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!

Comments

  1. I loved Heist Society when I read it. I really need to continue the series. Great review. :)

    Brandy @ A Little of the Book Life

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  2. I have been wanting to read this series. My library has the audiobooks so I will probably do that.

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    1. The audiobooks are fantastic. Highly recommend them!

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  3. I am glad a book left you with so much different emotions :) I have not yet read book 1 yet but I got a lot to catch up on :(

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    1. Try the first book and I bet you'll be addicted!

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  4. Okay, see, maybe that's why I haven't started this series yet...because I heard how awesome Hale is but that there isn't, like, a for real romance yet. This is the third book, right? I guess I'm okay with that then, especially if they're only 15. Really looking forward to getting to this series now, especially since you say the audio is really great, too. :)

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    1. IDK, it works for me. You can see how much they mean to each other, and they don't have to be in a love clinch all the time. I love them.

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  5. Oh god oh god oh god.... Tuesday can't come fast enough.... Because I know you've read it... I may text you throughout the course of my reading. Expect some all caps texts when I get to the oh no oh no oh no moment... This book coming out on Tuesday is the best reason I can think of for me to actually do my homework this week.

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  6. I've been waiting forever for some romance as well and I think I will be very frustrated by the sample dialogue you included. I do love the heists and all the nail biting and twists that they entail. But I'm hoping the romance will finally make some progress.

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    1. Okay, well I made up that dialogue as, you know, like a composite.

      But there are several times when she tries to talk to him and he just shuts her down. Here's a real example from page 132:

      "Hale" -- she pulled him close -- "we need to talk."
      But Hale just brushed her aside. "I'm through talking."

      It's so Kat and Hale. You just want to knock their heads together. Torture, I tell you!

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  7. These books are pure book candy! My only complaint about these books is that I feel Kat should be 17 not 15, and I kind of read it that way in my head.

    I was never too bothered by the fact that nothing really happened between because the heists were pretty awesome and I like a slow building romance, but I'm so glad that something is finally going to happen!

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    1. I agree that the characters could be a little older. On the other hand, these books work for middle grade readers through adult.

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  8. I'm so looking forward to reading this!!! Love this series! Actually I love all Ally Carter. ;) I have also been waiting for things to get moving with Hale and Kat. This sounds rather frustratingly, hilariously, intriguing. I really like how in Ally Carter's books you really get to grow with her MC's and you see their situations and the things they struggle with change a little bit as they grow up. Rather enduring as a reader.

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    1. Sorry, that was supposed to be endearing, not enduring. :)

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    2. Ha -- we need endurance to make it through their endearing romance :)

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  9. I agree whole heartedly with this post. I don't mind that it's slow moving, especially because it's so clear how much they care for each other - but I'm excited to see some progress. And I agree about the age thing. It's strange that Kat is only 15. Shouldn't she at least be 16 by now? I will say that I am VERY NERVOUS about this one! I just want Kat and Hale to LOVE EACH OTHER. And I don't like that he pushes Kat away. But I hope that their relationship grows stronger through whatever happens in this book, and that they learn how to work together. It seemed like Kat needed to learn how to include Hale in UNCOMMON CRIMINALS, so maybe this is his turn to do the same for her. How to reconcile his two lives, maybe.

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    1. Thinking. There's a point in the book where she asks her family for a favor and says something like,"It was either that or a Sweet Sixteen." So maybe she's about to turn 16. Or just did.

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  10. Kat sounds like a strong and awesome character. I haven't read any of these, but heard good thing about it.
    Happy reading,
    Brandi @ Blkosiner’s Book Blog

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    1. She's great -- this series is great for actual teens and tweens, as well as adults!

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  12. Ummmm.... no. But you do find out his very interesting nickname!

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  13. I have got to hurry and read Uncommon Criminals, I loved Heist Society, and I need to catch up! You're right, it's definitely book candy!

    I feel your frustration with the Hale/ Kat thing. You're right: on the one hand they are so young, but on the other hand they don't really ACT that young (what 15 year old jet sets around the world solving capers?)

    Regardless, I too am ready for more action on that front. Ahem.

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  14. ooh i only read the first book and i really liked it! but i get so frustrated at Hale and Kat and their SLOWWWW progression in terms of their relationship! I am glad something actually happens!!!!

    great review!

    - Juhina @ Maji Bookshelf

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  15. Nice review! I need to check this series out!

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  16. Awesome review! I'm glad you really liked it but I agree the romance sounds so frustrating at times just because it moves by at such a slow pace! But at least Kat doesn't lie down and take it right? :D I totally love Ally Carter who DOESN'T love thieves stories?

    Amazing review Jen!

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  17. Since Hale is one of my favorite book boys, I am so glad to see that he's getting more page time as the focus of this book. I am dying to know if we'll ever find out his real name...

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  18. Ah, book candy... I really need to read these. It sounds like a fun series. I've read a couple of mixed reviews for the 1st one, but it just feels like I would enjoy it.

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  19. I can't wait for this one. I absolutely adore Hale and Kat together, but as you said, I really like that its taking awhile for them to get together. Because really, they are only fifteen.

    Jesse @ Pretty In Fiction

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  20. This is going to be a fun read I'd say.

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  21. Can't wait to read this! Ally Carter's books are brilliant! :) The heists they pull off are definitely nail-biting, and I'm so excited to read more about Hale and Kat's romance! And do we find out what the W in Hale's name is?

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  22. You're so right—this series is the perfect book candy! I still have to read Uncommon Criminals so I can be ready for this one. Fabulous review!

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  23. This sounds fabulous. .I really need to try this author

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  24. Ally Carter is one of my favorite authors, her books never disappoint. So glad you enjoyed this one! I just ordered my copy today =D

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  25. Ah! It HAS been moving slow between Kat and Hale, and I've been ok with that for the same reasons as you...but *gush* happening stuff. I cannot wait to read this one. :)

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