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! 

Mini Book Review: Double Crossed by Ally Carter

Title: Double Crossed: A Spies and Thieves Story

Author: Ally Carter

# Of Pages: 60

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Publication Date: January 22, 2013

Source: Netgalley

Level: Young Adult

Rating: 5 Hearts

Synopsis

(From Goodreads)

Macey McHenry—Glamorous society girl or spy-in-training?

W.W. Hale V—Heir to an American dynasty or master thief?

There are two sides to every coin. Whether these two can work together is a tossup.

Born into privilege, Macey and Hale are experts at mingling with the upper class. But even if they’ve never raised an eyebrow at the glitz, neither teenager has ever felt at home with the glamour.

When Macey and Hale meet at a society gala, the party takes a dangerous turn. Suddenly they’re at the center of a hostage situation, and it’s up to them to stop the thugs from becoming hostile. Will Macey’s spy skills and Hale’s con-man ways be enough to outsmart a ruthless gang? Or will they have to seek out the ultimate inside girl to help?

The worlds of Heist Society and the Gallagher Girls collide in Ally Carter’s fast-paced, high-stakes and tantalizing new story. Get a behind the scenes glimpse as Ally delivers an irresistible thriller that is full of her signature style and savvy twists.

My Verdict

Characters from two of my favorite series; Heist Society and The Gallagher Girls by Ally Carter come together in this fast-paced, action-packed, cross over story.

Macey McHenry (Gallagher Girls) and W.W. Hale V (Heist Society) catch each other’s eye at a high-class charity ball. They keep an eye on each other with a sense the other is hiding something. They engage in some witty banter, and end up working together when the charity ball is under attack and everyone is taken hostage.

AHHHHHH! This story was SO good! It made me remember how much I LOVE both of these series and characters. My only complaint was that it was only 60 pages, and that just wasn’t enough. I wanted more! I hope Ally Carter writes more of these cross over stories because it was brilliant! 

(NOTE: Double Crossed is currently available for FREE (that's right FREE!) on Amazon.)