Just Finished Reading ... Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter

Perfect Scoundrels
by Ally Carter
To be published by Disney-Hyperion
on February 5, 2012

Source: bought




My summary: Kat and Hale are always too busy with their Robin Hood heisting to actually do couple stuff. Like go on a date. Or have the Relationship Talk. Or discuss all their differences: she's from a long line of con men and women, while he's from the upper crust. But these two talented swindlers are forced to come to terms with their feelings for one another after Hale's beloved grandmother Hazel dies and the Hale family closes rank. Kat gets tipped off that Hazel's will is a fraud, and she and the rest of her motley crew spring into action. Will her interference help Hale, or will it just destroy the brand-new love that's been developing between them?

My take: I love this series so much. It's just pure book candy -- addictive and delicious. I've always loved stories about heists, and both The Heist Society and Uncommon Criminals are just full of clever plots, double-crosses and reversals. Kat and her gang -- sharp-tongued, loyal Gabrielle, wisecracking Angus and Hamish, computer nerd Simon, smooth-talking Uncle Eddie and the enigmatic Nick -- are all back in this story.

So far, I've had no complaints about these books, including the fact that Hale and Kat's relationship has moved at an excruciatingly slow pace. Excruciatingly. I kind of loved that because a) they're only fifteen and b)  there's too much going on in these books for Kat and Hale stop and talk about their feelings. But I've been waiting. Patiently. For. Something. To. Happen.

In Perfect Scoundrels, something does. Hale's beloved grandmother dies and, shockingly, he's her heir. Good. Well, not exactly. Because a trusted family retainer clues Kat in: the will is a fake and someone's up to no good. Kat's ready to help, except she can't get to Hale, who's separated from her by his rich, overprotective family and his grief.

I was so frustrated watching these two hard-headed people try to connect. There were a bunch of conversations that went something like this:
Kat: "Hale, I'm here to--"
Hale: "Not, now, Kat."
Rinse and repeat.

Kat's frustrated too. But she's no pushover. She's not even the type to get all jealous about this other girl who's always hanging around Hale. Well, maybe a little. Kat, being Kat, butts in and tries to fix things. Which makes everything way more complicated. I loved the way that Kat drew strength from her family and realized that she and Hale have that in common. And, while I can't tell you exactly what happens at the end of Perfect Scoundrels, I can tell you that, as usual, there are plots and schemes and back-up plans and nail-biting moments. And some romantic moments. And one no no no no moment that had me very nervous.

Loved this one. I was definitely ready for little less heist and a little more Hale!