs. The characters are sweet, the romance is sweeter and family is a big part of the story. I love that Anna has a healthy relationship with her parents and while Bennett's family relationships might be a little more strained, they still love each other so much, which is refreshing to see in YA.

Overall, an amazing sequel to an amazing series. Seriously if you haven't read these yet, I'm not sure we can be friends. . . okay I guess we can ;)  but you should still go read them! Two of the BEST contemporary books I've ever read!

YA Review: Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter

Title: Perfect Scoundrels (Heist Society #3)
Author: Ally Carter
# of Pages: 328
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Publication Date: February 5th, 2013
Source: Purchased
Level: Young Adult
Rating: 5 Hearts

Synopsis

Katarina Bishop and W.W. Hale the fifth were born to lead completely different lives: Kat comes from a long, proud line of loveable criminal masterminds, while Hale is the scion of one of the most seemingly perfect dynasties in the world. If their families have one thing in common, it's that they both know how to stay under the radar while getting-or stealing-whatever they want. No matter the risk, the Bishops can always be counted on, but in Hale's family, all bets are off when money is on the line. When Hale unexpectedly inherits his grandmother's billion dollar corporation, he quickly learns that there's no place for Kat and their old heists in his new role. But Kat won't let him go that easily, especially after she gets tipped off that his grandmother's will might have been altered in an elaborate con to steal the company's fortune. So instead of being the heir-this time, Hale might be the mark. Forced to keep a level head as she and her crew fight for one of their own, Kat comes up with an ambitious and far-reaching plan that only the Bishop family would dare attempt. To pull it off, Kat is prepared to do the impossible, but first, she has to decide if she's willing to save her boyfriend's company if it means losing the boy.

My Verdict

I had forgotten how absolutely captivating Ally Carter's writing is! I have been a huge fan of hers for many years, but it has been awhile since I read one of her books. Reading this book made me feel like I've been handing out five heart ratings a little too generously. I can honestly only think of a few books I would put in the same league as this one! 

As I mentioned before, it's been awhile since I read book number two (a.k.a. Uncommon Criminals) so it took me a little while to remember some of the smaller characters or the roles they played last time around. Unfortunately, some I never remembered, but that didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the story.

Kat and Hale have got to be one of my favorite fictional couples, they're just so perfect for each other! I love that the romance is an important part of the story but in the background at the same time. One of the things I love best about them is that they don't turn into stupid love-struck teenagers around each other; they are able to set aside their feelings and do the job at hand (like repeling out a window, or robbing a bank). Their relationship is just so sweet and Hale is totally swoon worthy!!

One thing's for sure, I'll never get tired of reading about W.W. Hale the fifth, or Kat and her unusually large and unique family. More please!