Book Review and Giveaway: VORTEX by Julie Cross

By: Julie Cross
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Release Date: January 15, 2013
Series: A Tempest Novel (#2)
Source: ARC provided by author

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Rating: 5 out of 5 action packed stars

Synopsis: Jackson Meyer has thrown himself into his role as an agent for Tempest, the shadowy division of the CIA that handles all time-travel-related threats. Despite his heartbreak at losing the love of his life, Jackson has proved himself to be an excellent agent. However, after an accidental run in with Holly—the girl he altered history to save—Jackson is once again reminded of what he's lost. And when Eyewall, an opposing division of the CIA, emerges, Jackson and his fellow agents not only find themselves under attack, but Jackson begins to discover that the world around him has changed and someone knows about his erased relationship with Holly, putting both their lives at risk all over again.

I adored the first book in this series, Tempest (review)  , and usually the second book in a series drives me a little nuts because let's face it, especially in a timeslip plot, the couple have to be separated. And we know this is going to be the case just from the ending of Tempest, but what I didn't expect in Vortex was the heart-thumping plot line that Julie delivered which distracted me from the will-they-ever-be-together-again jitters.

This review is hard to write without spoilers (I'm going to use the synopsis as my guideline). I have to admit that I am completely biased when it comes to time travel stories, I simply love them. In this installment, Julie turned up the action by using secret divisions within the CIA. The best part of this plot twist is that you're never entirely sure which group is the good guys. For Tempest readers who found Jackson's jumps a little tricky to follow, there's a great explanation in Vortex that visually presents the timelines he's created. Again, readers will be surprised by the results of these timelines.

Can you tell that I'm trying hard to not give anything away? Okay, one more thing I can add, Julie always writes in these touching moments between family members and Jackson witness an important moment in his life on one of his travels back in time. One of my favorite parts in an action oriented plot is when the author pauses to show us something important in the lead character's back-story. This moment resonated with me.

After reading Vortex, I realized that Jackson cannot trust anyone. Truly not a soul. This sets up the final story in the trilogy rather nicely because all I really want to know is how it will all end. For me, that's the sign of a great series.

If you're in the mood for intrigue, time travel and a character who is on a journey of self-discovery that leads him into more questions than answers, pick up the Tempest series. There's a reason why I created the hashtag -- #hottimetravelers, and there's a reason why Jackson consistently makes my Top Ten Fic Boys list. Before I forget, if you read my reviews purely for this answer -- yes, there's kissing. Just wait until you read what I dubbed the Frenemy Kissy Scene (pages 58-60 in the ARC). Holy hotness.

Julie graciously signed a paperback of Tempest for us to give away; you can enter by logging on to the Rafflecopter widget below. The giveaway is for U.S. mailing addresses only and ends on March 3rd at midnight CST.

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